What To Do About Keratin Growing On Foot Pad

[AbiS]

Toby has a patch of keratin growing on the bottom of his foot. It is definitely this as the vet told me, she was going to trim it but she looked over barney next and we both totally forgot about it. Is this the same as a spur? Is it something I can trim myself? I also noticed when nail clipping this afternoon, that Barney is developing one too.

 

[AndreaJane]

Pretty sure a spur can also be described as a keratin deposit from a quick Google search. As I've already mentioned in another thread today, Rosie gets spurs - I just trim them ( not too close ) with cuticle clippers. If they're only small ( too small to confidently trim) then try a Gorgeous Guinea lotion, Kwench always kept Yoshi's spurs to a minimum and I never needed to trim those.

 

[AbiS]

They are such wriggle worms that I don't think I would like to try cutting them incase I amputate a foot! Will get some gorgeous guineas lotion! Thank you x

 

[Stewybus]

Can you post a picture of the Toby's foot. If it's the same as mine get then it can be cut but not too close to the foot itself. A pair of baby scissors with the rounded flat bits on the end is a good idea if you have a wriggler. Here's some similar to what I use:- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emmay-Care-...97331998&sr=8-4&keywords=baby+safety+scissors

 

[GloriousGuineaGirl]

This scares me.... piggy paranoia setting in. Please can someone show me what this is?

 

[AbiS]

@Stewybus - I think that it is probably too small to trim at the moment so might try the lotion to prevent it growing but I will get some of those scissors for when if does get bigger. Thank you.

@GloriousGuineaGirl - I wouldn't worry about it - I think it is just like have bits or really thick skin growing on their feet. Apparently they don't cause a problem when small but they can get uncomfortable when bigger. Don't think they cause any other problems.

 

[GloriousGuineaGirl]

Is it a bit like Psoriasis in piggies?

 

[helen105281]

Here you go @GloriousGuineaGirl

http://www.guinealynx.info/feet.html

The spurs are near the bottom. I have an old photo somewhere of a spur on my Beanbag but may take some finding in the depths of photobucket.

 

[AbiS]

@helen105281 - those spur pics are exactly what toby has and what barney is starting to grow. Just wish piggies would understand we try to help them and sit still so I can put lotion on or trim them!

 

[GloriousGuineaGirl]

Here you go @GloriousGuineaGirl

http://www.guinealynx.info/feet.html

The spurs are near the bottom. I have an old photo somewhere of a spur on my Beanbag but may take some finding in the depths of photobucket.

Thanks again ooh I hope the boys don't get those

 

[helen105281]

Don't panic if they do, it is easily sorted and not painful.

 

[GloriousGuineaGirl]

I keep reading about all these things that can go wrong and I am petrified that they will become ill. I know I need to calm lol

 

[AbiS]

I know what you mean @GloriousGuineaGirl but you just have to chill and enjoy your piggies - these things may never happen to them x

 

[Freela]

This sounds like the fancy way of describing a foot spur. They can be trimmed back if they get long (not too close to the pad of the foot, though.) I just use human nail clippers on Sundae when they get long. For some reason, she gets spurs, my other pig never does.

 

[Briony_S]

Ive have two pigs with spurs who both lived a very normal life they didnt effect them one bit. I just trimmed them when nail trimming so that they didnt grow too long.