[Gpdd] [GPDD] Health: Bumblefoot

[Susi Eastin]

For what it's worth, I'll add my experience with Bumblefoot.  
  One of our red-headed boys, Conan, was beginning to develop 
  this (after another, un-related problem he'd endured, which I won't
  go into now - it would embarrass him!).  Anyway, his left front foot
  was very swollen and starting to get nasty looking. Fortunately,
  I remembered seeing a former classroom piggie who'd recovered
  from a very bad case of Bumblefoot on both front feet.  A friend
  is manager of a pet supply store, and seems to be a magnet for
  all with any sort of animal related problem. And so the family who
  adopted the classroom piggie brought him to the store, and she
  came up with a lengthy treatment, but it worked. And it worked
  wonders with Conan, luckily his was not as advanced and so
  reacted more quickly.
  First, soak the affected foot in warm epsom salts water. (this is
  the trick! ) I recommend a thick, folded towel on your lap, with
  another towel under the bowl you have the water in. It must be
  shallow enough you can comfortably hold the piggie's foot in 
  the water (comfortable for the piggie, that is!). Of course, you 
  will have to hold the piggie securely against you, in whatever
  position necessary to keep the foot soaking.  You will be most
  fortunate if only one foot is affected.  You will also learn what
  works best to keep your piggie calm and interested in the
  soak - or at least disinterested in escape!  Have treats handy.
  This is also a good time for piggie massage, songs, and praise.
   
  After the soak, generously coat the foot with an antibiotic ointment
  if there is any sign of infection, then cover it with vaseline.  If 
  there is no infection, just slather on lots of the vaseline.  
  Of course, this will be messy, you may want to use something
  like old tshirts for bedding. (you should also be wearing an
  old shirt, or your piggie apron!)
  Continue this for as  long as it takes, and the foot may never
  appear completely normal again, but it should be usable. In
  fact, Conan has been to several shows since then, and the 
  judges never notice the difference in the foot (I always hold my
  breath - I can see the difference!)
  Also, if the infection has spread, as Penny described, you would
  have to have more medicine, probably something oral. But this is 
  worth a try, unless Dr Kay or Penny or someone else among us 
  with more training knows of a good reason not to do so.  I would 
  say if the skin is broken, you would want to take great care in the 
  water, etc, being very clean.
  Be sure the water temperature isn't too hot, and don't leave them
  too long (not likely to be a problem with wiggly piggies).
  But this worked for us, and for that graduate piggie.
   
  Oh, and about the Baytril pills - our vet gives us Baytril tablets, 
  which we cut in 1/4's. Depending on the size of the pig, I use 
  one or two of these, soak in warm water for 5-10 minutes, and
  have a liquid form I can give with a dropper or syringe. I usually
  add a couple drops of vit C to this, perhaps something to flavor
  it, tho so far they accept it. 
  Susi & the Okie Piggies
   

 
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