I would consider trying gabapentin.
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Managing Impaction & Arthritis
- Thread starter JaseChase
- Start date
I would consider trying gabapentin.
Roselina
Forum Donator 2025/26
Oh gosh I’m sorry to read this - hopefully the stronger dosage will help
You could try oats in mashed banana maybe a spoonful
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
After another chat with the vet Tofu’s meds are now 0.2ml metacam twice a day and 0.1ml gabapentin once a day. There’s room to put those both up if he doesn’t seem better in the next few days
His weight has been stable-ish but still low (hovering around 1210-1220g) and he is active around the cage but still showing signs of pain. I just picked up the gabapentin today (it’s liquid form, thankfully) so we’ll see how he gets on with that tonight, I’m hoping this will be enough to get him back on track
He seems to like the glucosamine pellets which is a plus (when I manage to stop Patches stealing them all, anyway!)
His weight has been stable-ish but still low (hovering around 1210-1220g) and he is active around the cage but still showing signs of pain. I just picked up the gabapentin today (it’s liquid form, thankfully) so we’ll see how he gets on with that tonight, I’m hoping this will be enough to get him back on track
He seems to like the glucosamine pellets which is a plus (when I manage to stop Patches stealing them all, anyway!)
Hi
You may find this guide here helpful to put any major weight loss into its proper perspective. Keep in mind that older piggies naturally lose tone in older age; but they often to do so very gradually, just the same as very old people but you use the BMI check around the ribs for judging that. Please try not to get hung up over numbers.
All the best with fine-tuning your meds. Gabapentin comes with less side side effects than buprenorphine.
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Thank you Wiebke 
it is easy to get caught up in the numbers. I haven’t had an older piggie before (well not since I was a child) his heft does feel alright though. Not too bony, though he’s a little lighter
I’ve stopped daily weighing for now as he was back up at 1338g the other day. He’s perked up a lot since adding in the gabapentin - he even went up on his hind legs for veggies today, without climbing the bars! And he’s been a lot more active and generally back to his usual self
Weekly weigh day is tomorrow and if I see any other concerning signs I’ll go back to daily checks. He’s still out of the cage a lot for meds and his impaction and he’s a lot more comfortable with that now too. No more nipping, lots of licks. I think his pain is back under control
Here he is having a very relaxed nap
it is easy to get caught up in the numbers. I haven’t had an older piggie before (well not since I was a child) his heft does feel alright though. Not too bony, though he’s a little lighterI’ve stopped daily weighing for now as he was back up at 1338g the other day. He’s perked up a lot since adding in the gabapentin - he even went up on his hind legs for veggies today, without climbing the bars! And he’s been a lot more active and generally back to his usual self
Weekly weigh day is tomorrow and if I see any other concerning signs I’ll go back to daily checks. He’s still out of the cage a lot for meds and his impaction and he’s a lot more comfortable with that now too. No more nipping, lots of licks. I think his pain is back under control
Here he is having a very relaxed nap
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Just resurrecting this thread for a bit of advice/reassurance
We’re still struggling to get Tofu’s arthritis under control. He’s now on 0.2ml metacam and 0.1ml gabapentin twice a day, the vet put the gabapentin dose up again at his checkup a couple of weeks ago as he was flinching when handled. He’s more mobile around the cage now and his weight is back up in his normal range (1.26kg)
However I’ve noticed he’s struggling to keep himself clean. I gave him a one-off bum bath on the advice of my vet, the hope being it would reset things and then he’d be able to keep on top of it himself on the higher meds. But a week later he’s very mucky again. Is a bum bath something I should think about doing regularly now he’s a bit older?
He’s also got what looks like cauliflower willy from the boar care guide. He is not a fan of me inspecting too closely
but I’m having to pull out bits of hay/large sperm rods/general muck every couple of days and he seems a lot more comfortable if I can get most of it out. His impaction is about the same, needs cleaning every 2-3 days. Haven’t discussed this with the vet yet as he was just there for a check up and he’s monitored regularly, so dragging him back between appointments isn’t ideal for his stress
I wouldn’t want to put him through regular bathing unless he really needs it. But I’m starting to think I shouldn’t let him stay as mucky as he is - he never used to have this issue even as a teenager so I’m sure it’s because of his arthritis
Piggie tax as a thank you
We’re still struggling to get Tofu’s arthritis under control. He’s now on 0.2ml metacam and 0.1ml gabapentin twice a day, the vet put the gabapentin dose up again at his checkup a couple of weeks ago as he was flinching when handled. He’s more mobile around the cage now and his weight is back up in his normal range (1.26kg)
However I’ve noticed he’s struggling to keep himself clean. I gave him a one-off bum bath on the advice of my vet, the hope being it would reset things and then he’d be able to keep on top of it himself on the higher meds. But a week later he’s very mucky again. Is a bum bath something I should think about doing regularly now he’s a bit older?
