My hamster has early bumblefoot. What can I use to help it heal?

Thanks for reaching out about Stitch and including a photo. The picture does not include evidence of bumble foot, which is also not common in hamsters due to soft bedding and does not seem overweight. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess your concerns. Monitor activity, food and water intake. Good luck.

From these photos, there is definitely some swelling, and possible ulceration. These are definitely signs consistent with bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis. This is typically caused by increased pressure on the feet and results in bleeding and pain. This can unfortunately spread to the tissues such as muscles and tendons below, so I still recommend having Dobby looked at by a vet, just in case surgery or pain medication is necessary. Because the condition is caused by pressure on the feet, I recommend making sure that Dobby has soft, and very clean bedding as dirty bedding can cause an infection. You should avoid scratchy materials for bedding. Vetericyin ointment is okay for cleaning the area, you can also apply SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area after cleaning. Dobby should definitely visit a vet if the condition continues to get worse over the next few days. I hope this helps!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the photo, I can see a small ulceration or reddened area on one of Leilani's feet. This can be due to a pressure sore and a secondary infection. These issues can be caused by inappropriate flooring in the cage such as wire. Leilani should have a solid floor cage with plenty of bedding. Heavier animals are predisposed to these types of wounds from the increased pressure on the feet, so Leilani may need to cut down on treats if she is overweight to help the condition resolve. You should have Leilani seen by a vet as soon as possible, as she may require antibiotics if an infection is present. In the meantime, you should keep the area clean and apply a small amount of SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area to promote healing. I hope this helps!

It could be the start of bumble foot. Be sure that his cage is softly bedded and he is not standing on hard surfaces. I just recommend you try this Vetericyn Spray Gel on the affected are a couple times per day until healed. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets

Poor Teddy! The swollen toe may be caused by a fracture, which is very painful. You should have Teddy seen by a vet for this condition, as he may need pain and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed. As for the cut, I recommend cleaning it with warm water and applying SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area once per day to avoid infection. You may also want to consider a weight loss plan for Teddy if he is overweight. Excessive pressure on the feet can cause sores and infections. I hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching out about Galya. You can clean the abscess are with a warm, moistened cloth or cotton tipped applicator. Topical medications are often ingested and can cause gastrointestinal upset, so not recommended. Try clipping the fur around the open lesion to lessen contamination. Continue with the oral antibiotics if hamster appropriate. Providing heat support in the 75 F range could give some aid, not letting it get too cold. If this veterinarian can't help you, find one who can. Good luck.

Yes you can use Betadine solution (not the scrub). You will want to mix it with tap water until it is a light iced tea color. Don't use it straight. Chlorhexidine solution would be better to use in my opinion. Be aware that this is not an easy thing to cure and it will take a long time. I recommend soaking the feet with with either chlorhexidine or betadine, drying the foot and applying Neosporin twice daily. Continue the soaks until the ulcerations are gone, but continue the ointment until completely healed. I suggest bedding on towels and changing it daily. If he is in a wire cage you need to take him out of it immediately. Hope this helps. Best wishes.