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Infection

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Stinkerbell

Stinkerbell

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Hi I'm new to the forum and quite new to owning guinea pigs as we got them for my daughters 6th birthday in June. Tinkerbell and Fawn are firm members of the family already. The problem is this: our piggies are indoor pigs but we have a big run in the garden which we use in the good weather. On Fri they spent most the day out there and when we went to get them in we noticed Fawn was not putting any weight on her back leg and on Sat morning we inspected her again and saw her knee joint was swollen, so my husband took her to the local vet (we hadn't needed one yet so our 1st visit) and he said she has an infection. He then said he would stick a needle in and draw out some fluid, when he tried this he couldn't get any and said the infection might be solid. Anyway he gave her anti biotics and we've got a couple of doses to give her at home. So basically, I'm wondering if A) it had anything to do with being outside? Don't know what, maybe stung by a wasp? It have been older and we only noticed then. B) if the vet knew what he was talking about (my husband seemed a little doubtful and he was a part time every other Sat vet) and C) if anyone else's piggie has had this and were they ok? She still seems quite happy, she's eating and I have put her in the run again while they still can but I can't help worrying. They are fragile little things! I'd really appreciate any advice, thanks x :{
 
Hi Stinkerbell (great name!)

Welcome to the Forum.

I'm not sure if you'll get many replies here as this "Technical Help" section of the Forum is meant for I.T. type issues, like how to use the various features of the forum etc. One of the Mods might come along later and move your thread to the "Health & Illness" section for more help. :)

Getting a good guinea pig savvy Vet is mentioned a lot around here, as it's absolutely essential! Guinea pigs are technically classed as 'exotic' pets so, generally speaking, Vets don't get much specific piggy-related training unfortunately. We often hear of Vets with many years experience, knowledge and technical skill in treating cats and dogs being sadly misinformed and lacking the relevant expertise when it comes to guineas, despite them being quite popular pets here. That said, there are still some excellent guinea pig Vets around the UK and we're always happy to try and recommend local ones. It's definitely worth asking around and finding a good one.

It's good that Fawn is still eating normally and seems happy enough. Which antibiotic is she on? Some can be very harsh on piggy tums (especially Baytril) so it's usually a good idea to give a probiotic while they're on antibiotics, to replenish the 'good' bacteria and restore a healthy balanced gut flora. Pets at Home sell one called Pro-C which is suitable for piggies, otherwise there are also others available online or from the Vets. Make sure that she's getting extra vitamin C while she's unwell.

Only a good Vet can advise on what is actually causing Fawn's swollen knee, upon examination. Are there any ramps or anything else she could've perhaps jumped off/fallen from? How old is she?

If she starts getting worse or goes off her food then I'd get a second opinion asap. Loss of appetite can be a sign of pain/discomfort, as can being unusually lethargic and sitting in the corner all hunched up, sometimes with their fur all spikey/puffed up.

Hope she's back to normal very soon x
 
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Just bumping up this thread, now that it's been moved to Health & Illness :)

Anyone else have any ideas or able to recommend a good piggy Vet near Wembley?
 
It sounds more like a sprain from probably popcorning and running about in the garden as opposed to an infection. Very unlikely an infection that deep into the joint would have come up that quick, but it still might be. Did you get give you any pain relief, it must be uncomfortable for her.

I would consider seeing a different vet if you are not happy with the vets diagnoses. Where i work is pretty good. I'm at Wood street in Barnet if your willing to travel. But we have a branch practice in Hendon which is nearby.
http://www.woodstreetvethospital.co.uk/pages/holders-hill.php
If you go there, see anyone but Phil (hes a good vet but not very piggie friendly vet to be honest)

I hope your piggie starts to feel better soon. How is she now?

x.
 
Sorry, I don't have any advice to offer on your problem as I have zero experience of this, but I know of a few good vets in Surrey if you are prepared to travel (a bit of a trek for you though). I use Beech House Vets in Hersham and would recommend James there. Also, there is Anne at Goddard Vets in Ewell who is widely recognised as a guinea-savvy vet.
 
Thanks very much for your replies. I realised I'd put the thread on technical support after I did it and couldn't figure out how to change it!

I'm also inclined to think it's a sprain and thankfully she does seem to be putting a little more weight on it this afternoon and was hopping about quite quickly in the run so hopefully it's nothing too serious. I checked the antibiotics and they are the ones mentioned that can be harsh on the tummy so I'll keep a close eye on that but she only has one more dose and seems fine so far.

Someone has recommended Blythwood vets in Hatch End which isn't too far from where I work, they are very used to guinea pigs apparently so I'll take her there next time or if I feel I need a second opinion tomorrow.

Thank you very much for the friendly reception and I'll let you know how she is :)
 
I did wonder if it was perhaps just a sprain. Hopefully it's nothing bad and she's on the mend now. Please keep us updated :)
 
Hi whee are hoping that little Fawn's leg is feeling better today xoxoxoxoxoxo

Piggies can so easily damage their legs they do popcorn around a bit and can at times crash into things rolleyes You did the right thing in taking her so promptly to the vets.

By the way i hadn't realised they were your daughters pets, i hadn't welcomed her! so...... Welcome daughter as well to the forum :)
 
Thanks Glynis! I will tell my daughter Poppy she has been welcomed too. Tinkerbell and Fawn did start as her birthday prezzies but they are definitely loved by all of us and cared for mostly by me! I'm allergic to cats and dogs and didn't want to have to be the one who cared for a hamster when I don't like them that much so we got the piggies and I love the way they've bonded with us.

Fawn is about 4 months old and Tinkerbell is about 6 months old and yes I definitely think she might have sprained it popcorning as she is a very bouncy excitable little soul (it's Fawn on the left and Tink on the right in my avatar) Tinkerbell is much more sensible!

I've just put her out and her leg is no longer tucked tightly under her but is now hanging a bit and I think she seems a little happier to use it a bit so hopefully she is ok. Her appetite has definitely not been affected!

I'll keep you updated and really appreciate all the advice thanks :))
 
Thanks for this info on the vets.

I hope your piggie is on the mend x
 
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