Need Help And Advice For Bumblefoot

[Butch]

Hi,

My Butch has got a severe bumblefoot on one of his paws. I took him to the vets but they said it was a bit too late for them to do anything and that I should give him painkillers, soft bedding and general care. In general I have noticed the scab comes off once a month with a little loss of blood and forms another scab within hours.

I was using fleece until day before yesterday for him and then yesterday my big bale of aubiose arrived. I used that for his bedding for a change to see if he would be ok since I have heard hemp is soft. By the time I returned from work most of the bedding was soaked in blood in places and he had a really sore feet. I immediately changed the bedding back to fleece and washed his feet with mild saline water, put F&T ointment ( from gorgeous guineas) and wrapped his feet in a bandage . I also gave him the painkiller supplied by my vet ( a liquid he said was used for dogs but administered to rodents as well- I cant remember the name but its not Baytril) I can't take him to the vet until Saturday but in the mean time I would appreciate if you can suggest what could I get for him to be more comfortable and help him.I feel like a really poor mum.

I have heard of BNP ointment, is that any good? Can I get any other triple antibiotic ointment alternative in the uk? I have neosporin powder at home. will that help?

 

[helen105281]

It is most likely Metacam you have been given.

When my Nigel had Bumblefoot I used to bathe his feet daily in a Hibiscrub solution which did help.

However, I have since been recommended this product which is very effective.


We used it on Mrs Fuzzy as she gets Bumblefoot due to her heart issues. I would show the link to your vet if you can and also ask about Hibiscrub.

For bedding I really recommend Vetbed, with something absorbent underneath like you do with fleece. It will wick away all moisture from his sore feet.

I am not sure about antibiotic ointments. Did the vet not prescribe any oral antibiotics?

Did the vet say what caused it? it can be linked to dirty bedding but is more often than not the result of another health issue such as a heart condition or if their immune system is compromised. However, it is important that it is kept clean to avoid infection.

 

[Flutterby]

You can get hibiscrub cheaper from farm stores than at your vet. I agree with Helen, did your vet not prescribe any antibiotics? Most bumblefoot problems can be helped greatly with antibiotics.

 

[helen105281]

You can also get it in Boots and Superdrug.

 

[Flutterby]

Ah yes! I was just thinking farm stores because i've grown up with horses lol

 

[Butch]

I shall check the name of the medicine he gave me but I think it started with de. No he didn't offer any other antibiotic although I mentioned baytril twice. I live in Harrow near London at the moment and there are limited options for guinea pig vets. He seemed to be one of the two vets that I can reach by public transport who look at rodents ( most of the time its only cat and dogs vet).

Can I order anything online?

 

[Flutterby]

Antibiotics won't be available online but hibiscrub will be

 

[helen105281]

The Zymox you can order online and Hibiscrub too.

A friend has been doing a lot of research on Bumblefoot and it's links to heart issues, diet (grains and carbohydrates) and also systemic fungal issues so it is important to address any underlying health issues that cause Bumblefoot to occur in the first place aswell as treating the Bumblefoot itself.

Are you able to get to Camden?

http://www.rvc.ac.uk/BAH/BSAH-vet-in-camden.cfm

 

[Butch]

Thanks I will get the hibiscrub from boots / superdrug today. I see its a 250ml pinkish bottle. So if I were to get baytril, can I only get it via the vet? Or do pharmacies keep it ? The two times I have been to the vet I have been charged £100 plus with just a bottle of painkiller and little advice.

I have been recommended the Beaumont hospital in Camden before ( if thats what you meant). It is far for me but I think I might have to go there.

 

[helen105281]

No Baytril needs to be prescribed by the vet. If you do go down the Baytril route he will also need to have probiotics as it can really affect the gut.

They have a good reputation. I think they are mainly a referral practice but do see regular patients.

With the Hibsicrub dilute it as per the instructions on the bottle, and soak the foot for a few minutes then dry thoroughly. I would advise giving his pain relief about half hour beforehand.

 

[Butch]

Thank you so much. Butch is now almost over 6 years and suffers from impactation, bumblefoot and lack of drinking water.He didn't seem to be in pain all this time and was eating and trotting happily. Some of hemp chips cut into his scab-removed skin yesterday and he looked very sore. I will get the above immediately and look into the Beaumont hospital. Someone has highly recommended a vet named Nadine who works there.