Everything YOU need to know about Bumblefoot!
What exactly is Bumblefoot? (Or otherwise known as PODODERMATITIS)
Pododermatitis, or more commonly referred to as ‘bumblefoot’ is a condition causing inflammation of the footpads – ‘PODO’ meaning foot, and ‘DERMATITIS’ meaning inflammation of the skin. It is essentially a pressure sore caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, and can become very severe and painful. Unfortunately it is one of the MOST COMMON conditions and reasons why guinea pigs present to veterinarians.
What causes bumblefoot to develop?
This condition is often caused by reduced mobility where the guinea pig stands in one place for prolonged periods of time, causing increased pressure on the feet and reduced blood flow and circulation. Conditions such as obesity, arthritis, lameness, pain, and other illnesses that result in reduced mobility can also predispose to the development of bumblefoot. Another common cause is housing with hard and inappropriate flooring. Cages that have wire bottoms, particularly a lot of outdoor cages used to be very popular, however we now know the detrimental effects that hard wire can have on sensitive piggy feet.
What does Bumblefoot look like?
It usually starts with just some reddening of the skin on the bottom of the feet, this can be quite mild and will usually resolve once the underlying cause has been corrected, such as providing soft bedding, encouraging exercise or treating any illness.
If the underlying cause is not corrected, the condition will continue to progress and ulcers will start to form. These ulcers are extremely painful and will result in guinea pigs not wanting to walk, further exacerbating the condition. These ulcers will continue getting deeper and more severe, and the foot will start to swell and increase in size. When ulcers develop, guinea pigs will be more at risk of developing secondary infections in the open wounds, especially if they are standing on moist or soiled bedding.
Eventually, due to being under constant pressure, blood flow will stop going to the most impacted areas, and the tissue will start to die off. Eventually the infection will reach the underlying soft tissue, tendons, joints and bones, which holds a very poor prognosis for recovery. Severe conditions can also start to impact liver and kidney function.
Is my guinea pig at risk of bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is a very common condition, and can affect any guinea pig at any time, however there are a few predisposing factors that may put them at increased risk.
• Medical conditions or illness that leads to inactivity
• Restricted cage space that inhibits your guinea pig from moving around
What should I do if I suspect my guinea pig has developed pododermatitis?
Veterinary care should be sought for all cases of suspected bumblefoot, even if the condition is only mild, as it can be very painful (think about walking with blisters on your feet all day).
The most important part of treating pododermatitis is to resolve the underlying cause for the condition. This may involve providing appropriate bedding or cage substrate creating soft surfaces for your pet to stand and lie on, and ensuring the housing is clean , dry and sanitary.
A vet visit is always warranted as the earlier it can be treated the better the prognosis is. If your pet appears unwell or other medical conditions have lead to the reduced mobility, more tests or treatment by your veterinarian may be required to resolve the underlying illness. If your guinea pig is not eating it will require supplement feeding to provide adequate nutrition. Burgess Dual Care is a great supplement feed if required and we highly recommend every piggy owner has some stocked up in their piggy emergency kit.
More severe conditions that involve ulceration, swelling of the foot, and involvement of bones and tendons will require long and extensive medical or surgical management. Treatment can be difficult, and a very long and labour intensive road to recovery. Some treatment options depending on the severity of the condition may involve pain relief, antibiotics, cleaning and dressing of wounds by your veterinarian, and in some very severe cases amputation of the limb or euthanasia.
How can I prevent my guinea pig from getting pododermatitis?
The best way to prevent bumblefoot is to avoid the predisposing risk factors.
• Provide soft bedding and flooring surfaces. Vet bed or Ozzy liners are a great option. Avoid housing guinea pigs in cages with wire bottoms or hard and abrasive surfaces.
• Provide good husbandry and a clean and sanitary environment. Choose a bedding that wicks away moisture to prevent urine scalding and bacteria from entering any wounds.
• Provide a suitable diet, ensuring dietary Vitamin C requirements are met. Offer a complete diet consisting of good quality hay, good quality pellets high in Vitamin C, and a variety of fresh vegetables daily.
• Provide a large cage with ample floor space to encourage mobility and exercise. We highly recommend Ozzy cages as they are completely customisable, can be made to fit any space in your home and are easy to expand if your piggy numbers increase. They can also be easily fitted with soft bedding, and are easy to clean and maintain. Ozzy cages are made with your pets health in mind and tick all the boxes to keep their little feet happy and healthy.
• Monitor your piggies weight and avoid obesity. It is important to encourage exercise, by both providing a large enclosure with plenty of floor space for zoomies and popcorning, as well as providing different toys and accessories to keep your piggies entertained.