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Guinea pig fall

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Splat n Dexter

Splat n Dexter

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Hi,

Firstly sorry for any bad spelling or auto correct mistakes; I've had eye surgery today and everything is still very blurred.

My teenage daughter was cleaning out the pigs this evening and accidentally dropped our oldest girl, Splat. Splat is now reluctant to move, even for food, and clearly limping - but I'm unable to tell which leg. I haven't been able to check her mouth in case of injury there with my eyesight, but she is eating ok.

Ourvet isn't very guinea pig savvy, but seem to be the best near here. Should I poop her along to the vet this evening, or give her a day or two to see if she improves? I'm leaning towards waiting a day or two given my current condition and with the vet being limited in GP knowledge I fear they might recommend PTS when we get there.

Educated opinions please!
 
Personally I would take my pigs to the vet after any injury but I have never experienced dropping a piggy to know what the consequences could be.
 
I would be inclined to take Splat to the vets tonight if you can. She could benefit greatly from a painkiller and anti inflamortary such as metacam.

I doubt that your vet would suggest PTS and even if they did, it would be YOUR decision. A good vet will always treat the best they can and be happy to refer / speak to a specialist if they are not qualified enough to treat the problem.

Healing vibes for Splat xx
 
Definitely worth a vet check as piggies can break a leg and more commonly their front teeth after a fall. I've been there for the teeth one and it is awkward and needs a vet to sort.

If they do suggest PTs without good reason or proper assessment then ask for a second opinion from a cavy savy vet. There is a list here:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?105769-Guinea-Pig-Recomend-Vets-Map

Paws crossed for a good result.
 
Oh no, splat went splat! (I love that name!) Sending her tons of positive vibes and hoping she gets well soon. Please keep us updated.
 
Hi,

Thanks everyone. My eyesight was totally gone later yesterday evening, so wasn't able to log in here and update.
We are taking her to the vet this evening when I can get a lift there. I would have preferred to get her in there this morning, but without someone who can see properly, at the moment I'm lost!
Splat is much the same today. She is moving about a bit, but with a def limp. It's her front right leg. I'll get the vet to check teeth too whilst we are there. Will update you all hopefully later on. Fingers crossed.
 
MerryPip said:
Definitely worth a vet check as piggies can break a leg and more commonly their front teeth after a fall. I've been there for the teeth one and it is awkward and needs a vet to sort.

If they do suggest PTs without good reason or proper assessment then ask for a second opinion from a cavy savy vet. There is a list here:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?105769-Guinea-Pig-Recomend-Vets-Map

Paws crossed for a good result.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, but as you see, there are none in Northern Ireland. I know of one exotic vet in Northern Ireland who work with Belfast Zoo; but they are two and a half hours drive each way, and I don't drive. Another one specialising in guinea pigs is in Dublin.
 
Splat n Dexter said:
Thanks for that, but as you see, there are none in Northern Ireland. I know of one exotic vet in Northern Ireland who work with Belfast Zoo; but they are two and a half hours drive each way, and I don't drive. Another one specialising in guinea pigs is in Dublin.
Click to expand...

Oops sorry didn't spot that! If they are stuck you could always get them to have a teleconference with a specialist in England. I think Simon Maddock is probably the one to call....

Hope all is well!
 
Is she eating OK. If not it would be wise to hand feed her to keep up her strength & while she's poorly weigh her daily which is the best indicator of whether she's eating enough. A broken leg isn't a big thing with piggies, one of mine, Mother broke hers when she was a 6 months old & was just given a painkiller jab then kept on Metacam for a couple of weeks. To see her now you wouldn't believe she'd broken her leg & had no splints etc.

Please keep us posted on her condition & if you have any queries please ask as there are lots of people on here with a wealth of experience.
 
Went to the vets and he was happy with her teeth. He had a good feel and manipulated the leg. Said he doesn't feel anything is broken but perhaps soft tissue damage, she wasn't happy with elbow being manipulated. (Funny enough that's where my daughter reckoned the problem was last night.)

She got a shot of pain killers and was moving around more easily this evening. We'll see how she is in a few days and if she's sore we will bring her back. Such a relief to see her more comfortable in herself.

She's still eating away as normal, so happy days!
 
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