Back legs that splay out when walking

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Sue_P

Sue_P

Teenage Guinea Pig
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I ain’t sure my black rodent walks normally, he seems a little unstable on his legs. The pen is layered with newspaper so I guess there’s not much grip, is it usual to see rodents slide around a bit when walking and running on newspaper?
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I have a theory that perhaps his claws are too long and that’s causing him to struggle a bit, do claws that are very long cause problems in walking?
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It ain’t as noticeable in my other rodent but I think his claws ain’t quite as long.
 
Hi Sue -

Do you not cut your Guinea pigs nails? It would be idea to trim them if they are very long, as they could damage there feet.
 
I do it once a month, think the last time I did it I didn’t take enough off my black rodent’s claws, it’s far easier to see on the other rodent as his claws are beige and you can see the quick but on my black rodent you can’t so I always air on the side of caution although I think I may have been too cautious if it is actually causing him to walk a bit weird.
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I’ll try to remember to take a pic of his claws to show everyone to see what you lot think.
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Been looking at my old rodent photos but don’t have a decent claw shot, just got these two rubbish ones but I guess you can’t tell from them if they’re too long.


21-09-10

2010-09-21b.jpg



15-09-11

2011-09-15rodentpene.jpg



Will defo take better pics later.
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Is it something you've only noticed recently ? Was wondering the same thing as you suggested if it could be the newspaper ?/
Maybe try them on something else, a blanket and observe. I'd be inclined to eliminate all possibilities - if he's not in any pain, may be something simple.
Perhaps a quick trip to the vet for a check up could be the answer, does your piggy eat well i.e. pellets, hay, veggies etc. to ensure a good Vitamin C intake ?/
 
Take your PIGGIES to the vet for a check up. If one is not walking correctly he may be in pain.
 
are they getting plenty of vitamin c?

BTW peeps Sue has been coming here for a good while for advice and we always have the arguement about her calling her pigs rodents. I know not everyone likes it but each to their own.
 
Thanks for the replies.


He was at the vets a couple of weeks ago actually and the vet gave him a pretty good looking at all over. I forgot to ask about his claws (was one of things I was gonna mention but just forgot cos I was talking about umpteen other things), but the vet never mentioned anything looking obviously wrong with his claws or legs, he didn’t shriek “by ek, them claws need a good trimming” or owt.
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If I take my rodent back then obviously I’ll mention it but I’m not sure if I’m going to. (I took him cos he had/has crusty eyes and a snotty nose and the vet gave some baytril that ain’t cured it).


@ Guinea pig slave – No, I’ve noticed him looking to slip about a bit for quite a while, a year or two. If it is cos his claws are too long then that’d explain it. Couldn’t tell you if he’s in pain or not with his legs.
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It’s certainly not obvious if he is. I just look at him sometimes and wonder if he’s ok or if his legs are slightly deformed or as I say, am I not trimming his claws enough.
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I did used to have the newspaper mainly covered in hay and so that’d give him more grip, he’s fine walking on top of hay slowly. I suppose what he looks like is when you have a dog on a slippery surface and its paws go everywhere, that’s what I’d liken him like. Stick a dog on a normal surface and they’re ok. I bet if Rumball was put on carpet he wouldn’t slide. I surely can’t be the only person who has rodents on newspaper, no one ever experienced odd looking walking on it before?
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Yeah, he eats well good. He’s a fatty at 1.45kg. They’re spoiled rodents, he certainly ain’t lacking in nutrients that’s for sure.
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Perhaps old age or arthritis?
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He is only 3 though. Old dogs walk a bit doddery don’t they?
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Or maybe it is just his claws.
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Rodent back legs look a stupid design, they look like their sticking out claws are in the way. I imagine if I had huge feet I’d be tripping over my own toes too.
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Mine do look a bit like Charlie Chaplin when they walk on a slippy surface! Is this what you mean? :))
 
Okay, I said ages back I’d post some decent pics later. Here’s my 'before' claw cutting pics…

2011-12-28Fudgeclawclippingbeforeb.jpg


2011-12-28Rumballclawclippingbeforeb.jpg


2011-12-28Rumballclawclippingbeforec.jpg


2011-12-28Rumballclawclippingbefored.jpg



& here’s one of after.

2011-12-28Rumballclawclippingafter.jpg



Does anyone think they’re obviously too long and pose a problem?
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My black rodent is still walking a bit like Charlie Chaplin but I think not as much since the claw cutting exercise.
 
I cant really help with the splayed legs thing, but i would like to say...
-Your piggies are absolutely gorgeous! x)
-Call them whatever you want. They're your pets and if you like calling them rodents, thats fine, its your choice, no one elses :))
Xx
 
Thank you TiddlesMidnight&Squeaky, I like my rodents too. The fudge coloured one is the prettiest but the black one is my fave, it’s got a cool personality and is the most creepy looking.
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& yes I call them what I want cos I don’t care what other people say.
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So do you think they were too long beforehand?
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