He’s also got what looks like cauliflower willy from the boar care guide. He is not a fan of me inspecting too closely
but I’m having to pull out bits of hay/large sperm rods/general muck every couple of days and he seems a lot more comfortable if I can get most of it out. His impaction is about the same, needs cleaning every 2-3 days. Haven’t discussed this with the vet yet as he was just there for a check up and he’s monitored regularly, so dragging him back between appointments isn’t ideal for his stress I wouldn’t want to put him through regular bathing unless he really needs it. But I’m starting to think I shouldn’t let him stay as mucky as he is - he never used to have this issue even as a teenager so I’m sure it’s because of his arthritis
Piggie tax as a thank you
Just resurrecting this thread for a bit of advice/reassurance
We’re still struggling to get Tofu’s arthritis under control. He’s now on 0.2ml metacam and 0.1ml gabapentin twice a day, the vet put the gabapentin dose up again at his checkup a couple of weeks ago as he was flinching when handled. He’s more mobile around the cage now and his weight is back up in his normal range (1.26kg)
However I’ve noticed he’s struggling to keep himself clean. I gave him a one-off bum bath on the advice of my vet, the hope being it would reset things and then he’d be able to keep on top of it himself on the higher meds. But a week later he’s very mucky again. Is a bum bath something I should think about doing regularly now he’s a bit older?
He’s also got what looks like cauliflower willy from the boar care guide. He is not a fan of me inspecting too closely
I wouldn’t want to put him through regular bathing unless he really needs it. But I’m starting to think I shouldn’t let him stay as mucky as he is - he never used to have this issue even as a teenager so I’m sure it’s because of his arthritis
Piggie tax as a thank you
View attachment 265633 View attachment 265634
He may need a daily gentle wipe down from you; including a check on the foot soles - and regular bedding changes. Please be aware that softened foot soles are more likely to develop tiny cracks and bumblefoot; especially in combination with reduced mobility. It can become a bit of a balance act with frailer old piggies.
You may find this guide here helpful:
PS: We appreciate if you keep further developments to this guide. It makes it easier for us to check the backstory and it can also help people searching the forum in the future to follow a case through all its twists and turns; which is usually not possible on social media.
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
He may need a daily gentle wipe down from you; including a check on the foot soles - and regular bedding changes. Please be aware that softened foot soles are more likely to develop tiny cracks and bumblefoot; especially in combination with reduced mobility. It can become a bit of a balance act with frailer old piggies.
You may find this guide here helpful:
PS: We appreciate if you keep further developments to this guide. It makes it easier for us to check the backstory and it can also help people searching the forum in the future to follow a case through all its twists and turns; which is usually not possible on social media.
Thank you, that's really helpful
his cagemate came to us with bumblefoot, so I keep on top of their fleece bedding for him, making sure nothing wet is left for them to sit on. Tofu has a couple of favourite spots to nap in. He does still move around the whole cage, especially for food or after a cage clean, but he favours two areas in particular I keep an eye onIs plain water and cotton wool enough to wipe him down with daily? I used baby shampoo for his bum bath as I was hoping it would be a one off, but I'd get in some guinea pig specific shampoo if he needed it regularly. He gets so much stuck in his back end now, I feel for him, it can't be very comfortable
He doesn't nip or complain when I handle his back legs anymore, so I think the painkillers are doing their job. It's just balancing the dose to make sure he's as comfortable as possible that's been a bit tricky. The vet said we might need to put the meds up again, depending how he does in the next few weeks
Roselina
Forum Donator 2025/26
Ah dear lovely Tofu
Are you sure it isn’t a little Diarrhoea ? Maybe from his meds ?
My lovely Bobby was on a lot of meds for his uti/bladder stones and was unable to clean himself - he was a bit mucky every day
I gave him a bum bath with warm water and cotton wool - gently toweling him dry
He was so good at having it done
Are you sure it isn’t a little Diarrhoea ? Maybe from his meds ?
