Looking For Help!

[ShelleyB89]

Hi

We noticed that our 7 1/2 year old guinea pig wasn't eating his morning vegetables yesterday. He was lethargic and puffed up and reluctant to come out of his pigaloo. This was really unusual behaviour for him. There have been no other previous signs he was unwell and at that stage no other symptoms.

We managed to get him an emergency appointment at the vet who checked his teeth, breathing and for any growths but he couldn't see anything. We have been given a course of baytrill.

I have been up all night with him giving him critical care every 2 hours. He is now eating by himself (veg and hay) and looking a lot perkier. However, he's now developed an issue with his back left leg. He seems to be in quite a bit of pain. He won't let me touch it and he is struggling to move about. It's like he's lost function and is partially paralysed. Due to this, he's not able to move very much and is urinating on himself.

I'm taking him back to the vet tomorrow. Is there anything at all I can do in the meantime? Does anyone know what it could be? My vet seems a bit clueless. I know he's old but he's a very active pig and up until yesterday, very healthy!

I'm so worried about him. It's breaking my heart seeing him like this.

Thanks
Shelley

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Poor baby! Is it possible that he's had a little stroke? I'm no expert so that's the only thing I can think of.

For the meantime just keep him dry and clean, feed him if he needs it and keep a close eye. Do you weigh him regularly? Has he lost weight?

Hope it's nothing and he's better soon

 

[ShelleyB89]

Poor baby! Is it possible that he's had a little stroke? I'm no expert so that's the only thing I can think of.

For the meantime just keep him dry and clean, feed him if he needs it and keep a close eye. Do you weigh him regularly? Has he lost weight?

Hope it's nothing and he's better soon

Hi

I was concerned it could be neurological as well. It's just so unlikely to be an injury given the leg issue has happened straight after he deteriorated yesterday.

He has lost weight but has been eating as normal up until yesterday. I estimate around 10% of his body weight since July.

 

[ShelleyB89]

Hi

I was concerned it could be neurological as well. It's just so unlikely to be an injury given the leg issue has happened straight after he deteriorated yesterday.

He has lost weight but has been eating as normal up until yesterday. I estimate around 10% of his body weight since July.

Sorry, since June, not July.

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

I wonder if it's a bit of arthritis? Perhaps it was making him feel under the weather yesterday and would explain his poorly leg - especially at his fabulous age! Hope he gets better soon and your vet can help <3

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

We noticed that our 7 1/2 year old guinea pig wasn't eating his morning vegetables yesterday. He was lethargic and puffed up and reluctant to come out of his pigaloo. This was really unusual behaviour for him. There have been no other previous signs he was unwell and at that stage no other symptoms.

We managed to get him an emergency appointment at the vet who checked his teeth, breathing and for any growths but he couldn't see anything. We have been given a course of baytrill.

I have been up all night with him giving him critical care every 2 hours. He is now eating by himself (veg and hay) and looking a lot perkier. However, he's now developed an issue with his back left leg. He seems to be in quite a bit of pain. He won't let me touch it and he is struggling to move about. It's like he's lost function and is partially paralysed. Due to this, he's not able to move very much and is urinating on himself.

I'm taking him back to the vet tomorrow. Is there anything at all I can do in the meantime? Does anyone know what it could be? My vet seems a bit clueless. I know he's old but he's a very active pig and up until yesterday, very healthy!

I'm so worried about him. It's breaking my heart seeing him like this.

Thanks
Shelley

Just hang on in there and keep him topped up with syringe feed after meals. Weigh him daily at the same time to keep an eye on his food intake and if necessary keep him topped up with syringe feed after any meal. Place water, hay and pellets within reach of his sleeping area and change that twice daily if his mobility is further impeded. Check regularly as he may experience problems with keeping himself clean in the genital area and may also develop urine scald or even mild bumblefoot issues if he is unable to take the weight off his front paws anymore.

It takes a vet visit for a diagnosis, which is generally not all easy in these cases.
One-sided back leg paralysis can be caused by arthritis, in the wake of a stroke, by painful blood clots (happened to my Ffraid over the course of a night) or neurological problems. My 7 year old Nerys developed a painful swelling and fluid build-up in her body in the adrenal gland area which led to an uneven back leg paralysis for a few weeks... And these are just a few of the possible issues!

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Hi

I was concerned it could be neurological as well. It's just so unlikely to be an injury given the leg issue has happened straight after he deteriorated yesterday.

He has lost weight but has been eating as normal up until yesterday. I estimate around 10% of his body weight since July.

Wiekbe has given some top notch help as usual! Hopefully you find out what's going on with him soon and he gets back to 100%