Pododermatitis is a potentially fatal ulceration and infection of a guinea pig's feet and/or toes.It can be caused by a number of factors, including the guinea pig being overweight, untrimmed nails, or wire cage floors.You should see your vet when your guinea pig gets it.You can take a few steps to manage it at home.
Step 1: A smooth floor can be created.
A smooth floor can help your guinea pig get over bumblefoot.Plastic floors with pieces jutting up, wire-cage floors, and other rough floors are all harmful to your guinea pig's feet.The biggest problem is wire-cage floors.It's best to have a solid floor.Try to find an insert for the cage that you have or look for a new one that has an appropriate floor.Solid floor choices include canvas, plastic, or even coated metal.You should be able to find an insert for the guinea pig's cage.Provide some deep, soft bedding to make the floor more comfortable for your pig.
Step 2: The cage should be cleaned more often.
More infections can be caused by increasedbacteria.If your pet already has bumblefoot, it's a good idea to clean the cage more often.The cage needs to be cleaned at least once a week.If you want to clean out the cage, you should move outside.Take the old bedding with you when you take the guinea pigs out.It is safe for small animals to have a Disinfectant ready.You can find them at pet stores.You can use a mixture of the two.It's a good idea to wash thoroughly with soap and water.You can use dish soap for this, but you should keep a bottle.You can use a toothbrush to scrub the hard spots.Disinfect.To get the whole cage, spray the sterilants on.It's up to you to help it do its work.Make sure to rinse it clean after it's done.One part bleach twenty parts of water is enough to kill a bug.To make sure you don't leave traces of bleach, rinse the cage thoroughly.
Step 3: You can choose a softer bedding.
It's important to provide deep, soft bedding for your guinea pig because hard floors can lead to pressure sores.One option is VetBed.If your guinea pig doesn't like the softer bedding, you can put it in part of the cage to see if it likes it.You should try to layer it a bit thicker.
Step 4: The floor should be kept dry.
The bedding keeps the pig's feet wet.Their feet are softer, which can cause the feet to crack.The door is open if the feet are cracked.It's a good idea to change the bedding more often when the guinea pig is in the bathroom or under the water bowl.It's a good idea to check for wet spots once a day.Scoop the wet spot out, wipe underneath it with a paper towel, and then add dry bedding back in.
Step 5: The pig's nails should be trimmed.
While the guinea pig has bumblefoot, trimming the nails at least once a month is important.Sometimes long nails can be a cause of bumblefoot.You can use human nail clippers, but you should dedicate a pair to your pet.The guillotine type is meant for pets.Since human nail clippers are meant for cats and dogs, they can be easier to use on guinea pigs.You should have someone hold the pig while you trim it.If you don't have another person around, you can distract the guinea pig by giving him a carrot or some other treat.The guinea pig's stomach can be seen if you hold it up against your chest.If you have one hand under the stomach, you can immobilize one paw at a time.It's better to trim up and down than side to side.The first thing to look for is the quick.If the guinea pig's nails are light-colored, you should be able to see it.If they are dark, have someone illuminate them.Don't get the quick.You can stop the bleeding with a styptic pencil.If you want to stop the bleeding, you can use cornstarch, flour, or talc.
Step 6: Increase the amount of vitamins C and E.
guinea pigs don't get enough vitamins in their diet.Problems with bumblefoot can be increased because their bodies won't produce enough collagen.Adding more vitamins can help solve the problem.Check your food.It should be giving at least 10 vitamins per day.Fresh fruits and vegetables can be added to a supplement.Green peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and parsley are some fresh vegetables that can be added to your guinea pig's diet.You can use fruit with high levels of vitamins C and E.If your pig is deficient, you can give it quartered tablets of vitamins C and E.For a week, you can give these tablets twice a day.
Step 7: Put your pig on a diet.
Being overweight can make bumblefoot worse.Reduce the amount of food your guinea pig eats if it is overweight.Reducing calories should help your pig lose weight.
Step 8: Consider taking some at home soaks.
Some people swear that they can help with the bumblefoot by soaking the guinea pig's feet.The guinea pig can get the medication in its eye if you don't watch it.Ask your vet if you can get a protective eye cream.Put the solution in a small cap and hold the guinea pig with the foot in the soak.A half a cup of warm water and a small amount of epsom salt is all you need.Up to three times a day, use a small portion of it in a cap.It is possible to try a povidone-iodine solution.If you go to your vet, she will tell you how much you need to change it for your animal.
Step 9: Take your pet to the vet.
Your vet can tell you what's going on.She can help you choose the best course of treatment.The vet should be knowledgeable in small animals.
Step 10: Be prepared for the exam.
Cutting back the hair is one of the things your vet will examine your pet for.She will likely trim the nails and clean out any sores.She can run lab tests to determine the type of infections.
Step 11: Discuss antibiotic treatments with your vet.
One of the treatments may be done by your vet.She can use an antibiotic solution to flush the sores.She could inject antibiotics into the site.She could use a medication with the antibiotics.
Step 12: Antibiotic foot soaks can be used.
One solution is to use foot soaks that contain antibiotics.While your vet knows best, you can usually use a small container like a pill bottle lid to soak your guinea pig's foot several times a day.To make sure the guinea pig doesn't get it in its eyes or mouth, always supervise it while it is soaking its foot.Ask your vet about the best way to soak your feet.
Step 13: Administer antibiotics and bandages.
If you have a cut, you may need to apply antibiotics.Your vet can show you how to do it.Your guinea pig shouldn't eat these creams.While still covering the wound, you want to use as little as possible.Remove any excess.Bandaging your guinea pig's paws can help with recovery.She should show you how to do it before you leave.
Step 14: Administer any antibiotics or pain medications.
.It is possible that your guinea pig needs oral antibiotics, as well as pain medications.If the bumblefoot is bad, you'll only get these medications.You may be able to get a treatment with the antibiotic.The easiest way to give medication is with a needle.Giving oral medications is not easy.Wrap your hand around the pig's stomach and hold it in your lap.You need to hold the guinea's jaw with your hand.The hand should be below the eyes.Push the needle into the teeth.You have to go in from the side of the mouth.Don't let it go into the mouth.The guinea will start chewing on the needle when you stop.You can make sure the guinea is still chewing by releasing the contents slowly.To get it chewing again, move the needle a bit.The chew shows the pig is swallowing.This technique can also be used with a pill.The hemostat is readily available at medical supply stores.If you want to get the pill in the back of the throat, you have to use the hemostat.
Step 15: Understand the final treatment.
Your vet may recommend amputating the leg if bumblefoot gets too bad.The treatment could save your pig's life.