Guinea pig arthritis

[Vickyg]

Has anyone had experience with guinea pigs that have arthritis?
I've had pigs for over 20 years and never seen until late last year. First vet thought it was bumblefoot and had antibiotics prescribed. They closed very rapidly and I went to another vet who was amazing and done x-rays and sought a specialist confirmation and it was just plain old arthritis. I now have another two going this way I think (vet's tomorrow). One of them in question has a neurological disorder and the other was a rescue with bad over grown claws. I just feel it's me causing it. Or is it just bad luck?
They all eat and walk fine. They are both 4-5 years old. Great condition otherwise and no heat coming from the foot and I use fleece bedding.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[Siikibam]

There are some members in here who’s piggies have or had arthritis. I can’t remember them off the top of my head, but you could do a search for threads on the topic.

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

It's not uncommon for piggies to get arthritis as they age, just like a lot of people do. Judging how painful it is tho can be difficult so I would be guided by your vet in this respect. I am sure you are not doing anything to cause it but to lessen its impact there are a few things that can help. Don't use ramps or steps or things they have to jump on or off or over, as all these actions put more pressure on the joints. In some cases they will benefit from long term metacam, which is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory.
my oldest piggy, MacKintosh, who is 8.5 , has had arthritis for quite a while but gets about very well and at quite a speed when veggies arrive!

 

[Vickyg]

Thank you for your advice.
Mine always go straight to the vet's and are due in there tomorrow. I was just worried i was I was aiding something or it was just purely coincidental. My last one was on metacam long term. But always good to speak with people who have had experience.

 

[Wiebke]

Has anyone had experience with guinea pigs that have arthritis?
I've had pigs for over 20 years and never seen until late last year. First vet thought it was bumblefoot and had antibiotics prescribed. They closed very rapidly and I went to another vet who was amazing and done x-rays and sought a specialist confirmation and it was just plain old arthritis. I now have another two going this way I think (vet's tomorrow). One of them in question has a neurological disorder and the other was a rescue with bad over grown claws. I just feel it's me causing it. Or is it just bad luck?
They all eat and walk fine. They are both 4-5 years old. Great condition otherwise and no heat coming from the foot and I use fleece bedding.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

Hi!

Arthritis is not at all uncommon in older piggies and can rarely also happen in younger guinea pigs.
Metacam or in severe cases tramadol in combination with glucosamine is the usual treatment for arthritis. The level depends on the severity and needs to be accordingly adjusted as it progresses.