Red and puffy front pad?

[koolkathan]

Hey there,

I was looking at my guinea pigs pad today, and he seems to have a puffy, red pad? Nothing is on the pad. It's not wet. He hasn't been stood in his own poo or wee. I clean him out every 2-3 days. It just seems red and puffy?

 

[Wiebke]

Hey there,

I was looking at my guinea pigs pad today, and he seems to have a puffy, red pad? Nothing is on the pad. It's not wet. He hasn't been stood in his own poo or wee. I clean him out every 2-3 days. It just seems red and puffy?

Hi!

Compare the size with his other front pad. If they are the same, then you do not need worry. If the other paw is a noticeably different size, then please see a vet.

Pink skinned feet can go very pink if a piggy is a feeling a bit hot and has increased the blood circulation through the skin in the bald areas (mainly eays, but also feet).

 

[koolkathan]

Hi!

Compare the size with his other front pad. If they are the same, then you do not need worry. If the other paw is a noticeably different size, then please see a vet.

Pink skinned feet can go very pink if a piggy is a feeling a bit hot and has increased the blood circulation through the skin in the bald areas (mainly eays, but also feet).

It's not pink, it's red. Redder than pink. But yes. I'll be comparing the size as soon as I can.

 

[Wiebke]

It's not pink, it's red. Redder than pink. But yes. I'll be comparing the size as soon as I can.

If in any doubt, please see a vet!

 

[koolkathan]

So I've kept my eye on the front pad. It's still not getting any better and looks like some sort of scab is forming on the inside of the pad. Unfortunately the vets where I am Are closed till Monday.

Is there any other things I can do to cause comfort? I've changed from woodshavings I think it was, too kaytee clean and fresh. The only other thing is. Inside his bedding they both like straw to keep nice and warm.

I really do not want to use fleece.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Straw can be a bit sharp for Guineas I think, hay would be a better option; then they can eat it as well

 

[koolkathan]

Straw can be a bit sharp for Guineas I think, hay would be a better option; then they can eat it as well

The hay I have is pretty sharp too. And they really don't like laying in the hay, I've tried it before and it didn't go down well haha. To the point of then weeing in the hay and everything.

 

[Wiebke]

Please keep your boy on a clean towel which you change regularly to prevent infection until you see a vet tomorrow; they can give you further advice. Disinfect the area with saline solution. The recipe is in the first aid kit.

It sounds like bumblefoot to me, unfortunately: Guinea Lynx :: Pododermatitis
First Aid Kit For Guinea Pigs

 

[koolkathan]

But yet I've been cleaning him out more than a lot really. But it also says saline is for open wounds? I had a look before bed last night and there wasn't any wounds that was open of that I could see.

I've just had a look at the link you sent on bumblefoot, but it doesn't look anything like that from my point of view? It's not that swollen or puffy and it definitely doesn't have a hole. But like I said, when the vet reopens on Monday I'll take him for a check. Better to be safe.

 

[Wiebke]

But yet I've been cleaning him out more than a lot really. But it also says saline is for open wounds? I had a look before bed last night and there wasn't any wounds that was open of that I could see.

I've just had a look at the link you sent on bumblefoot, but it doesn't look anything like that from my point of view? It's not that swollen or puffy and it definitely doesn't have a hole. But like I said, when the vet reopens on Monday I'll take him for a check. Better to be safe.

I can only go by your description; glad that it doesn't look like bumblefoot. It should in any case keep until you see a vet tomorrow, but it needs a hands-on examination.
If the scab is still in place, then just leave the area be. Don't overtreat foot soles; it can soften the skin too much and make it more prone to small cracks that let in bugs.
Some scabs are the result of the weight not landing where it should but those are more common on back feet in my experience. They are the piggy version of a callus.

Bumblefoot can happen in well cared for piggies; those with less mobility (especially paralysed or weakened back legs) and those whose blood circulation is no longer the best are more prone to it.

 

[koolkathan]

I can only go by your description; glad that it doesn't look like bumblefoot. It should in any case keep until you see a vet tomorrow, but it needs a hands-on examination.
If the scab is still in place, then just leave the area be. Don't overtreat foot soles; it can soften the skin too much and make it more prone to small cracks that let in bugs.
Some scabs are the result of the weight not landing where it should but those are more common on back feet in my experience. They are the piggy version of a callus.

Bumblefoot can happen in well cared for piggies; those with less mobility (especially paralysed or weakened back legs) and those whose blood circulation is no longer the best are more prone to it.

I honestly think I'm going blind. Or stupid. I've just had another look at his paw and honestly nothing seems wrong. Apart from the tiny scab. His paw looks the same as his other front one.