Bumblefoot in Rats

Bumblefoot is medically called ulcerative pododermatitis, and is a complex problem that result from inflammation of the bottom (plantar) surface of the foot. A similar syndrome happen in other animals (especially other rodents, and rabbits) and birds. The term bumblefoot generally refers to the stage of the disease when red bumps and lumps form on the bottom of the feet.

Typically, bumblefoot starts as a wound that becomes infected (usually with Staphylococcus aureus) from contact with soiled bedding and the cage floor. This leads to chronic inflammation and abscesses, resulting in bumps on the bottom of the feet that can become quite enlarged. Factors that predispose rats to bumblefoot may include trauma from irregular cage surfaces or roughly textured bedding materials, obesity (increased pressure on the feet), and possibly a genetic predisposition.

Bumblefoot starts out as small reddened bumps that looks a bit like calluses. These bumps can eventually become quite large and may intermittently bleed and scab over.

At the first sign of bumblefoot, see your veterinarian. A combination of oral antibiotic treatment along wtih topical cleaning and treatment of the wounds (as directed by your vet) is usually the first course of treatment. For bumblefoot lesions that do not respond, surgical treatment may be necessary, but this has significant risks and variable success. Early detection and treatment is vital for the best results (even then, some cases may not respond well). Prevention is best.

Though the factors that lead to bumblefoot are complex, prevention of trauma or abrasions to the feet and keeping the cage and bedding meticulously clean are the cornerstones of prevention.

Cage Floors: the use of wire floored cages, including wire shelves or balconies, has been implicated as a cause of bumblefoot. Wire cage floors should be avoided, but many decent rat cages have upper levels made from wire mesh. Owners should consider covering wire balconies with a solid surface (e.g. wood, vinyl, plexiglass, plastic needlepoint canvas, Vellux blankets, towels). However, even rats kept on solid flooring can get bumblefoot, and a new theory has developed that exposure to urine pooled on solid floors (especially plastic) may also contribute to the problem. Therefore, it is important to keep all surfaces clean and dry. No matter the cage materials, frequent and thorough cage cleaning appears to be the best defense.
Bedding: roughly textured bedding materials such as wood chips may also have a contributing role. Consider softer alternatives, such as CareFresh. Remove soiled bedding as soon as possible, and change the bedding frequently. Using a litter box can help keep the bedding cleaner.
Pressure on the Feet: prevent your rats from becoming overweight by providing a healthy diet and lots of opportunity for exercise. Older rats may also walk more flat-footed to be sure to provide soft bedding and surfaces for older or weak rats.

Watch for Early Signs

Regularly check your rats' feet for abrasions, trauma, or early signs of bumblefoot. This will allow you detect and treat any wounds early, preventing the painful abscesses and bumps associated with bumblefoot. It may also alert you to potential problems in your rats' cage or bedding that may be corrected to help prevent further problems.