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Arthritis

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*Nibbles&Nugget*

*Nibbles&Nugget*

Adult Guinea Pig
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Well I have been concerned about Nibbles for a few days now. He is an old chap now at six and a half. His claws needed clipping so I booked him a vet trip. Well the vet told us something very interesting.

He said he thinks Nibbles has Arthritis. Nibbles has a funny hopping walk and his feet and legs are a little swollen. I'm furious I didn't manage to notice this before but am glad I know now.

The vet doesn't think Nibbles needs any medicine yet but said to bring him back if I am concerned. What can I do to make him more comfortable? What symptoms should I look out for? Basically I'd love if you could educate me. Nibbles is eating and drinking fine and popcorns for veggies so he seems fine in himself but it would be great to know what to watch out for.

Thanks in advance.


Amy
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No advic in terms of Guinea pig specific, however, I take rosehip tea for arthritis in my fingers and its like a miracle cure, I'm not usually one for herbal remedies but it works for me. Maybe a few rosehips may ease the swelling?
 
A "bunny hopping" gait is quite typical of hind limb pain.

If he's managing ok, I wouldn't worry too much. Don't let him get too cold as that can make it worse. Encouraging him to move will prevent him getting quite so stiff - gentle exercise is better than loads or none. how do you get a guinea pig to move? Simple things like popping his food bowl at one end of the cage, and the hay or water bottle at the other end so he has to move between the two, or by scattering veggies around the cage for example.

As you will be aware, guinea pigs hide pain well. You may wish to trial some pain relief for a week or so to see how much improvement it makes on him? You may notice that he's much more mobile, or it may not make much difference, and that way you can at least make an informed decision about whether you want him on long term pain relief now, or if it's not required yet.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will see about trialing some pain relief, I just don't want risk him being in pain. How damaging could long term pain relief be? Is there one that is safer than others? They mentioned anti inflammatories will they work better? Which is best or safest?

Would you say it is a good idea to get another snuggle safe heatpad for him? My last one broke when someone dropped it down the toilet (long story, don't ask!)

Sorry for all the questions. I just like to know what I am dealing with as much as possible.

Amy
x
 
piggyfan said:
Amy I am sorry to hear about Nibbles. Amelia Jane has arthritis in her leg. Every morning she has loxicom and a Potters Tabritis tablet. I heard about this tablets on Peter Gurney's web site and I think it has made a difference. I give it to Ehab too as he is four now. You may like to try them. I get them from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Potters-Tab...6RMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354982733&sr=8-1
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What exactly are they? How much do you give and how do you give it?

I will go and check out the Peter Gurney website now. Can't believe I didn't think to look there!

Amy
x
 
They are a supplement for joints that the elderly take. You crush half and mix with a tiny bit of water and syringe feed it. They like the taste.
 
piggyfan said:
They are a supplement for joints that the elderly take. You crush half and mix with a tiny bit of water and syringe feed it. They like the taste.
Click to expand...

Just had a little look on the website and think I will have to speak to my Mum and the vet to work out a plan for him. He seems quite happy, snuggling on my lap at the moment but I know how good they are at hiding pain. He was a little cold earlier so I wrapped him in a blanket and he seems alright again. Is it worth giving him some probiotics? I have some of them if they will help.

Amy
x
 
I would not have thought they would do anything as it is his joints which are effected and not his guts. It is so worrying the way they hide pain. It would be much easier if they could let us know how they feel.
 
*Nibbles&Nugget* said:
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will see about trialing some pain relief, I just don't want risk him being in pain. How damaging could long term pain relief be? Is there one that is safer than others? They mentioned anti inflammatories will they work better? Which is best or safest?

Would you say it is a good idea to get another snuggle safe heatpad for him? My last one broke when someone dropped it down the toilet (long story, don't ask!)

Sorry for all the questions. I just like to know what I am dealing with as much as possible.

Amy
x
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metacam is the most commonly used pain relief in piggies, it is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory. there is some concern that long term use can damage the kidneys but this is more of an issue in other species such as cats. i used to have an old piggy who was on long term metacam as otherwise she would get recurrant cystitis, she had it daily for 18 months and in the end i lost her to an other unrelated illness aged 8.

i would discuss the pros and cons with your vet but generally think that given the choise a slighter shorter life that is pain free is better than a longer one living in pain.

snugglesafes are always a good thing to have. they are about £13.00 on line from vet uk, http://www.vetuk.co.uk/cat-accessor...-626_325/snugglesafe-heat-pad-and-cover-p-250 which is cheaper than the shops but they may be cheaper elsewhere. :)
 
The vet I use does acupuncture on people's pets. I used to get my old cat done every three months or so to help her arthritis and it made such a difference - and I didn't need to get meds down her throat. Plus, she liked it, she always went very relaxed and happy while having the treatment. I wonder if piggies respond as well? I will ask next time I'm in.
I should think keeping your pig warm will help a lot.
 
Sue and Smartie said:
The vet I use does acupuncture on people's pets. I used to get my old cat done every three months or so to help her arthritis and it made such a difference - and I didn't need to get meds down her throat. Plus, she liked it, she always went very relaxed and happy while having the treatment. I wonder if piggies respond as well? I will ask next time I'm in.
I should think keeping your pig warm will help a lot.
Click to expand...

I work with a vet that does acupuncture, and he does have a guinea pig patient! Helped with mobility a lot.
 
I've just read a suggestion on water theraphy, as he enjoy having baths do you think that it could be beneficial? I probably wouldn't want to do it with the weather so cold but maybe when it warms up?

What exactly is accupuncture by the way? Isn't that where they poke them with lots of needles?

Amy
x
 
Yeah acupuncture is fine needles inserted at different points associated with muscle and nerve locations. I always thought it was mumbo jumbo until I saw it in practice on animals. The placebo effect isn't applicable to animals, and I've seen definite improvements in animals that have had acupuncture
 
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