Guinea's Feet

[Guinea10]

So, my guinea pig is definitely due for a nail cut and I noticed a small bump on one of the toes on her back feet. I found on the internet that guinea pigs can get 'bumblefoot' due to walking on hard surfaces (e.g. wood pellets as litter) and perhaps their long nails may contribute to this. I will soon take her to the vet to get her nails cut, do you think it's 'serious' ?

 

[Freela]

Is there any way to post a picture? Is it on the top or the sole of the foot?
It is quite possible to cut nails at home yourself rather than paying the vet to do it. I use a clipper for cats- kind of looks like scissors with a hole in the center of the blade that the nail fits through. Just trim the ends off each time. It's a two-person job with some of my pigs, but it's a lot quicker and easier than a vet visit! If your pig has white nails, it's easy to see where the quick (the blood supply to the nail) ends. With dark nails it's trickier as the quick may not be visible at all, so trim just the tips. You can keep some flour on hand the press the nail into should the quick get cut and cause some bleeding.