Bumble foot/cage lining

[Fluffycavie]

Hi, our 4 and half year old Guinea pig has what could be the start of bumble foot and has been given antibiotics by our vet. We have a absorbent fleece lined C and C cage with a corex base resting on a wooden floor. Fleece is changed regularly. The vet suggested we use duvets under the fleece to make the surface softer. We have done this today but have some concerns about the piggies getting under the fleece and trapped in the duvets. Also I’m not convinced this is the problem. Does anyone else have any experience of using duvets in this way? Any other suggestions? Vet wasn’t really sure why she has bumble foot - nothing stands out. She‘s not in pain and is happy for us to touch her feet and bathe them. Our vet is an experience Guinea vet as well. Any ideas or advice on any of the above welcome.

 

[weepweeps]

I’ve not had a piggy with bumble foot but people on the forum say vet-bed is very good to use. It’s very absorbent and easy to wash and dry if you cut it to small pad size. Good luck. I hope your piggy is soon on the mend.

 

[Fluffycavie]

Thanks, I’ve not heard of that before. Will take a look.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Bumblefoot, as you may know, is bacteria gettinf into cracks in the skin. It ca occur through being on damp bedding, unsuitable bedding but also due to other issues such as arthritis so piggy is sitting about more, or other issues around blood circulation issues.

The key with dealing with bumblefoot is ensuring the cage is kept very dry. Changing out bedding a few times a day to ensure there is never wet bedding in the cage.

Vetbed is very good as it is soft and can be cut into pee pads sizes squares for easy removal/replacing.

 

[Fluffycavie]

Thank you for your advice. i will order some vet bed tonight. Our piggie is definitely less active that she used to be but whether that is the cause of the bumble foot or as a result of is difficult to know. Fortunately she doesn’t seem in any pain at the moment.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Definitely another vote for Vetbed!

 

[piggieminder]

I love vetbed for my oldies who don't move around so much as they used to.