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Bumblefoot or arthritis?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rw3399
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rw3399

I a new to this site and could really do with some help. I have a female guinea pig who is 7 1/2 years old. I went to check on her in a couple of months ago and found her twisted in at a funny angle. Ever since then she does not use her back legs and just pulls herself around. She doesn't see to be in any pain. I took her to the vets and advised me to put her to sleep (which I don't think is fair because she eats, drinks and chatters as she always has done). I have tried many things but she still does not put any weight on to her feet. I have give her one Potter's Tabritis tablet everyday which has stopped the stiffness but she still sits on her one leg and the other sticks out to the side. I'm at a loss to what it is - arthritis, bumblefoot (no cuts/sores on pads) or a stroke? Any advice would be great. Thanks.
 
Hello and welcome to the forum!

7 1/2 is a good old age, bless her! I would have thought if it was arthritis then it would have been more gradual - did she just go off her feet suddenly? The fact that she's eating etc. is great news but if she can't move around then life is going to be difficult for her. Did your vet suggest anything - e.g anti-inflammatories, pain killers, short term?

Lots of knowledgable people on here so hopefully someone with more experience will be along soon!

Good luck with your piggy,

Sophie
x
 
Yeah the one day she was fine, the next day she was off her feet. The vet thought a spinal injury but she hasn't been dropped. They gave her antibiotics (Baytril I think) and a steroid injection which seemed to help but a week later back to the same. I put her on the floor to run around and she is quite happy to drag herself around and investigate. She doesn't seem bothered. I think I'm worried than her :D
 
I had a look at the website thanks. I tried a week of Vitamin C, Calcium and the Tabritis, no change.
 
is she getting fresh fruit and veg twice daily? :)

she is at a brilliant age :smitten: any pics? :)
 
I give her veg most days but sometimes it upsets her tummy. Don't know if its because she is old?
 
This sounds familiar, I have read about a condition that causes this on another website, I think its something to do with calcium, I'll see if I can find it again!
 
Thanks for all your help. I'll just have to keep doing what I'm doing and if things get worse then make a decision.
 
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