Question of the Day

Pododermatitis is common in guinea pigs and typically caused by bacterial infection. Risk factors include obesity, poor sanitation, diets low in vitamin C, and housing on wire or abrasive floors.

Clinical presentation is as seen in this patient. Chronic pododermatitis can progress to osteoarthritis or systemic amyloidosis.

Tx includes housing on soft, clean bedding; wound care/bandaging; parenteral antimicrobials; +/- surgical debridement or amputation in severe cases. Prognosis is guarded.

Mite and dermatophyte infections and cutaneous lymphoma occur in guinea pigs, but do not generally affect the plantar and palmar surfaces. Hypovitaminosis C is a risk factor for pododermatitis but not the sole cause.

Image courtesy of Uwe Gille.