This is odd indeed. I would most definately first of all call your vet for some advice. It may well be worth sorting out getting a specialist of piggie savvy vet to take a look at him about this.
The fact that the leg is still being used (even if badly) means its not fully paralysed and may be a number of things. Its also good to know that his foot is warm with a pulse. Some of these are my ideas. (I think Vit C deficiency can be ruled out by what you say).
- A clot - These often occur in animals with heart problems (which is why i asked) and clots develop in the chambers of the heart and finally decide to break off and travel to an area of the body. They can block the main blood vessel running to a limb or limbs. The limb affected (usually both back but can sometimes be front) is usually cold to touch, lifeless, painful and has little to no pulse. This is not completely impossible for your lad to have, but hes not presenting the usual typical symptoms.
- Nerve damage - This would occur from a fall onto the effected limb or a spinal injury. (neck injury for the fore limbs, further back for the hind) This is not impossible for him to have done, even if you didn't see it happen it is very much possible. Limbs affected vary with the injury from completely useless (not movement) to a little lameness. They are still warm with a pulse and could be what your lad has.
- Infection - severe infection can track into limbs. Its unusual for something such as a URI to actually tract down to a front limb, But i suspect not impossible. I would expect the limb to be swollen, hot to touch and painful for him. He would have a temperature and be feeling quite unwell (but we know how well piggies hide illness).
- A trauma - something such as a break or strain would also cause the same symptoms. This also though i know you have said isn't impossible.
What i would consider doing is going back to the vet as soon as and would be discussing the following:-
- Firstly a better antibiotic. Baytril is becoming increasingly resistant to so many bugs as it is overused. If the vet thinks the infection may have tracked or its a bad URI then why an earth didn't they give you some different antibiotics? Zithromax would be my first choice but it may be something different thats needed.
- asking for further diagnostics. Taking your boys temperature may be a start (unless the vet has already) An xray would rule out boney injury for example. An ultrasound of the heart would rule out most heart disease. If this draws nothing up then you could...
- ask for a specialist referral for possible bloods, physical investigations or scans to find out what an earth is going on with the leg.
Sorry for my very long reply. I hope it helps a little.
Please feel free to ask more questions.
x.
mine looked almost completely paralysed a few weeks ago, so he is better, confused about his front leg though
xx