Floppy front leg?

[starry123]

Hi all, Hope you can help.

My piggie (5 years old) seemed very quiet and had an upset tummy the other day so we took him to the vets. found out blood in his urine and sent away with painkiller, antibiotics and critical care food. yesterday evening he seemed to be no better, but his front leg (right side) has gone completely floppy and was dragging behind him under his belly meaning he can’t walk. i have been up with him all night and this morning he seems a lot better in his self almost back to normal but still a floppy leg and upset tummy. Am waiting for the vets to open to call them but wondered if anyone else has had this happen?

Thank you in advance!

 

[starry123]

Just to add - eating and drinking as normal!

 

[Wiebke]

Just to add - eating and drinking as normal!

I am so sorry for your worries. All the best at the vets.

Back leg paralysis in various shapes and forms is not all that uncommon especially in older piggies but issues with front legs are unless it is an injury.

 

[starry123]

I am so sorry for your worries. All the best at the vets.

Back leg paralysis in various shapes and forms is not all that uncommon especially in older piggies but issues with front legs are unless it is an injury.

Thank you for your reply. Sadly our little guy had to be put to sleep yesterday as he has more issues than we thought on his xrays. He had a spinal issue, gall stones and a few others.

I wonder if you have any advice - our other piggie, almost 6, now won’t eat or drink We don’t know whether he would accept a new friend so unsure of what to do.

Thank you again for your reply.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you for your reply. Sadly our little guy had to be put to sleep yesterday as he has more issues than we thought on his xrays. He had a spinal issue, gall stones and a few others.

I wonder if you have any advice - our other piggie, almost 6, now won’t eat or drink We don’t know whether he would accept a new friend so unsure of what to do.

Thank you again for your reply.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

It sounds as if your piggy may have gone into acute pining. Please urgently ensure you step in with syringe feeding and daily weight checks. He will also need to see a vet ideally today or tomorrow.
If a health issue is ruled out then acute pining does mean he will urgently need a new friend. I know that is much sooner than you would probably want to consider getting another piggy
but he will accept and will need a new friend asap.

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your reply. Sadly our little guy had to be put to sleep yesterday as he has more issues than we thought on his xrays. He had a spinal issue, gall stones and a few others.

I wonder if you have any advice - our other piggie, almost 6, now won’t eat or drink We don’t know whether he would accept a new friend so unsure of what to do.

Thank you again for your reply.

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry that you had to make that decision but you have made the right one. We can only ever aim to give our beloved piggies the many happy todays they measure a good life by but we can never choose when and in which form the end comes. Having the power to cut short an already started unpleasant journey to the Bridge is the last loving but also most heart-breaking gift we can make our beloved ones.

Please step in with syringe feeding support for the companion. With a little luck it is going to trigger the eating reflex again; that happens not all that rarely if acute pining is a shock response.
How to Improvise Feeding Support in an Emergency
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

Here are our tips for looking after bereaved companions. You have to play the situation by ear and see how it develops. If he isn't eating again, then please have him vet checked before you do anything else.
We are here for you if you wish. It is always difficult with the lst remaining piggy when you do not want to continue.
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

Here is our Grieving guide for you and your family if you feel it would help you: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children