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Jumped Out Of My Hands Now Dragging Rear Feet.

Perkypanda

Perkypanda

Junior Guinea Pig
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Kent, England
Bella jumped from my hands (about 30cm from ground) as I was putting her into the run today. Instantly she started to drag both back feet. I took her straight to the vets. Because of the snow it's even harder to get anywhere and luckily a neighbour gave me a lift. She said Bella has got feeling in the feet and both kind of respond to touch. She felt her back but said that to do an X-Ray was too dangerous today because they would have to sedate her. So she has given Bella an anti-inflammatory injection and I have her at home in a smaller cage. She is eating and generally bright eyed at the moment. however she is shaking a bit and so far hasn't gone to the toilet at all. The vet said she might not feel the urge or the opposite might happen. I have an appointment tomorrow at 11 at the specialist. Just hoping it doesn't snow any more. I already am not sure how I am going to get here as it's so icy. I am scared stiff and don't know what to do. She looks so helpless. I've already rang my employer (a school so we have had two days snow days anyway) and told them I won't be in. Any advice?
 
I am so sorry to hear this, please dont blame yourself this has happened to many of us at some time and Belly has landed badly I am afraid.

The anti inflammatory injection is also a pain killer so will act in two ways. She really needs to see a specialist vet as you are doing for further assessment and needs an xray to see what is going on. Is she eating at all? Any signs of pain? I presume the vet checked her spine?

I am tagging in @Wiebke @helen105281 @furryfriends (TEAS) @Freela @Elwickcavies
 
sending you hugs :hug: - it's such a worry when these things happen :(.
I remember , my older sow misjudged a jump once . She was vet checked - but it took a few days for her to recover . It was like she took to her bed ! She rested up and I gave her Metacam morning and evening . She slowly recovered and now is back to her normal self .
My main concern with your guinea is that she isn't poo'ing - have there been no poos at all?
 
Perkypanda said:
Bella jumped from my hands (about 30cm from ground) as I was putting her into the run today. Instantly she started to drag both back feet. I took her straight to the vets. Because of the snow it's even harder to get anywhere and luckily a neighbour gave me a lift. She said Bella has got feeling in the feet and both kind of respond to touch. She felt her back but said that to do an X-Ray was too dangerous today because they would have to sedate her. So she has given Bella an anti-inflammatory injection and I have her at home in a smaller cage. She is eating and generally bright eyed at the moment. however she is shaking a bit and so far hasn't gone to the toilet at all. The vet said she might not feel the urge or the opposite might happen. I have an appointment tomorrow at 11 at the specialist. Just hoping it doesn't snow any more. I already am not sure how I am going to get here as it's so icy. I am scared stiff and don't know what to do. She looks so helpless. I've already rang my employer (a school so we have had two days snow days anyway) and told them I won't be in. Any advice?
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Hi!

Very sorry for your nasty shock! Freak accidents can unfortunately happen; they are not preventable by their very nature. Guinea pigs have unfortunately a tendency to jump early and injure themselves; Bella is not the first one who had made a misjudged blind jump with a bad landing. :(

Keep her warm (but not hot), comfy and as calm as possible; she will be rather shaken, too!
Make sure that she has hay, veg and some pellets as well as water right within her reach so she can eat from where she is resting. Change the bedding tomorrow if it is soiled.

Good that you have seen her tomorrow morning; she needs a scan and only then can you make any informed decisions. Until then concentrate on sending her healing and calming thoughts whenever your panic gets the better of you. You are a caring and loving owner and have done absolutely the right thing! These things always happen at the most importunate moments. :(
 
Please keep us updated on Bella, we are all here for you.
 
Thanks. She is eating. She has eaten some spinach and lettuce and is nibbling constantly at the hay she seems to have co-cooned her self in. I don't want to make her move really but when she did about an hour ago she hadn't pooed. The accident happened about 5pm. So over 4 hours now. Grace on the other side has pooped for Britain in her cage so I am worried about this. Nothing I can do over night except try to keep her comfy.
 
There's a poo! This might not be anything but her head seems to be moving up. So for example she is laying it down but it seems to automatically rise up again. Not sure if this could be a reflex thing, shock or what.
 
Perkypanda said:
There's a poo! This might not be anything but her head seems to be moving up. So for example she is laying it down but it seems to automatically rise up again. Not sure if this could be a reflex thing, shock or what.
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Poo is good! that is really good, shows her bowels are working :)

Unsure on the head thing, sorry.
 
Perkypanda said:
Thanks. She is eating. She has eaten some spinach and lettuce and is nibbling constantly at the hay she seems to have co-cooned her self in. I don't want to make her move really but when she did about an hour ago she hadn't pooed. The accident happened about 5pm. So over 4 hours now. Grace on the other side has pooped for Britain in her cage so I am worried about this. Nothing I can do over night except try to keep her comfy.
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Since she is eating, she is not feeling uncomfortable or blocked up, nor is her gut in stasis - all these things would cause a very quick loss in appetite. Please take a deep breath and leave her be.
 
