Arthritic Piggie cant use back legs

[Cavy chaos]

Hi. I have a 7 year old piggie that has been treated with Loxicam for arthritis in her back legs for the last 6months. I have only just taken her to the vet for a check up and medicine check, the vet said she could lose the use of her back legs eventually. I thought my old girl would wobble on a little more but today she has real trouble with her back legs and is dragging them now. She had been getting steadily thinner and weaker in her back legs losing muscle. Poor little girl I think I may have to have her put down.

 

[Claire W]

I’m so sorry you know your piggy the best and only you and your vet can make the decision on when it’s time to help her cross the rainbow bridge

If I were you, I’d have an honest decision with your vet and be guided by them.

(((Hugs))) it’s never an easy decision to make and my heart goes out to you but 7 is an amazing age x

 

[KK327]

Seven years is fabulous - you’ve clearly loved and looked after your piggy so well. I had to make the decision for my Squirrel who was only 2 and it’s heartbreaking but since saying goodbye I know it was right for him to end his suffering. It’s going to be a tough one for sure and you’ll miss her after seven beautiful years but I know you’ll do what’s right for your dear piggy. Big hugs and know you’ll have lots of support and love on this forum to help you through x

 

[piggieminder]

Sending you hugs I am sorry you are facing this difficult decision.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi. I have a 7 year old piggie that has been treated with Loxicam for arthritis in her back legs for the last 6months. I have only just taken her to the vet for a check up and medicine check, the vet said she could lose the use of her back legs eventually. I thought my old girl would wobble on a little more but today she has real trouble with her back legs and is dragging them now. She had been getting steadily thinner and weaker in her back legs losing muscle. Poor little girl I think I may have to have her put down.

Hi

I am very sorry. I have lost several oldies of mine to arthritis over the years, so I fully understand your dilemma.

Are you also giving glucosamine because it coats the bare bones and can restore/majorly improve mobility or are you only using the painkiller and at which strength/dosage?

If you aren't giving the supplement, then it is worth giving it a try. Piggies in a comparable situation have made a comeback.

We recommend for the UK 4joints mobiliy extra strength liquid for dogs, 0.4 ml once daily for a 1000g piggy - you need to adjust the dosage by weight. But it does have a real impact and can buy you and your piggy valuable life time. This is technically a joint supplement and widely available in shops and online but you have to but it officially for a dog.

Our detailed practical care advice for piggies with mobility issues: Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility

Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection

End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner

 

[Truffolo]

Very sorry to hear this. She looks very sweet inside her lovely hay nest. Wishing you comfort ❤