My lovely Bobby was on a lot of meds for his uti/bladder stones and was unable to clean himself - he was a bit mucky every day
I gave him a bum bath with warm water and cotton wool - gently toweling him dry
He was so good at having it done
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Aww lovely Bobby, he must have been a sweetheartAh dear lovely Tofu
Are you sure it isn’t a little Diarrhoea ? Maybe from his meds ?
My lovely Bobby was on a lot of meds for his uti/bladder stones and was unable to clean himself - he was a bit mucky every day
I gave him a bum bath with warm water and cotton wool - gently toweling him dry
He was so good at having it done
I hadn’t thought it could be diarrhoea with Tofu. His poops are still small, but they’re not runny at all, and his weight is much better since being on the higher doses. I’ll keep an eye on it
Going to start giving him regular wipe downs just to see if that helps him stay more comfortable. He’s a sweetheart and has done the typical mellow aging boar thing, so he quite enjoys being out for a cuddle, even though he is not a fan of the water
Aww lovely Bobby, he must have been a sweetheart
I hadn’t thought it could be diarrhoea with Tofu. His poops are still small, but they’re not runny at all, and his weight is much better since being on the higher doses. I’ll keep an eye on it
Going to start giving him regular wipe downs just to see if that helps him stay more comfortable. He’s a sweetheart and has done the typical mellow aging boar thing, so he quite enjoys being out for a cuddle, even though he is not a fan of the water
You may want to get some leucillin from online for any sore skin. Flamacine is now prescription-only in the UK.
The Metacam dose could be increased. I had a piggy with severe arthritis and he was on 0.6ml of dog Metacam twice daily plus Gabapentin (not sure what the dose of this was). He was on this for two years without any side effects. He was helped across the rainbow bridge at over 6 years of age (old for a skinny pig) when we could no longer keep him comfortable. I believe it is better to give them a good quality of life without pain rather than worry about the longer term effects of the medication.
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Thank you, that’s reassuring to hear there’s lots more flexibility with the dose
vet said last appointment that increasing the Metacam would be her next suggestion, she was doing some research and wanted to see how he got on with twice daily doses of gabapentin I’m going to have a chat with the more senior vet about removing my other piggie’s lump tomorrow, and I’ll be picking up Tofu’s meds refill at the same time. Will check in with her then about the Metacam
Tofu has been quite bright recently. I’ve given him a couple of wipe downs but for the last few days he hasn’t needed it, and he’s been doing full body popcorns again! He does still seem uncomfortable with prolonged handling though. I agree I’d rather give him better quality of life short-term than a longer life in pain
Thank you, that’s reassuring to hear there’s lots more flexibility with the dose
I’m going to have a chat with the more senior vet about removing my other piggie’s lump tomorrow, and I’ll be picking up Tofu’s meds refill at the same time. Will check in with her then about the Metacam
Tofu has been quite bright recently. I’ve given him a couple of wipe downs but for the last few days he hasn’t needed it, and he’s been doing full body popcorns again! He does still seem uncomfortable with prolonged handling though. I agree I’d rather give him better quality of life short-term than a longer life in pain
It is good to hear that the meds have kicked in and given Tofu more quality and joy of life again. Actually the regained zest and joy of life in itself is life-prolonging and outweighs any concerns about longer term side effects (kidneys).
I've always put quality of life before length of life with my own arthritic oldies; and they have usually surprised me positively!
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
It has been so lovely to see him bouncing around the cage again. He's even climbed the bars for veggies a few times, which he stopped doing when the arthritis got worse, and we play tug of war with his syringes, especially the metacam which he loves. He is resigned to the gabapentin but definitely doesn't like the taste of it haha
I did have a question about picking him up - I've always used a snuggle sack to transport him. He knows to go in the bag and then I pick him up from inside, which has always worked well. But he's been squeaking when I first lift him. I do tend to lift from the back end, to support his bum, but as the arthritis is in his lower spine and back hips maybe it's too painful to do it that way? I have to get him out for meds and health checks but I don't like hurting him. Maybe it's another sign to put the painkiller doses up?
Here he is poking his head out for a treat (pea flakes)
piggieminder
Forum Buddy
Red and Brillo have been on .45 - .5 Metacam x2 daily since October 2022 for arthritis. They also now have .12 Gabapentin x2 daily. Brillo had soft poop when he dropped some weight so we dropped his Metacam by .05 which helped. Red who is heavier was on .15 Gabapentin but he got sleepy on it so the dose was dropped.