Hoping she has a restful night, sending lots of love and vibes
 
I’ve just caught up with this thread. My late piggy was a “jump-a” who knew no fear. So I send you massive hugs & healing vibes. Let us know how she gets on x
 
I've never experienced this personally, but did see an episode of a vet show recently with a similar situation where the piggie did regain the use of its back legs in the ensuing couple of weeks. I think your best bet is just to keep her quiet and comfortable until you can see the specialist vet in the morning.
 
Snow is just awful! I can't get out of the village. Feel awful. I've rung around other vets and trying to get an appointment this afternoon or tomorrow. She has pooped a lot. Not drunk anything and hardly eating. I can't just sit here watching her suffer.
 
Have you syringe fed her to keep her guts moving? Complete syringe feeding guide on Help guides at top of page. Sorry can't link them in on this device.
 
Sending lots of healing vibes, I hope you manage to get her back to the vets x
 
Managed to find a guy with a 4x4. He has been helping people out, towing people, giving lifts etc day and night. He is willing to take me to the vets (despite the fact that it's still snowing and an hours drive). It's the exotic pets specialist so if anyone can do anything they can. Hopefully they will do an x-ray and/or admit her. At least then I know I have done everything I can and she isn't suffering.
 
Update: The vet did an x-ray without sedation and there are no fractures at all. They are keeping her in and giving her anti-inflammatories every 12 hours and doing laser heat treatment once a day. They said we will see if there is any improvement in 48 hours. If there is then they can carry on. If not then we will need to see if we need to let her go. The vet was really nice though. He also tested for reflexes and said she had them in both feet. She is bright eyed and can wee and poop. They will give her fluids if needed. I am going back on Sunday to see her and decide next steps. Obviously I will ring before that too. I know now that I have done everything that I can. She is being looked after and isn't in pain.

Grace is looking very sorry for herself. She is still eating and lively though so I am just keeping her company and keep stroking her. Hopefully she'll be ok too - it's the first time she has ever been on her own.
 
Glad to hear there is no damage.
Poor Grace has probably been in shock. What a worrying time for you, especially with the snow.
 
Perkypanda said:
Snow is just awful! I can't get out of the village. Feel awful. I've rung around other vets and trying to get an appointment this afternoon or tomorrow. She has pooped a lot. Not drunk anything and hardly eating. I can't just sit here watching her suffer.
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Please step in with syringe feeding; your care CAN make all the difference! Use mushed up pellets in an emergency and offer as much water as possible. Our guide will take you through it all step by step: Complete Syringe Feeding Guide


Has your veg given any painkiller and considered bad bruising or internal bleeding?
 
She is in the vets now. See previous comment. Wait and see now but I know she is in the right place.
 
Just rang the vet. There has been no improvement. They are keeping on with the treatment but it's not looking good at all. I don't think I'll be bringing my baby home. Decision will be made on Sunday.
 
Oh no.. I’m sorry to hear this. Dig deep & be strong. I’ll send healing vibes & huge hugs :wub: x
 
Perkypanda said:
Just rang the vet. There has been no improvement. They are keeping on with the treatment but it's not looking good at all. I don't think I'll be bringing my baby home. Decision will be made on Sunday.
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Personally, as long as she is eating and not appearing in pain, I would give her more time than two days to decide. Nerve injuries in peripheral nerves can heal up, but often take some time. Either way, I know it's a really hard decision that you are having to make. Thinking of you and hoping she starts to show some improvement.
 
PiggyOwner said:
sending you hugs :hug: - it's such a worry when these things happen :(.
I remember , my older sow misjudged a jump once . She was vet checked - but it took a few days for her to recover . It was like she took to her bed ! She rested up and I gave her Metacam morning and evening . She slowly recovered and now is back to her normal self .
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Perkypanda said:
Just rang the vet. There has been no improvement. They are keeping on with the treatment but it's not looking good at all. I don't think I'll be bringing my baby home. Decision will be made on Sunday.
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Please be patient - it can take some time before you see any improvement . I remember I was really concerned about Bess - and my "reassurance" in the first few days was that she was still eating . In hindsight , nature was telling Bess to rest up - and she certainly did that - it was like she was bedridden . I understand you will have to consider your options on Sunday if there is no improvement . I am keeping everything crossed that you will see some improvement by Sunday .
 
Thanks guys. The accident happened on Wednesday. So I think that if there is no improvement by Sunday afternoon then we've given it long enough. I don't want her to suffer. Plus I am not sure that the vet will keep doing the treatment for much longer than that.
 
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