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Bumblefoot is a common term to describe a sometimes complex disease process involving the scales, skin, and deeper tissues of the foot. A medical term often used to describe the condition is pododermatitis. "Bumblefoot" is often used to describe a severe case of pododermatitis.
However, many times the two terms are used interchangeably.

In raptors, (hawks, falcons, etc.) Bumblefoot describes the severe form of the disease; as it is often a debilitive condition in these birds that often have systemic signs.
In our pet bird species, this condition is most commonly observed in cockatiels, budgies, and Amazons, although any specie is susceptible. Many of the birds affected are heavy-bodied birds or inactive birds. The most common abnormality that will be observed by the breeder or pet store owner will be a different appearance to the plantar (bottom) of the foot or feet. In other cases, if the bird is not handled or examined frequently or examined frequently, the first outward sign of a problem might be a degree of lameness, limping, or decrease in grasping ability with the affected foot.
If both feet are affected concurrently, the owner may notice more inactivity since it may hurt to walk with the lesion on both feet.

There is usually a bacterial component to the disease process; however the initiating cause is often linked to bruising, injury, or other trauma to the bottom of the foot. This can be caused by improper perches or poor perching surfaces. Other contributing factors can be a poor diet, ( i. e. hypovitaminosis A), or obesity or inactivity.
If Bumblefoot is suspected in a bird, an avian veterinarian can help asses the extent of the problem and the severity of the lesion.

The lesions often start as a thickening or callus formation on the bottom of the foot. This can progress to redness, swelling and other signs of inflammation If cracks or other openings in the skin occur, this can lead to an infection in the area with abcess formation of the foot. This can progress to redness, swelling and other signs of inflamation. If cracks or other openings in the skin occur, this can lead to an infection in the area with abcess formation.
The treatment of the disease should always be coordinated with your avian veterinarian since the etiology is often multi-factorial. Reviewing the husbandry conditions such as nutrition, cages and perches, as well as examining the bird's general physical and medical condition will help your veterinarian recommend the appropriate treatment for the severity of the condition.

Treatment can include topical therapy along with a moist bandaging, or if severe enough, surgical debridement of the of the area may be needed before medical therapy initiated.
Culture and sensitivity of the wound will help determine the most appropriate anti-microbal therapy. Perches are often wrapped in a soft covering like Vet-wrap or similar material. Any secondary medical conditions also need to be addressed and treated appropriately. Radiographs of the foot may also be indicated if the veterinarian feels there may be deeper involvement of bone tissue.

Most cases of Bumblefoot in cockatiels can be treated successfully if the breeder/owner is alert enough to the early signs of the disease, and can address the multifactoral nature of the disease itself. This often takes more involvement than just a simple foot treatment, as the condition may require several trips to monitor the progress, and make appropriate alterations in the treatment as the condition warrants. This will involve coordinating the treatment with re-exams of the foot, and it also involves an investment of time in home care by the owner.

Dr. Olkowski is the owner and Chief Staff Veterinarian at CEDARCREST, a full-service veterinary hospital in Fishersville, Va. Dr. Olkowski has been practicing avian medicin for 22 years, and is a Board-certified Specialist in Avian Practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practioners (ABVP). Dr. Olkowski has lectured to various State Veterinary Associations as well as Associations for Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Bird Avicultural Societies.

(Taken from the NATIONAL COCKATIEL SOCIETY Journal July/Aug 2005)