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Favouring One Foot

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PipandPop

PipandPop

Junior Guinea Pig
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So today I noticed that when Pippin was running around her gait was off, but I couldn't put my finger on why. Then I sat watching her and in her house she seemed to favour her left front foot. I realised this was why she seemed to 'stumble' when she was running.

I picked her up and she left me touch the paw and move the leg, so there was no pain. I can't understand why she is not using this leg as much as the others. They're due in to the vets tomorrow to have their nails cut, but this can't be the reason can it?

I'm going to keep n eye on it and if it hasn't improved tomorrow get it checked out. Any advice is appreciated!
 
Hopefully it's nothing bad. Good job your going to the vets tomorrow, just ask the vet to check it while your there! Hope it goes ok x
 
Vet check is the best thing. Sometimes they can pick up strains and sprains by doing silly things or falling from a height. It may be something simple but it may be that she needs some anti-inflammatories to help it settle down.
 
We popped in today to have their nails done, she was checked over but couldn't find anything. Got her home and put her on the floor and she toddled off happy as can be. I'm wondering if she caught it and pulled it or something but she seems fine now. The vet put a note in her records about it, and if there's any changes we'll go back in.

She said the only thing they can really do is prescribe anti inflammatory drugs and do an x-ray but that would require an anesthetic, which i'm not very keen on putting her through unless absolutely necassary.
 
X-ray is probably not worth it in the first instance particularly as you haven't mentioned any accident which might have caused a break or similar.

Just be aware that piggies cover pain well. Often by the time they show physical signs of discomfort they are in significant pain. It's a survival mechanism for them so pain relief is always worth considering even for a few days if she is still hobbling. A heat pad like a Snuggle safe might make her feel more comfy too.
 
Don't you love how when you go to the doctor (or in this case a vet) the symptoms mysteriously vanish? Same with a car; go to the mechanic and they find nothing wrong, it can be frustrating! Hopefully in her case it was just a fluke. Keep an eye out :)
 
Thanks everyone! I'm thinking she maybe pulled a muscle or something and after resting it she's fine. Her weight is okay, she's eating drinking and being the same little poo machine as always. I'll keep an eye on it!
 
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