It is a case of trial and error with them and having a sympathetic and interested vet is key to managing their pain. They are seen every six months for a check up and meds adjustment unless they need to go sooner.
It's lovely to hear Tofu is brighter. I sympathise with the gabapentin, mine hate it too. When they were just on Metacam and 4joints they would come to the bars for what they considered their treat but now I have to pick them up to persuade them to take it. I use their Fuzzbutts beds which have a fairly rigid bottom, maybe persuading Tofu into something more solid would help his pain when picking him up. Their beds have a layer of folded newspaper and a piece of vetbed which make them even more rigid.
It is a case of trial and error with them and having a sympathetic and interested vet is key to managing their pain. They are seen every six months for a check up and meds adjustment unless they need to go sooner.
It's lovely to hear Tofu is brighter. I sympathise with the gabapentin, mine hate it too. When they were just on Metacam and 4joints they would come to the bars for what they considered their treat but now I have to pick them up to persuade them to take it. I use their Fuzzbutts beds which have a fairly rigid bottom, maybe persuading Tofu into something more solid would help his pain when picking him up. Their beds have a layer of folded newspaper and a piece of vetbed which make them even more rigid.
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
I used to give Tofu his meds in the cage when it was just Metacam as well - he loved running over for it! I tried with the gabapentin and he ran in the other direction haha, so now he’s out of the cage twice a day
He’s fine once he’s out as long as I’m careful and gentle with his back legs, it’s just the picking up. I like the idea of using a bed with a firmer base. Do you find vet bed helps yours? I’ve been considering getting some, especially when Tofu was favouring a couple of spots in the cage. He’s got more mobile again and using all the corners of the cage for now
I’m glad your boys are getting on well with higher doses. I suspect we’ll put Tofu’s up again when I next speak to the vet because while he’s definitely brighter than he was, he is still uncomfortable at touch - I wish he could tell me if he’s still sore haha, but I wouldn’t want to be too conservative and leave him in pain
piggieminder
Forum Buddy
They were getting red feet which is why I dug out the old vetbed I used to use for Caspy. They no longer have red feet and last time they had a vet check the vet commented on it and said she would expect them to be getting urine scald. If Tofu is moving around a lot and not only sleeping in one or two places then he probably doesn't need it yet. I would keep an eye on his feet though.
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Aw that’s great it’s cleared up their feet! Tofu is much more mobile since switching the gabapentin to twice a day. I’ve been checking his feet at meds time and they’re alright so far, if a little cold. I’ve started putting a snugglesafe in for him, not that he’s used it yet
Patches (Tofu’s cagemate) has red feet from a bad case of bumblefoot before he was rescued. It flares up occasionally which is another reason I was considering vetbed, but it’s under control for the moment
It’s been three whole days since I’ve had to give Tofu a wipe down/impaction clean
I think the meds are doing the trick for now
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Coming back here as Tofu is showing signs of another arthritis flare
His pain has been well controlled for the last three or four months at 0.2ml metacam & 0.1ml gabapentin twice a day. He’s been happy going around the whole cage, doing the occasional popcorn, though he doesn’t zoom or climb the bars anymore. He has a bit of a waddle with his back legs too
He was just seen by the vet a couple weeks ago for his regular medication review and everything was alright then. However, in the last week (since the hot weather) I’ve noticed him more reluctant to move around. His weight has dipped a tiny bit, he squeaks when being handled again and he’s avoiding being picked up (he’s normally totally fine coming out of the cage).
I’ve inspected him and can’t see anything obviously wrong. His impaction is much better, he only needs cleaning once a week now and less regular wipe downs
I’m not sure whether to ask the vet to put up the painkillers (dragging him back there when he’s just been seen), or if I should give it a few more days to see if he bounces back on his own? It’s only been a few days
Less relevant, but his eyesight is worsening as well. He has known heterotropic bone growth & masses in his eyes that are monitored by a specialist. He has always had partial sight since they appeared, but in the last week or so I’ve seen him struggling to find things unless they’re right under his nose and he’s less keen to explore when the cage gets cleaned and everything moves around (temporarily - I tend to keep things in the same places so he knows where they are)
He’s four and a half years old now and an absolute sweetheart
His pain has been well controlled for the last three or four months at 0.2ml metacam & 0.1ml gabapentin twice a day. He’s been happy going around the whole cage, doing the occasional popcorn, though he doesn’t zoom or climb the bars anymore. He has a bit of a waddle with his back legs too
He was just seen by the vet a couple weeks ago for his regular medication review and everything was alright then. However, in the last week (since the hot weather) I’ve noticed him more reluctant to move around. His weight has dipped a tiny bit, he squeaks when being handled again and he’s avoiding being picked up (he’s normally totally fine coming out of the cage).
