How do i know if my rat has bumblefoot?

Question

I got him a few months ago from a girl and he's 2 years old. She had him in a hamster cage and I have been trying to get a job to get him a bigger cage. I didn't know how small the cage was until I got him.

Yesterday my mom gave me the cage for her ferrets that has wire bottoms and I have heard of bumblefoot and how that can come about from a wired cage. He stayed in it over night and this morning i put cardboard and cut up old fabric in it.

I have never looked at his feet until to day and I'm a little freaked out.
1. What are the bottoms of my rats feet supposed to look like?
2.Should there be little bumps on the bottom of my rats feet?

I can't really see his hands but I've never noticed anything before. Could he have bumblefoot?! I'm freaking out so badly and starting to cry at just the thought of him having it. Please help my rat and I..I love him so much and I hope he's okay.

Answer 1

Don't worry, it doesn't sound like your rat has bumblefoot!



Firstly, as long as the cage he was originally in didn't have wire mesh he should be fine. Both of my rats have got bumps over their feet, their back ones in particular, and I've had them since they were only six weeks old. If he seems to be walking around with no discomfort then I doubt he has bumblefoot, especially as you said there is no bruising or redness/inflamation.



As for the current cage situation, cardboard will be fine for a while but will absorb any urine and smells. I use cheap linoleum floor tiles that are adhesive and can be cut to size. They only cost £1 for a pack of four, and that's enough to cover their cage, plus they wipe clean very easily and provide a nice, smooth surface for the rats to walk over. Carpet tiles can also be good, especially if you can put them in a washing machine to clean!



And as for Brooklyn's post above, well, you certainly should give your rats a wire cage! It can be dangerous to their health to keep them in anything else, such as a glass tank, particularly if it isn't well ventilated, as ammonia levels can build up and cause the rats to get ill, as well as give them respiratory problems. As long as their is very little/no wire mesh for them to actually stand on for long periods of time, then wire is fine for them.

Answer 2

Your rat does not have bumblefoot(: Believe me, you would be able to tell. And your rat wouldn't develop it over a days time. In fact, many people say bumblefoot is caused by wire flooring. This is true, but happens quite rarely. It is more often caused by unsanitary conditions and genetics.



1. They are pink with little bumps and claws(:

2. Yes. Bumblefoot causes big red sores, and the foot is sometimes swollen. Ir depends on how severe it would be.



It's unlikely for your rat to get bumblefoot from the wire flooring, but it is still uncomfortable. Cardboard is going to soak up the urine and smell terribly. THAT could cause bumblefoot. I suggest making liners or buying them online from someone. I buy about a yard or two of fabric from Jo-Anns. Then I measure the cage. I cut out two peices that are the same size. Sew them together until there is a small opening. Flip it like you normally would so the seams are hidden. Then stuff it. I use regular batting. You could use towels, fabric, batting, etc. Then lay it over the wire floor. It's thick enough so that they won't feel themselves walking across a wire flooring.(: Then just wash it when you need to. And make some/buy some more!:D

Answer 3

Hi,

Have you tried doing a google search first? as i just did, and it actually comes up with some images on Rats feet.. which would give you some sort of description.

It also has on various websites what it is and what can cause it etc.

I read one of them saying it is a cut on its feet that has got infected?

I myself have never heard of Bumblefoot until now..



I know i have not really helped much, but i hope the link might do something?

(Good Luck x)

Answer 4

you should not give a wire cage no matter what u do to it. Take him to a vet plz. Its most likely bumblefoot.









Im very sorry! But he will get better if treated.. I knnow it!!