Guinnea pig walking funny and depressed

[Beth-Joy]

I've noticed that my guinea pig, Schnitzel, has started walking oddly. It's as if he can't take steps with his back legs and is either dragging himself on his belly or kind of hopping (like a kangaroo). He also used to be the bolder of the piggies, but now all he wants to do is hide. I tried changing around his cage and giving him different veggies, but it seems to stress him out even more, so I decided to leave him alone to rest for now.
He's about half a year old. I think I'll take him to the vets but I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts?

 

[PigglePuggle]

Sounds like he needs to see the vets urgently as an emergency, as from what you say he definitely sounds to be in a lot of pain.
He may have injured his leg or back, or could have a painful urinary or gut problem that is exacerbated when he moves...
Only a vet can say for sure, if this was my piggy I would have them at the emergency vet straight away within an hour or two with those symptoms.
Hope he is ok, let us know know how you get on at the vets!

 

[Beth-Joy]

Sounds like he needs to see the vets urgently as an emergency, as from what you say he definitely sounds to be in a lot of pain.
He may have injured his leg or back, or could have a painful urinary or gut problem that is exacerbated when he moves...
Only a vet can say for sure, if this was my piggy I would have them at the emergency vet straight away within an hour or two with those symptoms.
Hope he is ok, let us know know how you get on at the vets!

Thanks, I booked him an appointment this morning!

 

[Wiebke]

I've noticed that my guinea pig, Schnitzel, has started walking oddly. It's as if he can't take steps with his back legs and is either dragging himself on his belly or kind of hopping (like a kangaroo). He also used to be the bolder of the piggies, but now all he wants to do is hide. I tried changing around his cage and giving him different veggies, but it seems to stress him out even more, so I decided to leave him alone to rest for now.
He's about half a year old. I think I'll take him to the vets but I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts?

Hi!

Most definitely an urgent vet visit. All the best!

If he is not eating, you will need to step in with syringe feedings support and weighing daily at the same time in the feeding cycle in order to monitor his food intake. Keep in mind that hay makes around 80% of what a piggy eats in a day and that you can't judge that by eye. The poo output is usually lagging a day or two behind. In combination with any medication based on your vet's findings, your feeding care is crucial. If the spine is impacted, you may need to be very careful in handling him.
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[Beth-Joy]

The vet seems to think it is just stress related, as we recently moved and he doesn't know his environment well. I'm not convinced though. Seeing how nimble and fast my other guinea pig compared to him..
He just seems very lethargic and timid which is not like him at all, and is really walking clumsily. He is eating though. Anyway, she says to monitor him for a week and if he doesn't improve she'll refer him to a specialist.

 

[Freya1234]

You can always get a second opinion from a different vet, was the one you took him to an exotics vet?
I have attached a link to the vet locator, all of the vets on here are recommended by members on the forum.
Vet Locator

 

[Siikibam]

I would have him seen by another vet. Saying it’s stress related seems..inconclusive. Is your vet experienced in treating guinea pigs?