Can guinea pigs have hypermobility?

[Dwarfpotato]

Cookie has always been a ... floppy? pig. I notice when he turns round he often leaves his back legs at right angles to his body, while all my other pigs keep their knees tucked in at their sides. That being said, all my other pigs are sows so I can't be sure if he's just manspreading...

He's now 5 and a bit ish and is generally in good health, apart from having the most sensitive tummy ever and also these floppy back legs. This morning I saw him end up doing the splits as he ducked under something low! He's happy to trot around still, and looks normal when he's going in a straight line. He's never been one for full size popcorns but he still does his little bouncing head shakes when he's excited. He just sticks his legs out whenever he turns around.

I know he's getting to be a bit of an older man now. He used to be able to stand on just his back legs but he won't now, and I haven't seen him hop up onto their ikea doll bed for a while. He still uses the loft so can cope with a ramp. Do I need to worry about loss of muscle tone making his back legs weaker, made worse by hypermobility? I'm thinking a vet trip for a checkup might be in order.

 

[Wiebke]

Cookie has always been a ... floppy? pig. I notice when he turns round he often leaves his back legs at right angles to his body, while all my other pigs keep their knees tucked in at their sides. That being said, all my other pigs are sows so I can't be sure if he's just manspreading...

He's now 5 and a bit ish and is generally in good health, apart from having the most sensitive tummy ever and also these floppy back legs. This morning I saw him end up doing the splits as he ducked under something low! He's happy to trot around still, and looks normal when he's going in a straight line. He's never been one for full size popcorns but he still does his little bouncing head shakes when he's excited. He just sticks his legs out whenever he turns around.

I know he's getting to be a bit of an older man now. He used to be able to stand on just his back legs but he won't now, and I haven't seen him hop up onto their ikea doll bed for a while. He still uses the loft so can cope with a ramp. Do I need to worry about loss of muscle tone making his back legs weaker, made worse by hypermobility? I'm thinking a vet trip for a checkup might be in order.

Hi

Please have him checked for arthritis in his legs and lower spine.

 

[Dwarfpotato]

Just an update in case anyone else has the same question: went to see Simon at c&r. Confirmed arthritis in his left ankle and right knee, but his spine is good. Concerningly slightly bowed but that might be the back end stiffness. So lucky Cookie gets metacam now!