We've had up to a dozen pet chickens over the years, and at one time some of them got "Bumblefoot", which we were able to cure.
From wiki:
Bumblefoot on birds of prey
Bumblefoot is, perhaps, the largest cause of referral of birds of prey to a
veterinary surgeon. Bumblefoot on birds of prey can be put into three broad types of the infection;
In the first type, a small reddened area, or sometimes a small shiny patch, can be seen on the foot. This is mostly caused by inappropriate perching (or perching for too long), or, less likely, by badly fitted furniture, such as
jesses that are too small. To treat this type, one must change the fault in the husbandry, fly the bird regularly, and apply
hemorrhoid cream to the affected foot.
The second type is more serious, where some penetration has occurred. While treatment for the first type will help, it is likely that the bird will require
antibiotics as well.
The third type involves the bird having severe distortion of the contours of the foot and/or the toes, resulting from the Bumblefoot causing considerable damage in the foot.
Bumblefoot in poultry and waterfowl
Bumblefoot is a common infection for
domesticated poultry and
waterfowl such as
chickens and
ducks. Due to constant walking on hard, rough, or sharp surfaces, birds can develop small wounds on the bottom of their feet. These wounds are very susceptible to infection by
Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria which can cause bumblefoot in poultry and waterfowl. Treatment often requires opening the wound to drain the pus and antibiotic treatment and local application of pyodine as local dressing.
Bumblefoot in rodents
Bumblefoot in rodents is caused by wire and mesh flooring and/or wheels that have not been cleaned for a while. This is due to a collection of
urine and
fecal matter collecting on the surface in trace amounts. To prevent Bumblefoot, a layer of cardboard and/or old clothing can be put over the wire mesh on the floor. This must be changed often, at least a few times a week.
[1] The only rodent not affected is the
gerbil, which has tougher feet and can safely walk on mesh and wire.
Etymology
Bumblefoot is so named because of the characteristic "bumbles" or lesions as well as swelling of the foot pad symptomatic of an infection. Topical antiseptics such as Blue-Kote in addition to oral or injected antibiotics may be used to combat the infection, which if left untreated may be fatal.
[2]