Bumblefoot

Bumblefoot is also known as Ulcerative Pododermatitis, this is an extremely painful infection of the footpad.

In most cases it can be avoided and is mostly due to neglect or unsafe living conditons for the pet. The footpad becomes swollen and may be crusted and/or bleeding. If the bone becomes infected, the leg may need to be surgically removed. If left untreated, bumblefoot can result in death.

Bumblefoot is often attributed to abrasions caused by wire floors or rough bedding which allow infections (typically Staphylococcus aureus, a common enviromental bacteria) to become established.

Poor sanitation, not cleaning the hutch often enough and wet bedding, is the most common cause of Bumblefoot.

Certain health conditions also are a factor such as heart conditions which cause lack of activity and obesity may be factors

Guinea Pigs and Rabbit's can both suffer from this condition.

Photo from Wikipedia

Prevention is Key:

1. Keep their hutch or cage as dry as possible. Clean them out regulary and don't let them sit on wet floors. Look for damp patches daily and replace the bedding with fresh.
2. Create a smooth floor base. (No wire bases or rough floors)
3. Use soft woodshavings, paper-based bedding or fleeces.
4. Keep Guinea Pig's or Rabbit's nails trimmed.

Cleaning and disinfecting the cage more often can help decrease your guinea pig's or rabbit's chances at getting Bumblefoot, as well as help with recovery if your pet already has the condition.

Keep and eye on your pets feet and check they regularly. If they start to look red and swollen get them checked by a Vet as soon as possible.

Treatment:

If you think your Guinea pig or Rabbit has Bumblefoot a vet can diagnose the problem for you. Treatment is available to cure Bumblefoot, but it is a slow and lenghty process often taking weeks to cure. Ask your Vet about pain killers, foot soaks and foot rubs.

Trim the Guinea Pig or Rabbit's nails, while nail trimming should be done frequenty anyway doing so while they have Bumblefoot is especially inportant. Long nail's can be a cause of Bumblefoot.

Increase vitamin C, sometimes Guinea Pigs don't get enough vitamin C in their diet. In turn, their bodies won't produce enough collagen, which can increase problems with Bumblefoot.

Being overweight can cause or worsen Bumblefoot. If your Guinea Pig is overweight, decrease their food a little bit. Reducing how much they eat can help them loose weight and help their feet.