Archive Case #82: Avian Pododermatitis

Clinical Clues

1. A companion bird is brought in because it is spending more time on one foot and resents perch changes.
2. The owner has noticed swelling and a dark sore on the plantar surface of the foot.
3. The bird is overweight and housed on smooth uniform perches.
4. The lesion is painful and ulcerated on examination.
5. Poor perch design and chronic pressure are identified as key contributing factors.
6. Inflammation and ulceration of the plantar foot in birds is commonly called pododermatitis or bumblefoot.

Diagnosis

Avian Pododermatitis

This case is most consistent with Avian Pododermatitis because the bird has painful plantar foot lesions with clear husbandry risk factors. The most important clues are the perch history and pressure sore location, which strongly support bumblefoot.

Educational Use

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