A Pig With A Limp

[Kris10]

Hello everyone,

I recently adopted my first little pig and he's been a doll but just yesterday during some free roaming time I noticed he's favoring his back right leg.

I'm the only one that holds him and there have been no falls or awkward jumps that I've seen so I'm very surprised to see he's not using it.

I looked it over and see no swelling, feel no heat and can manipulate it without him squawking.

I'm going to see if maybe it's a minor sprain and if he starts using it again but if it doesn't clear up I'll take him to the vet.

He's still eating and drinking fine only thing he's stopped eating over the last couple of days is his daily vitamin c chew treat.

Any tips to help my little guy would be great.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone,

I recently adopted my first little pig and he's been a doll but just yesterday during some free roaming time I noticed he's favoring his back right leg.

I'm the only one that holds him and there have been no falls or awkward jumps that I've seen so I'm very surprised to see he's not using it.

I looked it over and see no swelling, feel no heat and can manipulate it without him squawking.

I'm going to see if maybe it's a minor sprain and if he starts using it again but if it doesn't clear up I'll take him to the vet.

He's still eating and drinking fine only thing he's stopped eating over the last couple of days is his daily vitamin c chew treat.

Any tips to help my little guy would be great.

It sounds like a sprain, which is not uncommon in lively popcorning and zooming guinea pigs. The sprain can happen in any part of the leg from the hip/shoulder joint downwards. It is not necessarily located in the visible leg. Depending on the severity, it can take from a day or two to a few weeks to heal fully, but see a vet if there is no sign of improvement.
See a vet asap if he is totally unable to put any weight on the leg whatsoever (break). If he is just favouring it, but is still fairly mobile, then it is most likely just a sprain.

 

[Kris10]

It sounds like a sprain, which is not uncommon in lively popcorning and zooming guinea pigs. The sprain can happen in any part of the leg from the hip/shoulder joint downwards. It is not necessarily located in the visible leg. Depending on the severity, it can take from a day or two to a few weeks to heal fully, but see a vet if there is no sign of improvement.
See a vet asap if he is totally unable to put any weight on the leg whatsoever (break). If he is just favouring it, but is still fairly mobile, then it is most likely just a sprain.

Great help! I'll keep an eye on it and see how he goes. Good to know it's possibly something that's common.