Spurs? Please Help!

[Olivia96]

one of my piggies, Panda (she's a little over a year old) has developed some calluses on her feet. I, assuming the worst, took her to the vet today as I was concerned that she has bumble foot. They are not scabs or open sores, but a crusty something sticking out of her forefeet. It is in the same spot on both feet, towards the outer edge. Her foot pads do look a little swollen but they do not appear to be hindering her walking. The vet did not seem all that knowledgable and simply suggested that I return from aspen shavings to paper bedding. Obviously I was not satisfied with this answer. I did some research and I think they might be Spurs, but I'm not an expert so of course I can't know for sure. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Wiebke]

Take a deep breath!

It looks like the beginning of a spur. Unless they really impede walking or keep catching on things, please leave be. Spurs are very common in guinea pigs. When cutting back, please be careful not to cut near still live skin,or you can cause bleeding. The foot pads look normal to me.

Spurs are not dependent on what kind of bedding you use.

 

[Olivia96]

Ok, thank you. you said cutting back, do I need to cut them? Or is that just if they start causing problems? Is there anything I can do to make them go away?

 

[Wiebke]

Ok, thank you. you said cutting back, do I need to cut them? Or is that just if they start causing problems? Is there anything I can do to make them go away?

I said leave be unless the spurs really get in the way (which is rarely the case)! If spurs really need cutting because they are catching on things, you'd best ask a decent vet to do it rather than doing it yourself.

And no, you can't make them go away.

 

[gizzy]

One thing , you only need to keep an eye on the frount feet, foot spures on the back feet are uncomon

 

[Adelle]

My 4 year old sow Crunchie has spurs on both front feet. When i first found them around 2 years ago, the left foot spur had built into several layers between the big pad and the toe pads. I felt so guilty for not noticing it beforehand, and too her to my vet. I got a non piggy savvy locum who trimmed it, which revealed open skin underneath. She made out the skin was hiding this- but i knew it was because she cut to close to the skin! She gave her baytril which she didnt need. I started trimming it back myself and applying vaseline, once it got down to one layer of thick skin, i kept on top of it and its never been an issue. I was trimming it every fortnight, but since switching to vetbeds around 6 months ago- its needed trimming once. I wouldnt panic, if you keep on top if it, its easy enough to manage

 

[Caron's Cavies]

About 4 of my guinea pigs have spurs on their feet and they have not been an issue at this point.

My vet who is very knowledgeable about piggies has advised me to leave well alone unless they become an issue.

 

[gizzy]

Just a tip Tamodine is an exerlant sting free antiskeptik liuquid should it blead at any time .
good for minor cuts