I recently adopted two boys from the HS that both have bumblefoot. We are treating it and so far it's not getting worse, and maybe even better, so we're good on that front. I do have a few questions though.

1. What bedding is best besides paper towels or cloth? These boys are not litter trained and therefore I think papertowels or cloth would just be more hassle than anything. Right now they are one Carefresh Ultra, but if you've had luck with something else that will be relatively easy to get my hands on, please tell!

2. They currently have a fleece hammock. Should I switch it to a smoother cotton hammock?

3. I know at least part of their problem is that they are overweight. Right now they are getting just Regal Rat and a few veggies every couple of days. Any diet types for pudgy ratties?


Anything else you've learned about treating bumblefoot is greatly appreciated!

(I've cross posted this FYI.)

When I had an older rat with bumblefoot that wouldn't heal, I kept him on puppy pads. The first layer would stay dry, while the lower layers would absorb the urine. He wasn't very mobile and I didn't want him laying in his urine. I could change the puppy pads quickly. They're about 50 cents each when you buy in bulk from one of the online pet supply places.

A couple of things really help some of my other rats - blu-kote is available at most farm supply stores. Get the one with the dauber. The spray kind goes everywhere and won't come out of anything. The other thing that really seems to help has been Tri-top, a prescription topical antibiotic that's usually used for external ear infections in dogs.

I still have stains on my kitchen floor from that stuff! LOL!