Guinea Pig Questions????

Question

Can you bathe guinea pigs?

My 1 year old female guinea pig is starting to get a sore on the bottom of both front feet only what could it be??? It doesnt seem like its causing her pain but it does look like her front left foot is a lil swollen. I have a vet appt for tomorrow im just trying to get some ideas about what it could be and the right front foot isnt as bad and my other guinea pig who lives in the same cage doesnt have these sores at all i just realized this yesterday. any help is appreciated thank you.

Answer 1

Yup, your supposed to bathe your piggy every few months or so. Some people don't, some people do. is the bottom of your cage a metal grid? If so, it could be Bumblefoot. If this is the case, I suggest you get a new cage (one without the metal grids at the bottom) or get guinea pig-safe pieces of wood and placeing them around the cage so they can rest their feet. Hope your piggy gets better!  

Answer 2

Your Guinea Pig might be suffering from

Pododermatitis is also referred to as "bumble foot" and "sore hocks," and most commonly occurs in guinea pigs and rabbits. It usually affects the bottom of the hind feet and hocks (the lower part of the back leg that touches the ground when the animal is sitting). In rabbits, the hind feet are more frequently affected, whereas guinea pigs more commonly have problems on the front feet. "Podo" refers to the foot, and "dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin.

What you can do is

For mild cases (slight swelling and redness), simply changing the environment and diet of the animal may be all that is needed. This may include providing:

A smoother floor

Softer and thicker bedding

Dry surfaces

Increased cleanliness

Increased vitamin C for guinea pigs

Fewer calories to overweight animals

For any foot problem that is more severe, veterinary attention is needed. Radiographs (x-rays) may be taken to determine if there is any bone infection. The animal will be placed on antibiotics and pain relievers, if indicated. Surgery may be necessary to remove any dead or dying tissue. The feet may need to be repeatedly soaked and bandaged with topical dressings.

Remember Guniea Pigs Rock..=)

Answer 3

the girl above me gave a great answer haha. i would definitely still take her to the vet, even if it goes down by then, but it might be due to bedding, etc. the vet will know what's going on! :)

Answer 4

Its probably an infection or maybe its just dirty. i bathed my Piggy and her skin got itchy.so i wouldn't recommend giving her a bath. taking her to the vet is the best thing.But GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

The sore could be due to a few things. It is good that you have a vet apt. Very reponsible of you!! =)

It ould be due to the bedding, it could have nicked it on something, scratched herself, or anything.

Yes, you can give them a bath. make sure the water is luke warm - test it like you do a baby bottle, on the inner wrist. Make sure it doesn't feel to cold or too hot. Unless you have guinea pig shampoo I wouldn't use any type of soap - just kinda wash her off.

Best of luck.