Guinea Pig Not Moving

[Coca cola]

Hi,

My guinea pig has been having trouble moving. We thought it was just his back legs, but now it just seems to be a general weakness in all his limbs. He also has an infected front paw caused by a wound on the paw, which could be bumblefoot? I'm cleaning the wound every day with iodine. We have been giving vitamin C and calcium as apparently deficiencies of these can causes paralysis, but he has not improved. He's also been on baytril antibiotics and metacam anti-inflammatories / pain killers since Saturday. We took him back to the vet again yesterday, and they were unable to reach a diagnosis but just prescribed more of the same medicine. He spends all his time curled up, either sleeping, or just not moving. He squeaks when we try and move him. He is eating and drinking less as well, so we are syringe feeding in the morning and evening.

The only other option we have would be blood tests at an estimated cost of £400 and my parents aren't willing to pay that for him, having already spent 100 on vet bills and medication.

Any advice would be really appreciated. Has anybody experienced similar symptoms in a guinea pig?

Thanks

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hi and so sorry to hear about your poorly piggy. Do you know if your current vets are exotics specialists or at least experienced in dealing with guinea pigs? It might be worth asking a few questions to make sure you have the best vet for the job at the practice or looking on the vet locator in the top toolbar to see if there is a specialist near you.

It's unfortunate when parents won't pay out for health care costs for an animal, did the vet indicate what they would be looking for in the bloods? Or are they grasping at straws because they just don't know what it is? If the blood tests are necessary and the vet truly believes they are looking for something specific then I would be saying to put pressure on your parents about animal cruelty/neglect and asking the vet if the bill can be paid in instalments (I don't know how old you are and whether you have any means to earn some money to help towards the costs). If the vet is grasping at straws because they don't know what else to do then I would recommend trying a different vets for a second opinion and maybe not being too harsh on your parents.

 

[helen105281]

I'm sorry he is still poorly. I do think he needs further investigation, would your vet be willing to speak to a different vet about what to do next? Simon Maddock at the practice below would be the best person for them to speak to.

Also could you update your location (just the county is ok if you are a minor)

http://www.catandrabbit.co.uk/

Water therapy may be a possibility in addition to a further vet visit, let me know if you need any information on this.

 

[wispie]

ahh sorry to hear this. maybe ask your vet for referral or even ask if they do a monthly repayment plan? my vets do so i am assuming that other vets will do the same? either way i hope things turn round very soon. big hug x x

 

[The Furry Godmother]

Hi,

My guinea pig has been having trouble moving. We thought it was just his back legs, but now it just seems to be a general weakness in all his limbs. He also has an infected front paw caused by a wound on the paw, which could be bumblefoot? I'm cleaning the wound every day with iodine. We have been giving vitamin C and calcium as apparently deficiencies of these can causes paralysis, but he has not improved. He's also been on baytril antibiotics and metacam anti-inflammatories / pain killers since Saturday. We took him back to the vet again yesterday, and they were unable to reach a diagnosis but just prescribed more of the same medicine. He spends all his time curled up, either sleeping, or just not moving. He squeaks when we try and move him. He is eating and drinking less as well, so we are syringe feeding in the morning and evening.

The only other option we have would be blood tests at an estimated cost of £400 and my parents aren't willing to pay that for him, having already spent 100 on vet bills and medication.

Any advice would be really appreciated. Has anybody experienced similar symptoms in a guinea pig?

Thanks

Welcome, and sorry to hear of your predicament x

This sounds a bit too familiar to me.

Okay, some questions:

Could you tell me his diet?
& What he is bedded on?

Also, I believe that you need to see a cavvy savvy vet, as it seems an x-ray under GA (whiff of gas) would be good to see if he has any bone abnormalities or infections.

I feel this would be the next cause of action for you, and would not cost that amount. I see one of the top exotic vets in the country and he charged me £55.

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Hello, @Coca cola

I have read both your threads.

Paralysis typically occurs as a result of trauma, disease, and/or dietary imbalance.

Certainly, I would second @The Furry Godmother's recommendation that you have your guinea pig X-rayed.

However, I do not believe that your guinea pig's paralysis is due to an infection - Although, inflammation, and ulceration of the foot pad ('Pododermatitis'/"Bumblefoot") is often caused by a bacterial infection. Occasionally, "Bumblefoot" is seen in guinea pigs with cardiovascular issues. Regrettably, I understand that treatment for "Bumblefoot" is not particularly successful - The condition can be managed.

However, I believe that you guinea pig could be suffering from a dietary imbalance/ a vitamin C deficiency - I believe that your guinea pig could have dental issues, and, therefore, is not consuming enough food to meet his daily vitamin C requirements etc. . .

How old is your guinea pig?! Do you know your guinea pig's breed?!

I would recommend continuing with the antibiotics - Please continue to provide probiotics before, and/or after administering the antibiotics!

You may wish to discuss stronger pain relief medication with your veterinarian - Buprecare, or Tramadol etc. . . I believe that your guinea pig is in a moderate amount of pain. . .

Calcium deficiency is fairly uncommon - I would be concerned about providing extra calcium/ I would be concerned that extra calcium could result in the formation of bladder stones etc. . . I would want to discuss this with my veterinarian. . .

Continue with vitamin C supplements - Vitamin B12 supplements may also be beneficial. . .

Please continue to attend to your guinea pig's foot.

Please continue with supportive care - Syringe feeding, and with ensuring that your guinea pig remains hydrated! A gut stimulant is advisable! Please weigh your guinea pig daily!

Please attempt to provide your guinea pig with a clean/dry, warm, and quiet environment, and attempt to keep your guinea pig clean/dry - Please check daily to ensure that your guinea pig is not developing urine scold etc. . . I would recommend bedding your guinea pig on 'Vet-Bed'.

Please do not attempt 'water/swimming/hydrotherapy' at this moment in time!

Ultimately, time is of the essence - Your guinea pig will need to be examined by a cavy-savvy veterinarian ASAP! Preferably, by a veterinarian who can perform 'conscious X-rays, and/or dentals'!

If you are able to get your guinea pig to Simon Maddock at 'The Cat & Rabbit Clinic', that would be the best option!

@furryfriends Excellent Adventure Sanctuary