Monty the Guinea pig

Question
Hi,
  my names Debbie i am 15 years old and i use to breed Guinea pigs when i was 12 i got rid of all my guinea pigs accepted one (Monty). Anyway i have been very close to him lately as he has been getting very old. He use to have mites till i got rid of them, but now i am scared for his life. My dad on Monday told me he was acting strange, when i checked his front left leg and back legs are puffed out what looks to be like bubble foot. But now that i don't breed guinea pigs anymore i sold all my books on them. I have no idea how to treat it and i am not registered with a vet, my Mama says the best thing to do is have him put down (as he is so old). But i hope you can have another answer for this, thank you very much, Debbie. xxxx

PS please hurry as we have made an appointment with the vet. x x

Answer
Hello Debbie,
I am wondering if this is something dealing with poor circulation and maybe Pododermatitis which is basically sore feet, which can be caused by many things. Here is more information about it.  http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1800&articleid=3066

It certainly is good to take him to the vet. I also want to know what the vet says as this is certainly something new to me.