Bumblefoot

[Tokira]

I thought this was seen only in birds, but it seems others get it too...

What’s The Deal With Bumblefoot? Raise a Paw

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:00 AM PDT

Confession: I used to have a rabbit’s foot key chain. It never occurred to me at age six that the foot had to be chopped off an actual rabbit or that bunnies don’t have electric blue feet. I had it because I love bunnies.

My Papa raised two giant, floppy eared hares named Salt and Pepper. (Which is, I’m certain, where Salt N’ Pepa got their name from. Papa is still waiting on that residual check, ahem).  I would spend my days on his farm feeding them lettuce and carrots and talking to them about how much I loved their soft fur. Then one day Pepper started hobbling around and was acting like he was totally bummed out. He couldn’t exactly hop and I was devastated. I thought for certain that it meant it was time for my Papa to make a key chain out of him.

It turns out he just had a nasty case of Bumblefoot, or ulcerative pododermatitis. Pepper had contracted a very painful, but fairly common infection in his foot pad. Bumblefoot results from inflammation that creates red lumps and bumps on the bottom of the feet. They appear to be callouses but can eventually become quite large and may bleed on and off and scab over. In really severe cases the pet will be reluctant to move, depressed and anorectic. If left untreated, pododermatitis can result in osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) and death.

Bumblefoot typically starts as a wound which becomes infected, usually by staphylococcus aureus, a common environmental bacterium. Abrasions on the feet can often be attributed to wire floors or shelving, or rough bedding, however, poor sanitation, wet bedding, lack of activity, obesity and poor circulation are also factors; genetic predisposition may be a factor with some pets. In Pepper’s case, I’m pretty sure that all of my lettuce and carrots caused him to be, shall we say, a tad overweight.  Pepper was a chub. With a bum thumper. I’m so ashamed.

To prevent Bumblefoot, examine your pet regularly to catch problems early. At the first sign of a problem, see your veterinarian. Bumblefoot can be quite difficult to cure; prevention is best. Minimize risk factors by providing very soft, non-abrasive bedding and remove soiled bedding as soon as possible. Change bedding regularly in order to keep it clean and dry; standing on pooled urine on solid floors can contribute to the development of pododermatitis.

Remember, while it’s a hoot to say, Bumblefoot is a bummer for bunnies to have, so make sure yours is well taken care of.

Image: captainsubtle and porsupa

[valhalla]

Thanks Carol!  Fortunately, I never saw this on any of my 

[Carol P.]

"Bumblefoot is a bummer for bunnies to have."

I can just imagine what DJ Dale could do with this.