Jerry cant move his back legs

[Amy Kate Ktori]

I just put our guinea pig, Jerry, in his run and he isn't moving his back legs, just dragging them behind him. There hasnt been any kind of accident, although he is very wriggly and sometimes twists about in my hands when I'm handling him.

I read a thread on here from 2009 which was reassuring as it said that there is a chance of recovery and he shouldn't be in pain. He doesn't seem to be - he is eating and moving about.

Should I isolate him and put him in a small part of the cage? I'm worried that he'll be lonely as he hasnt ever really been on his own before.

Any advice welcome. Thank you

 

[Wiebke]

I just put our guinea pig, Jerry, in his run and he isn't moving his back legs, just dragging them behind him. There hasnt been any kind of accident, although he is very wriggly and sometimes twists about in my hands when I'm handling him.

I read a thread on here from 2009 which was reassuring as it said that there is a chance of recovery and he shouldn't be in pain. He doesn't seem to be - he is eating and moving about.

Should I isolate him and put him in a small part of the cage? I'm worried that he'll be lonely as he hasnt ever really been on his own before.

Any advice welcome. Thank you

Hi and welcome

Please keep him with his mates, but have him vet checked. The 10 years old advice is very outdated now! We have unfortunately no control over what google is coming up with.

It very much depends on what is causing the back lag paralysis as to the prognosis. A temporary back leg paralysis through a sudden drop in calcium can be the cause, but it is by far not the only one! Several types of back leg paralysis will slowly revert, but sadly not all.
Veterinary knowledge has advanced a lot in the intervening decade. You want to make sure that you do not overlook something important by being too complacent and plumping for the easy option.

You may find this guide here helpful as it contains detailed advice on how best to care for Jerry. It also has a list of possible causes for paralysis. I have written it specifically for people looking after a piggy with any kind of mobility problems, whether partial, temporary or permanent: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry to hear this, a member @Betsy had a similar problem with one of her piggies Christian, perhaps she can help you

 

[Betsy]

Yes @Bill & Ted is quite right. Christian did hurt his back and was in a lot of pain. He is still on a high dose of painkillers (Metacam) now. Here is his story.

Christian was at emergency vet appointment this morning!