INTRODUCTION

Pododermatitis is one of the most common diseases in the world of domestic rabbits and guinea pigs, and can occur both in rabbits living in enclosures (cages/parks) and those living loose in the house. It is a multifactorial disease that, if treated in its first symptoms, is very easy to reverse, but if left untreated can be potentially fatal, as well as cruel.

WHAT IS FOOT PAD DERMATITIS?

Pododermatitis is a fairly common disease in domestic rabbits. It is a bacterial infection that occurs in the pads of their feet, especially the hind feet. This infection causes ulcers in this area of their anatomy, open wounds that end up bleeding and are difficult to close.

CAUSES OF FOOT PAD DERMATITIS

Pododermatitis can be caused by many factors, but the main ones are as follows:

• Animals living in cages that are too small (poor mobility).
• Habitats with poor hygiene and presence of moisture
• Unsuitable cage floors (metal, without footrests)
• Large rabbits or giant breeds
• Obesity
• Geriatric animals
• Rabbit breeds with very thin pads (rex rabbit family)
• Genetic predisposition
  
  

HOW CAN MY RABBIT OR GUINEA PIG BE HELPED IF IT HAS FOOT PAD DERMATITIS?

Treatment is very variable depending on whether the infection is local or generalised. In the case of small lesions, topical antibiotic or healing ointments can be used for plantar cracks and a bandage can be applied.

In more serious cases involving bone infection or septicaemia, intramuscular injectable drugs are usually prescribed, as well as ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs, cleaning with antiseptics, bandages, etc.

It is essential to prevent this pathology:

• Keep the habitat of the rabbit or guinea pig clean and always keep it free of humidity and dirt.
• Ensure that it has a space in accordance with its size in which it can develop without problems.
• Avoid overweight and obesity, change of diet.
• Let him exercise and let him out of the cage frequently.
• Check his paws often.
• In the case of having to use cages with a wire base, provide a resting area (leg rest).
  
  
  

THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TREATING FOOTPAD DERMATITIS

As it is a progressive and chronic pathology, if left untreated it has the following consequences:

• Alopecia in the area
• Inflammation of the limb
• Bleeding
• Infections
• Necrosis
• Loss of the limb
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Sepsis
• Loss of weight
• Loss of appetite
• Myiasis (fly larvae infection)
• Severe pain
  
  

CONCLUSION

Pododermatitis is a simple disease which we should treat as soon as we are aware that our rabbit or guinea pig is suffering from it, it is very painful and can have fatal consequences. Having a rabbit or guinea pig with pododermatitis and not making any intention to treat it or improve its quality of life (in chronic cases) is included in what is known as ‘domestic neglect’.