Arthritis?

[Guinea Wiggies]

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering if anybody has had any experience with arthritis. Tilly is five years old and for the last 3 months she seems to bite the fur off her front legs but she has now started doing it on the back legs. I mentioned it to the vet when she went in in January and he said it is likely to be arthritis and that if it gets worse they will put her on a long term course of metacam.
It doesn't seem to bother her as she still runs round and walks normally but I just wondered if anybody else has had this happening to their piggies?

x

 

[Suzygpr]

Hi there

Nibbling at the hair on the legs can also be a sign of irritation - mites/lice are easily treated and controlled with either an insecticidal shampoo or by the use of a spot-on treatment.

Irritation from bedding can be another cause so perhaps a change should be considered.

Metacam or tramadol for longterm painrelief can help a lot if arthritis is the cause - you will often see a marked improvement in their general well being too.

HTH

Suzy x

 

[Guinea Wiggies]

Hi there

Nibbling at the hair on the legs can also be a sign of irritation - mites/lice are easily treated and controlled with either an insecticidal shampoo or by the use of a spot-on treatment.

Irritation from bedding can be another cause so perhaps a change should be considered.

Metacam or tramadol for longterm painrelief can help a lot if arthritis is the cause - you will often see a marked improvement in their general well being too.

HTH

Suzy x

Hi Suzy,

Her little joints get swollen aswell so I think it is most likely to be arthritis and the vet thinks so aswell so they have recommended metacam and will do further investigation if no improvement.

I just wondered if it was common for piggies to do this with arthritis? Also if there is any other treatments, cream? or ways to make her more comfortable.

Thanks

x

 

[Suzygpr]

I have found metacam to be very good, though as I have had only a couple of pigs with it I can't give a very experienced view. Hopefully there will be other members who will contribute and give their findings.

I would not advise applying any non-prescribed creams etc.

Vet bed is often used to make a more comfortable bedding - though I feel it is more difficult for pigs with joint problems to move around so wouldn't use it.

Suzy x

 

[Guinea Wiggies]

I have found metacam to be very good, though as I have had only a couple of pigs with it I can't give a very experienced view. Hopefully there will be other members who will contribute and give their findings.

I would not advise applying any non-prescribed creams etc.

Vet bed is often used to make a more comfortable bedding - though I feel it is more difficult for pigs with joint problems to move around so wouldn't use it.

Suzy x

Thank you for your help. They live in the house on towels topped with fleecy blankets so I think she is comfortable. They have heat pads when it gets too cold as I don't think cold is good for arthritis.

I am going to the vets to get her metacam tonight so I will have a little chat with them and see if there is anything else I can be doing.

x