At Home Care For Pig With Nerve Injury In Leg

[Linda Thoms TX]

One of our piggies was injured after our dog jumped into their cage. Both piggies were traumatized. The emergency vet hospital saved Lulu Belle's life, but she has some nerve damage to her back left leg. Her foot turns downward so she really struggles to move around. No broken bones or spinal injury. She's very reluctant to move around. She'll eat when I hand feed her or place the hay and pellets within reach. She'll eat the fresh oat hay and carrots like crazy. I'm most worried about her not getting enough water. She won't try to walk around the cage. It's just been 2.5 days since she was injured. She's on something for pain and for inflammation. Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DM030619]

I do not have any tips. But i am really sorry for the accident that happend hopefully someome can give some few tips.

 

[Wiebke]

One of our piggies was injured after our dog jumped into their cage. Both piggies were traumatized. The emergency vet hospital saved Lulu Belle's life, but she has some nerve damage to her back left leg. Her foot turns downward so she really struggles to move around. No broken bones or spinal injury. She's very reluctant to move around. She'll eat when I hand feed her or place the hay and pellets within reach. She'll eat the fresh oat hay and carrots like crazy. I'm most worried about her not getting enough water. She won't try to walk around the cage. It's just been 2.5 days since she was injured. She's on something for pain and for inflammation. Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome!

What a nasty shock for you!

Please make sure that the cage has got a lid and is ideally in a place where no dog can get to. Place a blanket or beach towel over the top of the cage for an added feeling of security. Open cages are unfortunately unsuitable for households with dogs, but you can get a lid for a C&C cage.
All About C & C Grid Cages Around The World

Please place a bowl of water close by or offer water by syringe 2-3 times a day, as much as she will take. Clean out the den area twice daily and replace any cosies as often to prevent soiling and urine scald. Gently wipe her genitals with hand warm water as she'll struggly to clean herself and may also struggle to eat the poos that are redigested if she has balance problems with her back legs.

Please weigh her daily at the same time in the feeding cycle and offer her additional syringe feed 2-3 times daily if her short term weight loss surpasses 50g.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

I hope that the foot recovers and that she can regain her mobility again!

 

[Linda Thoms TX]

Thank you! I've been reading the sections for syringe feeding and other guidelines in the Guinea Pig Guide section. Thank you for the help. She's so skittish right now that it's difficult to treat her and not stress her out further. I had the cage lined with fleece up until about 2 weeks ago. I switched back over to aspen shavings because my other piggy just never got the whole litter box idea. My injured piggy is litter box trained. I'm thinking about switching the cage back to fleece. Better traction to walk on.

 

[Linda Thoms TX]

I followed the directions for syringe feeding. Success! The video helped tremendously. I was very surprised that she ate the mash so well. Thank goodness for your website and forum!

 

[Janice C]

Poor little piggy and you!
Think it would be a good idea switching back to the fleece just for the comfort it gives.
Hope she recovers soon. xx

 

[Tiamolly123]

What a shock, did he bite them or they got injured in the rush.I bet they were shocked.
Poor piggies.
Hi & welcome to our friendly forum.

 

[Linda Thoms TX]

We don't think that the dog bit the piggy but just got pawed at, maybe? She did get a clump or two of hair pulled out of her back side. Luckily, the dog only got hair and nothing else. This afternoon she just keeps wanting to hide in a dark corner. Does this behavior sound normal?
Tonight, when it's time to give her the medications, I'll switch the cage back to fleece. I know that they really enjoyed it when I first put it in the cage. Thank you all for being to welcoming and supportive.

 

[Betsy]

Welcome to our Forum. Piggies feel safe when they are in a dark corner. They are prey animals and like to hide. She still feels traumatised and it will take her a while to feel safe again. Keep lots of hideys in the run so she can go in them if she needs to. Hopefully the medication will start working soon and she will start to feel a bit more comfortable.

 

[Linda Thoms TX]

Welcome to our Forum. Piggies feel safe when they are in a dark corner. They are prey animals and like to hide. She still feels traumatised and it will take her a while to feel safe again. Keep lots of hideys in the run so she can go in them if she needs to. Hopefully the medication will start working soon and she will start to feel a bit more comfortable.

 

[Linda Thoms TX]

Thank you Betsy. That does make a lot of sense. Poor thing wasn't scared before this happened to her. I made a fleece area for her, but she doesn't want to stay on the fleece. She can't walk so she can just scoots on her belly a little. Hoping that she gets better!

 

[gizzy]

She can't walk so she can just scoots on her belly a little. Hoping that she gets better!

That sounds like a little sow l have her name is Wibaly, she originally arrived hear with head tilt (torticollis ) but over a period of 18 mounths it progresed and now she only has the use of her frount left and rear right legs! And she zooms around the pig room floor on her belly! But she is one of the happiest piggies l have

 

[Tiamolly123]

Welcome to our friendly forum.She is frightened the other thing is put a cover over the top of the cage. She will come around just leave her be. Keep the dog away I think we all think our animals are not going to to hurt our other animals but best not take the chanc

 

[Linda Thoms TX]

We had to make the terrible decision to put our blessed baby down. Even with syringe feeding, cleaning her, trying every kind of food that she loved, we still couldn't change that she wasn't mobile. She didn't have any quality of life and that's not fair to her. The cage is fully covered now, door to the room is shut, and a 41" tall metal pet gate is on order. I spend a lot of time in the room with the piggies. Her sister piggy, Ellie May, is looking for her. I brought her favorite fresh veggies and lots of petting. Any tips to help her get accustomed to being an only pet? The veterinarian said that they are fine as only pets, but I've always heard that they do much better with another piggy. What have other experienced in this situation?

 

[Betsy]

So sorry you have had to make the difficult decision to help her over the rainbow bridge. It is the last act of love we can give. Guinea pigs are social animals and your remaining piggy will be happier with a friend. All the love and attention you give won't replace a friend. Someone more able to advise will be along soon.