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Ellie - Dragging Back Legs

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helen105281

helen105281

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She was fine earlier and running about as normal but we have just noticed Ellie is dragging her back legs. We have given Metacam (our vet is happy for us to do this) and will be calling the vet in the morning. I am just looking for ideas really, my first thought is a sudden calcium crash. We are going to give her some Metatone vitamin tonic shortly to start with. She is her usual bright eyed fiesty self. We think she is at least 4.
 
She has actually just moved fairly quickly as she thought she was getting more veg and is now eating hay.
 
I heard once kidney issues could affect their walking/back legs, but other than that (or a physical injury) I'm stumped :( Wishing Ellie the best though!
 
Well she has decided working legs or not she will use her ramp so we need to block that off for a few days. She is eating veg now and seems happy enough. Ross thinks one leg works better than the other.
 
Am hoping so, she doesn't seem phased now she has worked out how to move about. It's not right still but I don't think she is in pain.
 
It is. Am calling them as soon as they open at 8 and hopefully they will fit us in. Just hope they have their usual opening hours tomorrow with it being New Years Eve. I doubt they would be able to xray until at least Monday though but I will get her looked at at least tomorrow.
 
I had the same problem with my older Piggy. We were given meloxidyl but her old age made her weaker and she sadly passed. It could be because of an injury of the spine as it is very delicate. I would thoroughly examine her skin on her back to look for any scratches or bruises. Also, if her legs get sore from dragging, use a bit of vaseline. Try to keep her still as she may cause more damage by dragging her legs. Our piggy couldn't lift herself up to do wees and poos so I had to dry her with a towel often so keep an eye out for that. I am crossing my fingers for you and I hope she does ok at the vet :)
 
I will do that thank you. Her right leg seems back to normal almost when walking this morning though she still sits with it out some of the time. The left is the same as last night. She is bright and eating well though and can move around at quite a speed. I have bought Osteocare in case that is what the vet suggests and we have given additional vitamin C too. She has the vets at 6pm today.
 
I will do. I think if needed she will be booked in for an xray next week.
 
Thank you all, will update when we get back from the vets tonight.
 
Back from the vets and we haven't really got any answers, we have to keep her on Metacam and wait and see. He suggested a tumour, something neurological and even deep vein thrombosis which I have never heard of pigs getting and nothing comes up when I google. He was comparing her to a cat though. Her right leg still seems better and she is bright and eating. We have given her water therapy and started the Osteocare and will keep her on vitamin c for a while to cover all bases.
 
Basically if it is DVT he says her foot will go black and we would have to PTS. If no improvement in a few days I will look at getting her xrayed, maybe at the vets I used to volunteer at. I think whatever is going on is not going to be a fast recovery anyway, possibly weeks. She seems comfortable though.
 
Oh sorry to hear she's not 100%, afraid i cant offer any advice, but sending big overflowing bucketfuls of healing vibes her way. :nod::luv:

I'm no expert but never heard of DVT in pigs - would have thought they would be too active for that? Does the ankle/leg feel very/overly warm to touch, is it stiff & not bending, any colour change at all? i was told that's some signs in humans to look out for but i don't know.

if they thought DVT surely they would have run a blood test?

love the girls & I. xx
 
No it is not that warm, it is a bit stiff but no colour change. I thought that too though she is a bit lazy. He was thinking her being a heart pig may have affected her circulation.
 
Naw, I'm sorry you didnt get a definative answer :( I've not heard of DVT before in pigs, but hopefully its more neurological than tumor! Sending lots of love and cuddles to you and Ellie (Joe sends some as well!)
 
Sorry that it was inconclusive. Never heard of DVT in a piggie but I guess it must be possible. Hope things improve over the next few days for her.
 
helen105281 said:
No it is not that warm, it is a bit stiff but no colour change. I thought that too though she is a bit lazy. He was thinking her being a heart pig may have affected her circulation.
Click to expand...

are any of her heart meds blood thinning? i'm guessing not, i know she is on ACE inhibitors... thinking that they cause the blood vessels to expand to let more blood through, so would have thought DVT would be less likely than in a non medicated guinea as DVT is a type of clot isn't it?
:hmm:but i guess if the blood is circulating slower through bigger vessels the speed may make a difference? (i'm not medically minded, its just throwing ideas around as to how i understand it).

hopefully its just a sprain or muscle problem that will sort itself & quickly. sure the extra metatone & vit c will boost her system too though, especially as one leg is better already.
(would probably be wise to keep her well hydrated if it is blood related & just hope it doesn't affect the water retention around her heart).
xx
 
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