Bumblefoot

Bumblefoot is the common term used to describe a condition called pododermatitis. This is where the soles of the feet of the guinea pig become red, ulcerated and infected, usually by a bacteria called staphylococcus. The condition commonly happens with many species including caged parrots, rabbits and other rodent species such as rats and chinchillas.

Guinea pigs feet are very delicate and unlike rabbits they are hairless which means they are more likely to become injured or sore. There is no one cause of bumblefoot and it is usually a combination of factors which all lead to the feet becoming sore. Factors that can put guinea pigs at risk of this problem are:

• Obesity – due to inactivity and the increased pressure placed on the feet
• Ill or elderly guinea pigs due to decreased activity
• Hard substrate used for bedding such as wooden flooring or just newspaper
• Wire bottomed cages which are harsh on feet
• Wood shaving type beddings, especially those made from cedar or pine or treated with chemicals
• Inadequate space/lack of hygiene – if there is overcrowding or the guinea pigs cage is not cleaned out regularly there feet will become sore from standing in urine and faeces
• Lone guinea pigs – as often they are less active
• Guinea pigs with three legs – due to more pressure being placed on the remaining feet
• Overly long claws as these push the natural pressure points back on the feet
• Guinea pigs who suffer with osteoarthritis (joint disease) as the guinea pig may walk with an abnormal gait, placing pressure on specific parts of the feet

The signs of bumblefoot are always seen on the bottom of the feet, it is slightly more common to see it on the hind feet but can be seen on all four limbs. Symptoms include.

• Reddened skin
• Ulcers which may or may not be bleeding
• Swelling to the affected limb, this may be local to the sore or the entire leg
• Lameness and/or reluctance to move around
• Blood on the cage floor
• Guinea pigs who are in pain may become anorexic

If you see any of these symptoms then you should have your guinea pig examined by your vet.

Mild cases of bumblefoot can be treated with success, your vet may prescribe pain relief and skin cream to be applied to the area on a daily bases. The underlying causes of the problem will need to be addressed such as inappropriate substrates or obesity for the problem to be resolved. In more severe cases, your vet may need to dress the sores on the feet, give pain relief, and prescribe a long course of antibiotics. In these cases, it can take several weeks to months of intensive treatment and antibiotics for the bumblefoot to resolve. In some very extreme cases where the infection has become so severe it has either entered the blood stream or caused osteomyelitis (bone infection) then amputation of the effected limb may be needed.

Due to bumblefoot usually being caused by a number of risk factors it is best to try and address as many of these risk factors as possible. By ensuring you do the following will help lower the risk of your guinea pig developing sore feet.

Ensure your guinea pig is at a healthy weight and not overweight, you should be feeding 80% hays/grasses and limited amounts of pellets and vegetables to help reduce the risk of obesity.

Never keep your guinea pig on their own, they are social species who require the company of other guinea pigs, they are also much more active with company.

Use soft substrates for the cage such as hay or vetbed which are less harsh on the feet. Avoid the use of wood shavings and ensure you clean your guinea pigs out on a regular basis.

Ensure your guinea pig has an appropriate sized cage, remember the RSPCA guidelines for a pair of guinea pigs is 120 x 60 cm minimum.

Check your guinea pigs feet on a regular bases and if you are concerned then visit your vet, it’s better to treat the condition earlier rather than later.

Never place wire on the bottom of your guinea pigs hutch or run.