Pododermatitis, more commonly known as bumblefoot, is a condition that affects many companion rodents, including rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Pododermatitis literally means “inflammation of the foot.” The footpad becomes inflamed, develops sores and “bumbles,” (which often start out as small red bumps), and then can become overgrown. The condition occurs when the animal’s feet become inflicted with tiny cuts and scrapes caused by a variety of environmental conditions. Bacteria are then able to enter the footpad through these cuts …