Pododermatitis

The most common cause of this infection is abrasive floor litter which causes lesions that then become infected. The main bacteria involved is thought to be staphylococcus aureus but other bacteria and fungal infection may also be involved. Overweight animals, certain breeds of rabbit and animals with diabetes are more susceptible.

In rabbits the condition is known as Sore Hocks and in guinea pigs as Bumble Foot due to the swelling that occurs. Wire bottomed cages are not recommended because they are a known cause of pododermatitis. Use soft bedding which allows urine to drain away such as dust extracted chopped straw on top of newspaper or cellulose fibre bedding.

In the US, rat keepers have successfully treated bumblefoot in rats using chlorhexadine or betadine washes and a product called Blu-Kote, which contains sodium propionate, gentian violet and acriflavine in a base of water, urea, glycerine and isopropyl alcohol 32% by volume.  In the UK the nearest equivalent we have is Purple Spray but according to US rat sources this is not as effective.

The Guinea Lynx forum mentions the use of Bacitracin-Neomycin-Polymyxin B (Neosporin) applied twice daily (after chlorhexidine soaks when the feet are ulcerated) and Baytril (10mgs/kg/day for a month) to deal with the problem systemically.

Rabbit keepers have found using Germolene New-Skin liquid bandage helps in the management of sore hocks. Other sources recommend Neosporin, Nitrofurazone ointment and even Preparation H (an over the counter treatment for haemmorhoids!)

EXTERNAL LINKS

Rabbit Welfare Fund article on Sore Hocks by Linda Dykes MBBS (Hons) and Owen Davies BVSc MRCVS. "Older rabbit books blame sore hocks solely on filthy living conditions or wire floored cages. There's some truth in this, but some beautifully cared for houserabbits develop sore hocks, so it's not the whole story."

Peter Gurney's notes on Bumblefoot in guinea pigs including the observation that in guinea pigs with bumblefoot who were treated with Griseofulvin for fungal problems, the problem often showed some improvement.