How to identify, prevent and treat bumblefoot in guinea pigs
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What is Bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) is an infection of the foot pad of a guinea pig which is extremely painful. Foot pads become swollen and have open sores that can bleed and easily become infected. If left untreated, bumblefoot can cause an infection of the bone that can leave permanent swelling and create ongoing care for the rest of a guinea pig's life. In severe cases, amputation is necessary.
How does it occur?
Bumblefoot has a few common causes including wire floors on cages, rough bedding and unsanitary conditions. Wire flooring on cages and rough bedding can cause cuts and openings on the foot pad which easily let infection in. Wire flooring can also rub on the foot causing swelling and eventually the breaking of the skin. Unsanitary conditions such as unchanged bedding or no bedding at all cause the foot pad to become infected.
How can you identify it?
Bumblefoot starts as red inflammation, swelling or sores on the pad of the feet. While handling or nail trimming it is a good idea to check your guinea pig's feet to ensure they are smooth and pink.
How do you prevent it?
Ensuring that you never use an enclosure with wire bars or mesh on the floor, changing bedding regularly to keep it clean, using a soft bedding such as hysorb, fleece, shredded paper, care fresh or kitty litter.
How do you treat it?
The treatment of bumblefoot can be extremely hard. When caught early, a combination of epsom salt soaks and the use of betadine 2 - 3 times a day can help to restore the foot pad. The use of a colloidal silver cream or gel can also help to reduce inflammation and infection as well as promote healing. Once it advances, the use of pain medication, oral antibiotics, antibiotic cream and care fresh bedding can help to treat this condition.
When should you see a vet?
If your guinea pig has large sores, large amounts of swelling, infection, is displaying pain, has lost appetite, becomes lethargic or the above treatment does not improve the bumblefoot it is time to visit a vet.
In loving memory of Sebastian.
Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) is an infection of the foot pad of a guinea pig which is extremely painful. Foot pads become swollen and have open sores that can bleed and easily become infected. If left untreated, bumblefoot can cause an infection of the bone that can leave permanent swelling and create ongoing care for the rest of a guinea pig's life. In severe cases, amputation is necessary.
How does it occur?
Bumblefoot has a few common causes including wire floors on cages, rough bedding and unsanitary conditions. Wire flooring on cages and rough bedding can cause cuts and openings on the foot pad which easily let infection in. Wire flooring can also rub on the foot causing swelling and eventually the breaking of the skin. Unsanitary conditions such as unchanged bedding or no bedding at all cause the foot pad to become infected.
How can you identify it?
Bumblefoot starts as red inflammation, swelling or sores on the pad of the feet. While handling or nail trimming it is a good idea to check your guinea pig's feet to ensure they are smooth and pink.
How do you prevent it?
Ensuring that you never use an enclosure with wire bars or mesh on the floor, changing bedding regularly to keep it clean, using a soft bedding such as hysorb, fleece, shredded paper, care fresh or kitty litter.
How do you treat it?
The treatment of bumblefoot can be extremely hard. When caught early, a combination of epsom salt soaks and the use of betadine 2 - 3 times a day can help to restore the foot pad. The use of a colloidal silver cream or gel can also help to reduce inflammation and infection as well as promote healing. Once it advances, the use of pain medication, oral antibiotics, antibiotic cream and care fresh bedding can help to treat this condition.
When should you see a vet?
If your guinea pig has large sores, large amounts of swelling, infection, is displaying pain, has lost appetite, becomes lethargic or the above treatment does not improve the bumblefoot it is time to visit a vet.
In loving memory of Sebastian.
