Foot Illness?

Question
"Hello. I have a guinea pig named chuwie who is about 10 months old. About a month ago, I was cleaning his cage when I saw what I thought was a ball of feces attached to his foot. I pulled it off, finding it odd that it would be as difficult as it was to detach. I also wondered how it got there as i clean his cage at least once a week. I forgot all about it until this week i noticed it was back. I carefully pulled it off, and he bled a little. It seemed to be attached to what looked like a little corn like appendage. I realized then that it was most likely not feces. Once, again, it is already back this week to the size it was. I don't want to pull it off because I fear that it will hurt him, but I'm not sure what to do for him. I researched guinea pig foot ailments and I thought it was maybe bumblefoot, but the pictures of all the animals with that were different looking than chuwies foot, and it described open sores, which he doesn't have. And, it doesn't seem to bother him until I tried to remove it. I've scheduled him an apt. at the vet, but I was wondering if there is anything you could tell me until then or that i can do for him? thanks, Kimberly

Answer
Hi Kimberley

You are right that the symptoms you describe doesnt indicate bumblefoot. I think the vet will probably diagnose a fungal infection based on what you tell me.

Unless the vet appointment is a long time from now I think it would be best to leave it be until you have received a professional opinion.

andy