Pododermatitis is a fairly common disease in guinea pigs. The aetiology is bacterial (above all infection by S. aureus), but in order for the disease to develop, predisposing factors are necessary: poor hygiene, trauma to the feet, litter that is too coarse, obesity, vitamin C deficiency. The early lesions consist of erythema and hyperkeratosis of the plantar pads, which then evolve with the formation of ulcers, oedema and strong inflammation of the area (Fig. 1, 2a and 2b). Affected animals are reluctant to move and vocalise frequently because of the pain. In severe cases the infection extends to bones and joints; these cases have a very poor prognosis. A possible fatal consequence of severe pododermatitis is systemic amyloidosis.
The diagnosis is based on direct observation of the lesions, but X-rays of the limbs may be useful to determine whether the lesions have spread to the limb bones. Culture studies can aid the choice of antibiotic.
The treatment involves betadine- or chlorhexidine-based dressings with possible parenteral administration of antibiotics. Great care must be paid to the hygiene of the litter, which must be soft and dry. The paws should be kept bandaged, if possible, although this is difficult to achieve in practice.
