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Acute Pododermatitis

21 17:01:04

Question
I only just read an article on this website about Acute Pododermatitis and realized it's exactly the same condition my 2 year old rat has.

My pet rat Boba-Fett has been taken to the vet 3 times in the last week regarding this horrible problem. They have treated him with antibiotics and even though I dropped the name "Bumblefoot" they didn't seem to understand what I was talking about. They did however say that they would treat him with anti-biotics which I have been giving him twice a day for the last 7 days. It has slowed the condition but is not curing him.

The swelling began in his right hind leg. On administering the drugs the condition in his foot calmed but his wee leg stayed swollen up. His front right middle toe was then affected and finally his front left leg (not his paw) has begun to swell too.

After reading your article about Clyde, I have become stressed as I'm not confident my vet has taken the right steps to try and save my rat. I only hope the effects of the disease/infection can be reversed as I don't want to lose Boba.  

Also, is this contagious? I have a 2 years and 3 month  old male (not related) who lives with Boba, called Taco. I am worried he could develop the same symptoms. Should I separate them? They go everywhere together.

Thank you very much for this website. If anything it has given me a place to go for the future and excellent info on rat health and care.

Answer
Your poor little guy!  Don't worry, it is not contagious but can be very painful for your Boba.  Your vet might not have been using the right antibiotics.  Treatment should consist of  trimethoprim-sulfa  for at least 10 to 14 days, but for severe edema, prednisone should be prescribed.  Since this condition causes significant discomfort, oral narcotic pain medication such as torbugesic should be given as well.

Please read over this article on this website --> http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/swollenfootinfection.htm

Then, I suggest taking Boba back to the vet as soon as possible, equipped with the information that I gave you and from the website.  Hopefully your vet will not take offense but if he does, perhaps find a different vet.  Your rat's health comes first, not the vet's feelings!

Since bumblefoot is often caused by wire cage flooring or otherwise abrasive surface, which causes small cuts that can become infected, if you do have these surfaces, I suggest covering them with either fleece fabric, thin sheets of wood, self-stick linoleum or another solid surface, just to protect your rats feet. Also make sure you clean out the cage regularly to prevent infection.

Good luck and let me know what happens.