Is this a spur or something else?

[topguineapigs]

we have spotted this on my Guinea pig’s foot. We originally thought it was a spur however it now appears to have spread in a line across the bottom of the foot. It looks like there may be another one starting on her other foot. ( yet very slightly, so not pictured ) .She does enjoy jumping up and down on a wooden arch in her cage and I wondered whether that has caused it. It does not appear to be causing her any pain and she is moving around fine and eating well and the foot doesn’t feel hot to the touch and doesn’t look infected.My other Guinea Pig Is totally fine.

Does anyone have any idea what it could be. These are our first ever Guinea Pigs.

 

[Guinea Pig Magazine]

It looks very much like a spur to me. They can be a problem when they get bigger. They can be trimmed off by a vet or yourself if you feel confident enough. Be very careful not to trim too close to the footpad or you might cause bleeding. I always leave a bit of the spur so that I don't cut the footpad. It is a delicate job and requires the two of us. One to hold the pig and one to use the angle grinder nail scissors.

 

[topguineapigs]

It looks very much like a spur to me. They can be a problem when they get bigger. They can be trimmed off by a vet or yourself if you feel confident enough. Be very careful not to trim too close to the footpad or you might cause bleeding. I always leave a bit of the spur so that I don't cut the footpad. It is a delicate job and requires the two of us. One to hold the pig and one to use the angle grinder nail scissors.

we have spotted this on my Guinea pig’s foot. We originally thought it was a spur however it now appears to have spread in a line across the bottom of the foot. It looks like there may be another one starting on her other foot. ( yet very slightly, so not pictured ) .She does enjoy jumping up and down on a wooden arch in her cage and I wondered whether that has caused it. It does not appear to be causing her any pain and she is moving around fine and eating well and the foot doesn’t feel hot to the touch and doesn’t look infected.My other Guinea Pig Is totally fine.

Does anyone have any idea what it could be. These are our first ever Guinea Pigs.View attachment 120648View attachment 120649

EDIT: we have now noticed that it is on three of her feet, in the same place on all.

 

[topguineapigs]

It looks very much like a spur to me. They can be a problem when they get bigger. They can be trimmed off by a vet or yourself if you feel confident enough. Be very careful not to trim too close to the footpad or you might cause bleeding. I always leave a bit of the spur so that I don't cut the footpad. It is a delicate job and requires the two of us. One to hold the pig and one to use the angle grinder nail scissors.

thank you for your advice, unfortunately out of our two guinea pigs she is the more lively one! so we may need to go to the vet. thank you again

 

[topguineapigs]

hi, has anyone else’s guinea pig ever had spurs on three of their feet? we are pretty sure that the scab/ petruding hard skin on my guinea pigs feet is spurs as it is in the same place on all three feet but i just wondered whether it is normal to have this on more than one foot ? as when we called the vets they don’t seem to be very aware that guinea pigs can get spurs on their feet!

thank you

 

[Siikibam]

Is your vet cavy savvy? If not maybe to a search on here for the list of recommended. Are you in UK or elsewhere?

 

[GPTV]

I guess there's no reason for multiple feet to be affected, foot spurs are a bit like callouses or skin tags in a human. Some guineas maybe more prone to getting them than others.

The vet sounds a bit inexperienced with guineas!

Nail scissors might be a bit awkward if she's a wriggly Guinea, but how about trying the little toenail clippers that you squeeze? Still don't go too tight to the foot, only cut off the hardened tip of the spur, but it will be harder to cut/injure Guinea with these, they'd be safer than scissors.

Good luck xx

 

[topguineapigs]

Is your vet cavy savvy? If not maybe to a search on here for the list of recommended. Are you in UK or elsewhere?

thank you for your advice i will definitely search for some other vets!

 

[topguineapigs]

I guess there's no reason for multiple feet to be affected, foot spurs are a bit like callouses or skin tags in a human. Some guineas maybe more prone to getting them than others.

The vet sounds a bit inexperienced with guineas!

Nail scissors might be a bit awkward if she's a wriggly Guinea, but how about trying the little toenail clippers that you squeeze? Still don't go too tight to the foot, only cut off the hardened tip of the spur, but it will be harder to cut/injure Guinea with these, they'd be safer than scissors.

Good luck xx

thank you very much for your reply. That sounds like a good idea ! xx