Sore on outer edge of each front foot!

[WhinnyPig]

Whin has developed a sore on the outer edge of eacd front foot (back feet look fine!) they are kind of grey/brown looking almost like a blister or the skin flaking off...any idea what it is, what is causing it, or what i can do to make it better? I dont know if anyone elses pigs have had this but mine havent before that i know of

 

[Dusty_bugs]

When my girl got very sick she developed something called pododermatitis (or bumblefoot). It's a progressive ulceration of the pads and can affect any of the 4 paws, sometimes one, two or all at the same time. It usually comes from snuggling on wet bedding too long (hey! who's guineapigs dont enjoy a good snooze in their own pee?!) which creates pink burns which are harder to see in dark skinned paws. This creates an entry point for bacteria, fungus and yeast. If the feet effected are dark skinned sometimes the first signs are flaking or scabby skin layers.

Pododermatitis is notoriously difficult to treat because you have to continuously provide a sterile sitting environment, plus give foot baths and medications (which my girl is still having nearly 5 months on) and provide alternative bedding areas to allow the piggy to take the pressure OFF the sore. Some piggies wont always go for it. I bought some smaller snuggloos which supported her sides whilst she rolled off her feet. They were washed daily and she was put on newspaper which was changed twice daily where soiled, and completely - every evening.

It may not be bumblefoot, I don't want to scare you! But without photos I have to warn you of the worst. You should go to a cavvy savy vet and get it checked out ASAP. If left, bumblefoot can result in deep tissue trauma and amputations.

Fingers X'd for the little one, I hope it's nothing this bad! x

 

[bubble&squeak4ever]

This might help http://gorgeousguineas.com/ointments.html

 

[Suzygpr]

Hi there

It sounds as though your piggy is developing foot spurs (a build up of dead skin), harmless and easy to deal with. This link should help. http://www.guinealynx.info/feet.html#spurs

If however there is swelling and pain in the foot it could be the start of bumblefoot. http://www.guinealynx.info/pododermatitis.html

HTH

Suzy x

 

[Dusty_bugs]

I have that.. it softens the scabs nicely so the medication can penetrate but you might want to check if it is compatable with vet meds first! My vet wanted to do a biopsy which required over 10 days of non antibiotic activity. It turned out she had MRSA. If you start giving your own treatment without consulting your vet you may end up prolonging the treatment course overall.

edit: I have the gorgeoud guineas lotion... not spurs

 

[WhinnyPig]

thanks guys! i will def call my piggy vet tonight after work...at least she doesnt seem in pain (well doesnt yank her feet away quicker than normal when i touch them!) and seems to be walking fine and everything.