Cookies taking a turn for the worst...

[superka]

So my guinea pig cookie that I adopted for caramilk as the forum suggested has lost most the use of her back legs.... Took her to the vet and they said with her she theirs not much they can do. They could get X-rays to figure out what it was exactly but that what ever it would be would not be fixable. They gave her anti-inflammatory and pain killers and told me to just care for her the best I can and eventually some kind of complication would occure. As is she's lost most of the fur in her butt and back legs from being coated in poop and pee and comes off when I clean her. Had her cleaned at the vet. Seems like this is probably her last year with her. I'm gonna start keeping her in a carrier. It's smaller but she doesn't move much anyways. It will make it much easier to keep clean and care for her. Gonna do daily to twice a day cleanings. The vet agreed this is probably best. Outside of losing a bit of weight she's still eating drinking. Her poop and pee is normal. She's the brown and white one in the photo.

 

[Wiebke]

So my guinea pig cookie that I adopted for caramilk as the forum suggested has lost most the use of her back legs.... Took her to the vet and they said with her she theirs not much they can do. They could get X-rays to figure out what it was exactly but that what ever it would be would not be fixable. They gave her anti-inflammatory and pain killers and told me to just care for her the best I can and eventually some kind of complication would occure. As is she's lost most of the fur in her butt and back legs from being coated in poop and pee and comes off when I clean her. Had her cleaned at the vet. Seems like this is probably her last year with her. I'm gonna start keeping her in a carrier. It's smaller but she doesn't move much anyways. It will make it much easier to keep clean and care for her. Gonna do daily to twice a day cleanings. The vet agreed this is probably best. Outside of losing a bit of weight she's still eating drinking. Her poop and pee is normal. She's the brown and white one in the photo.

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry.

Sudden back leg paralysis in older piggies is not at all uncommon. It depends on what is causing it. If it is just a sudden temporary dip in calcium, then it can usually rectify to a degree.

Please make sure that the carrier is well ventilated and kept cool. It is more prone in to overheat in the current heat wave unless you can move it to the coolest room in your accommodation. Guinea pigs that are plastered to cooling elements are already overheated; if they are ignoring them, they are not overheated.

Here are our care tips for guinea pigs with mobility issues, including back leg paralysis: Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility

Here is our comprehensive hot weather advice: Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

If you are looking at end of life care, then you may find this guide here helpful, which talks you through some of the aspects you may encounter and struggle with and how you can make the best of the remaining time: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

My thoughts are with you.

 

[weepweeps]

Oh no I’m so sorry. Sending healing vibes and hugs to you.

 

[Truffolo]

Very sad news. Sending wishes for comfort and strength

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

Please make sure that the carrier is well ventilated and kept cool. It is more prone in to overheat in the current heat wave

Depending on where exactly in Canada @superka is, there may not be a heatwave! But of course you're right, keeping the carrier well-ventilated is important.

Superka, I'm so sorry, it's tough to be told that there's nothing you can do about an unwell guinea. Will she be able to hear and smell her guinea friend from the carrier?

 

[Wiebke]

Depending on where exactly in Canada @superka is, there may not be a heatwave! But of course you're right, keeping the carrier well-ventilated is important.

Superka, I'm so sorry, it's tough to be told that there's nothing you can do about an unwell guinea. Will she be able to hear and smell her guinea friend from the carrier?

Sorry, I forgot to look. I've had my summer Covid jab because of my cancer and am somewhat on automatic.

PS: Personally, I would not separate bonded piggies because that is extremely stressful for them and can depress the immun system further. Piggies are territorial and happier if you adapt their normal surroundings.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

Sorry, I forgot to look. I've had my summer Covid jab because of my cancer and am somewhat on automatic.

No problem. I hope you feel better soon.

PS: Personally, I would not separate bonded piggies because that is extremely stressful for them and can depress the immun system further. Piggies are territorial and happier if you adapt their normal surroundings.

I agree. But failing that Cookie being able to smell and hear her companion would be better than nothing at all.

 

[superka]

Depending on where exactly in Canada @superka is, there may not be a heatwave! But of course you're right, keeping the carrier well-ventilated is important.

Superka, I'm so sorry, it's tough to be told that there's nothing you can do about an unwell guinea. Will she be able to hear and smell her guinea friend from the carrier?

Yeah I have them next to each other. They had to be separated for a while now. Caramilk would bully her and stop her from drinking or eating. Had to buy another cage.

 

[superka]

In more positive news caramilk is healthy as a horse. The risky operation totally fixed her.. i won't be able to get a new companion for caramilk tho. My house hold already has too many animals. She does seem very fond of my cat tho... Cat doesn't mind her. (Her cage has a lid they can't actually get to each other just sniffs)

 

[Rescued One]

Putting you and Cookie on the prayer list

 

[Merab]

Sending love, support and prayers