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Arthritis In Back Legs

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Ellie123

New Born Pup
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Hi,
We have 3 guinea pigs, all girl siblings, and they're outside piggies.
One of our girls recently developed arthritis in her back legs (discovered last night as we had taken her to the vets). She's been put on metacam, and we're keeping a close eye on her, as she's eating and drinking fine.
This morning, I noticed a large patch of fur around her leg was missing, and it looks like its been chewed off by one of the others. They've been temporarily separated, any ideas on what to do now? And is there any way we can increase the comfort or help movement in the back legs of the sick guinea pig?
 
When they're in pain they can chew their own hair. One of my boars did it when he was first diagnosed with arthritis. Could you ask the vet to increase the dose of Metcam.

Unless you see them picking on her, or they are preventing her from moving or eating then I wouldn't separate.

I also let my boar stand in warm water to help his aches, but that wouldn't work with outdoor pigs.
 
They can have quite a high dose. If your vet is reluctant to increase the dose as it can cause other issues (although I've had a few pigs on Metacam long time with no other problems) see if they're willing to increase it for a short period and then lower it down again. That could help.

You can also ask about glucosamine supplements. It won't cure her but sometimes it can help them feel a bit better as it helps their joints.
 
Ellie123 said:
Hi,
We have 3 guinea pigs, all girl siblings, and they're outside piggies.
One of our girls recently developed arthritis in her back legs (discovered last night as we had taken her to the vets). She's been put on metacam, and we're keeping a close eye on her, as she's eating and drinking fine.
This morning, I noticed a large patch of fur around her leg was missing, and it looks like its been chewed off by one of the others. They've been temporarily separated, any ideas on what to do now? And is there any way we can increase the comfort or help movement in the back legs of the sick guinea pig?
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Chewing on the back legs is a sign of localised discomfort.

What dosage of metacam is your piggy on?

Glucosamine can additionally help piggies with bone arthritis, the same as joint care for humans.

Please make sure that you clean the areas arthritic guinea pigs with limited mobility sit in most 1-2 daily to prevent urine scald. Also check their genitals regularly and give a gentle bum bath with handward water if they struggle clean themselves.

There is no need to separate.
 
Ellie123 said:
She's on 0.3 of the Metcam.
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If you can, please split the dose and give half of it twice daily because of the fast metabolism that guinea pigs have. It takes a little while until the metacam builds up in the body but you have still a little leeway to up the dosage and if necessary switch to other stronger painkillers if the arthritis gets worse.
 
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