Back legs dragging, and bloating of his stomach

[DannyMorgan]

Hi I was looking for some advice as most vets haven’t got a clue.
mine and my partners guinea pig “Angus” his legs stoped working and he was dragging them behind. His legs regained mobility After a short while but are by no means back to normal.

however we took him strait to the vets!
they issued us with loxicom “meloixcam” and said give him 1ml per day, let him rest etc...

It’s been nearly 2 days now and he’s had 2 doses and his stomach is bloated! He doesn’t seem to be in pain and has still got his appetite! But his stomach feels strange to touch and he looks uncomfortable and making his back legs more unstable.

safety warnings state that meloxicam shouldn’t be used if “cat” animal has gastrointestinal stasis or disorder.
I’m seriously worried and am seeking advice on what to do because it seems like this pain killer has caused him to bloat!
Also for his back legs dragging I’ve purchased osteocare in liquid form as I’ve read on these forums that it really helps guniea pigs with mystery paralysis (dragging back legs)
What are your thoughts?

 

[Siikibam]

If you add your location we can tailor the info we give you. Is the vet knowledgable on guinea pigs? If not then (if in UK) please use the vet locator and see if there’s a cavy savvy one near you. Is he still eating (plenty of) hay?

Paralysis can be caused by many things, but unfortunately we can’t tell you what. Best thing (which we always advise) is to take piggy to a knowledgable (exotics) bet to be checked.

As he is less mobile, you’ll have to clean the cage more regularly (at least twice daily) so he doesn’t sit in his urine (urine scald) and poop. You may also need to give his bum a quick wipe down as he may not be able to clean himself properly.

Switch to weighing him daily for now. Most importantly, if you think it’s bloat then get him to a decent vet as soon as possible.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating
How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Tagging @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns @Wiebke @furryfriends (TEAS)

 

[Swissgreys]

It sounds like your piggy is really ill and needs to see an expereinced piggy savvy vet as soon as possible.

 

[Piggies&buns]

 

[pig in the city]

Hi I was looking for some advice as most vets haven’t got a clue.
mine and my partners guinea pig “Angus” his legs stoped working and he was dragging them behind. His legs regained mobility After a short while but are by no means back to normal.

however we took him strait to the vets!
they issued us with loxicom “meloixcam” and said give him 1ml per day, let him rest etc...

It’s been nearly 2 days now and he’s had 2 doses and his stomach is bloated! He doesn’t seem to be in pain and has still got his appetite! But his stomach feels strange to touch and he looks uncomfortable and making his back legs more unstable.

safety warnings state that meloxicam shouldn’t be used if “cat” animal has gastrointestinal stasis or disorder.
I’m seriously worried and am seeking advice on what to do because it seems like this pain killer has caused him to bloat!
Also for his back legs dragging I’ve purchased osteocare in liquid form as I’ve read on these forums that it really helps guniea pigs with mystery paralysis (dragging back legs)
What are your thoughts?

Dont worry too much about the painkiller irritating his stomach, this warning is more relevant for cats and dogs.
Pain relief is very important.
Piggies can go off their back legs for many reasons and a piggy knowledgeable vet should be able to determine what is wrong.
Follow the good advice given by @Siikibam and see an experienced vet asap

 

[VickiA]

with all the above posts

 

[DannyMorgan]

If you add your location we can tailor the info we give you. Is the vet knowledgable on guinea pigs? If not then (if in UK) please use the vet locator and see if there’s a cavy savvy one near you. Is he still eating (plenty of) hay?

Paralysis can be caused by many things, but unfortunately we can’t tell you what. Best thing (which we always advise) is to take piggy to a knowledgable (exotics) bet to be checked.

As he is less mobile, you’ll have to clean the cage more regularly (at least twice daily) so he doesn’t sit in his urine (urine scald) and poop. You may also need to give his bum a quick wipe down as he may not be able to clean himself properly.

Switch to weighing him daily for now. Most importantly, if you think it’s bloat then get him to a decent vet as soon as possible.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating
How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Tagging @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns @Wiebke @furryfriends (TEAS)

We are in Hoddesdon

If you add your location we can tailor the info we give you. Is the vet knowledgable on guinea pigs? If not then (if in UK) please use the vet locator and see if there’s a cavy savvy one near you. Is he still eating (plenty of) hay?

Paralysis can be caused by many things, but unfortunately we can’t tell you what. Best thing (which we always advise) is to take piggy to a knowledgable (exotics) bet to be checked.

As he is less mobile, you’ll have to clean the cage more regularly (at least twice daily) so he doesn’t sit in his urine (urine scald) and poop. You may also need to give his bum a quick wipe down as he may not be able to clean himself properly.

Switch to weighing him daily for now. Most importantly, if you think it’s bloat then get him to a decent vet as soon as possible.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating
How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Tagging @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns @Wiebke @furryfriends (TEAS)
[/QUOT thank you,
We are located in Hoddesdon Hertfordshire!
we are going to take him to an exotic vet in Camden I think! thank you very much

 

[Siikibam]

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Siikibam]

By the way does your piggy have a friend? They’re not wired to live alone so please think about getting him a friend. If you can find a rescue that does boar dating, that’s the best way to go. Cage needs to be minimum 150x60cm.

If he does have a cage mate then my apologies for the assumptions.

 

[Merab]

Hope your boy recovers quickly.
Holding you in my heart.
My geography of your part of the country isn’t great but I checked the vet locator and there is The Veterinary Centre in Letchworth Garden City, on Norton Way