Cookie Not Using Back Leg

[Demi]

Cookie seems to be not walking on one of her back legs, it must have only been today as we have them all out every night to check on them, she's running around like normal but just not really using one of her back legs much, does anyone have experience with this? I'm about to book her into the vets. Thanks in advance

 

[Wiebke]

Cookie seems to be not walking on one of her back legs, it must have only been today as we have them all out every night to check on them, she's running around like normal but just not really using one of her back legs much, does anyone have experience with this? I'm about to book her into the vets. Thanks in advance

Guinea pigs can easily strain or twist their legs when they land awkwardly after a jump or turn; it can happen anywhere between toes and the spine, like we get a twisted ankle.

As your girl is still happy to move around, things will hopefully settle quickly over the next few days. It sounds like only a minor sprain. If things get worse or not better within a week, please see a vet.

 

[Demi]

Guinea pigs can easily strain or twist their legs when they land awkwardly after a jump or turn; it can happen anywhere between toes and the spine, like we get a twisted ankle.

As your girl is still happy to move around, things will hopefully settle quickly over the next few days. It sounds like only a minor sprain. If things get worse or not better within a week, please see a vet.

I have thoroughly checked her and I believe she's cracked her nail a bit so I believe that might be the problem

 

[Stewybus]

You've done right booking her to see the vet. They tend to hide any pain because they're prey animals but she could be in pain so if vet doesn't automatically give you painkiller please ask for it x

 

[Demi]

You've done right booking her to see the vet. They tend to hide any pain because they're prey animals but she could be in pain so if vet doesn't automatically give you painkiller please ask for it x

I will she's going to the vet on Monday, if she's better before then I will cancel it but she's running a round and eating veggies happily so think she's ok

 

[Stewybus]

Just make sure there's no redness or heat around where she's been hurt, she really should see vet today x

 

[Demi]

Just make sure there's no redness or heat around where she's been hurt, she really should see vet today x

I can't get her in for today, but it's just the tip of her nail she seems ok I am keeping a close eye

 

[Stewybus]

OK then, it seems like she's got over the worst x

 

[Wiebke]

I have thoroughly checked her and I believe she's cracked her nail a bit so I believe that might be the problem

Good that you have her seen. You may find that the nail is growing back somewhat deformed if the nail bed has been affected, but it is usually not affteing their mobility in the long term. These kinds of accidents and minor injuries are not all that uncommon among active and happy piggies. I generally judge it by the severity of the injury whether a vet visit is necessary. In most cases, symptoms go down pretty quickly, thankfully.

 

[Demi]

Just thought I'd give an update, cookie is back to normal running around on all legs, the nail was the cause but it's already back to normal as it was just the very tip

 

[Demi]

The vet didn't give pain killer as she is normal now

 

[Wiebke]

The vet didn't give pain killer as she is normal now

Your vet will judge the severity of any injury and prescribe painkiller or not depending on his findings. In my experience if a guinea pig is still moving round and active then any injury is minor and not very painful.
If a guinea pig doesn't move around much when it is limping or if the nail is bleeding heavily for longer than 5 minutes, then a vet visit is definitely, in the latter case asap.