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My chinchilla's back feet look dry or blistered. Is it bumblefoot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered

hi I have a pet chinchilla and he has ever got really bad back feet I am not sure if it is dry skin or blisters thank you

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Herbert. He is a cutie. It looks like he could have a case of what we call "bumblefoot" or pododermatitis. This can be a result of living on a hard flooring surface (such as wire floor) or dirty substrate. He will need a visit with a vet to assess the severity of the infection in the skin. Some cases can be treated topically or with bandaging but some cases need oral antibiotics for treatment as well. Until you are able to get an appointment, he should be placed on soft substrate such as Carefresh paper bedding and it should be kept very clean to decrease chance of the condition worsening.

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    Answered By Christina Kellogg, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 17th, 2017

    This can be difficult to say exactly what is going on without seeing Herbert feet. However, many rodents can develop sores and infections in their feet. This can be caused by a number of contributing factors such as the type of cage/bedding they are housed on as well as if they are overweight. Unfortunately, this infection can become very severe if it is not treated properly. It can also be quite painful. For these reasons, I think this warrants a trip to the vet to be looked at. In the meantime, I would get Herbert on some soft bedding (even just a blanket is fine) to make him more comfortable and hopefully prevent further trauma to the areas. Best of luck to you and Herbert.

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