I’ve inspected him and can’t see anything obviously wrong. His impaction is much better, he only needs cleaning once a week now and less regular wipe downs
I’m not sure whether to ask the vet to put up the painkillers (dragging him back there when he’s just been seen), or if I should give it a few more days to see if he bounces back on his own? It’s only been a few days
Less relevant, but his eyesight is worsening as well. He has known heterotropic bone growth & masses in his eyes that are monitored by a specialist. He has always had partial sight since they appeared, but in the last week or so I’ve seen him struggling to find things unless they’re right under his nose and he’s less keen to explore when the cage gets cleaned and everything moves around (temporarily - I tend to keep things in the same places so he knows where they are)
He’s four and a half years old now and an absolute sweetheart
Roselina
Forum Donator 2025/26
It could be worth asking your Vet about Johnson’s 4 joints ( a dog medication)
My vet recommended it for Geoff (he’s 5 yrs 5 months)
It’s made a big difference ….his impaction is really reduced ( like Tofu nice a week now) and he’s moving about more - he loves the taste too
Geoff weighs 1060 so he has 0.4 ml daily
Dear Tofu he’s such a lovely boy
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
It could be worth asking your Vet about Johnson’s 4 joints ( a dog medication)
My vet recommended it for Geoff (he’s 5 yrs 5 months)
It’s made a big difference ….his impaction is really reduced ( like Tofu nice a week now) and he’s moving about more - he loves the taste too
Geoff weighs 1060 so he has 0.4 ml daily
Dear Tofu he’s such a lovely boy
Ooh yes, I think I will ask my vet about this. He’s on the glucosamine pellets already and he does like them, but it’s hard to know exactly how much he’s eating vs Eddie lol. Tofu is 1.2kg so I imagine he’d be on a similar dose to Geoff
Glad to hear Geoff likes it and is getting along well
Tofu is a bit better this evening. He’s really borderline for me asking the vet to put his meds up. I think if it persists a couple more days I will contact them thoughManagement is tough with the older frail ones!
Your vet would be able to increase the Metacam dose too. We have had piggies with arthritis in 0.8ml twice daily. I can also recommend the 4joints, it starts to take effect after 2/3 weeks.
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
That’s good to hear the dose can be much higher! The vet has said before there’s plenty of room to put both the metacam and gabapentin up if/when he needs it. His weight dipped again today and he’s not perked up really, so I’m going to contact the vet tomorrow. I’m hoping as he’s just been seen they’ll be happy to up the dose without seeing him again
he does hate the stress of vet trips
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Also, he sits a bit funny now - his back legs fold completely beneath him. Like he’s avoiding putting any weight on them at all. Hard to describe and I haven’t managed to get a picture yet
Has anyone else with arthritic piggies seen something similar? He’s still walking fine (and he popcorns pretty regularly too) but when he’s still he keeps his back legs folded right underneath him, almost like splayed out
I did ask the vet about it last appointment and she said to keep an eye but it sounded normal for arthritis. Of course he wouldn’t do it in front of her
Has anyone else with arthritic piggies seen something similar? He’s still walking fine (and he popcorns pretty regularly too) but when he’s still he keeps his back legs folded right underneath him, almost like splayed out
I did ask the vet about it last appointment and she said to keep an eye but it sounded normal for arthritis. Of course he wouldn’t do it in front of her
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Vet agreed to put the metacam up to 0.3ml twice a day and see how he goes, then she wants to see him again if he is still struggling
I half think it’s the heat causing him to flare. Hopefully with the higher dose and cooler weather coming in he’ll start feeling better soon
I half think it’s the heat causing him to flare. Hopefully with the higher dose and cooler weather coming in he’ll start feeling better soon
JaseChase
Forum Donator 2025/26
Two days on the higher dose and he’s already perked up! Plus the cooler weather. He managed to get up on his back legs for veggies today 
