Foot Problem (maybe?)

[Amber42]

I visited a place that cares for guinea pigs today, and amongst other things I found a bit unsettling, I was holding one of the guinea pigs and happened to look at his paws, and saw something that I haven't seen on my guinea pigs at home. I'm not sure what it is or if it needs to be removed. I'm returning tomorrow to clip his nails, since those are an obvious issue, and if there is anything to do about the other issue, I would like to do that as well.
It looks almost as if maybe a nail didn't grow correctly? I'm honestly clueless. It's soft like maybe just extra skin growth, and firmly attached. I didn't want to pull too hard on it in case it's painful before getting more opinions. The same thing is on both front paws.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Wiebke]

I visited a place that cares for guinea pigs today, and amongst other things I found a bit unsettling, I was holding one of the guinea pigs and happened to look at his paws, and saw something that I haven't seen on my guinea pigs at home. I'm not sure what it is or if it needs to be removed. I'm returning tomorrow to clip his nails, since those are an obvious issue, and if there is anything to do about the other issue, I would like to do that as well. View attachment 88788View attachment 88789
It looks almost as if maybe a nail didn't grow correctly? I'm honestly clueless. It's soft like maybe just extra skin growth, and firmly attached. I didn't want to pull too hard on it in case it's painful before getting more opinions. The same thing is on both front paws.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Horny foot spurs under the front pads are very common in guinea pigs; about a quarter of piggies develop them. They should be left alone unless they are in danger of catching and ripping.

If you want to cut a spur back that could be a problem, please be very careful to not cut into live skin, as that is painful and crippling. If in doubt ask a vet or an experienced nurse to do it for you.

Guinea Lynx :: Guinea Pig Feet and Foot Problems

 

[Amber42]

Horny foot spurs under the front pads are very common in guinea pigs; about a quarter of piggies develop them. They should be left alone unless they are in danger of catching and ripping.

If you want to cut a spur back that could be a problem, please be very careful to not cut into live skin, as that is painful and crippling. If in doubt ask a vet or an experienced nurse to do it for you.

Guinea Lynx :: Guinea Pig Feet and Foot Problems

Thank you, I just wasn't sure if it was a problem that needed to be dealt with or not. I appreciate your help.

 

[Wiebke]

Personally, I would prefer to have that particular spur cut shorter if it was one of my piggies.

But spurs are generally just one of these things. You will get black spurs in black skinned feet.