My 7 Year Old Female Guinea Pig Went Lame

[tiggiwinkle]

Hi

Just wanted to share something. My elderly female piggie started dragging her back feet around last weekend. I found on this forum, advice about using Osteocare which I purchased from Boots, I followed the instructions which I read on this forum - 1ml twice a day for two days, followed by 1ml per day. Apart from the fact that she absolutely loves her meds, she is now walking around using her back legs normally, although slightly wobbly. Just wanted to share this in case anyone else encounters the same problem. PS she did not have an injury, this just happened on its own.

 

[7squeakers.]

Thank you for sharing. That s very handy to know. My oldest is 6 years now and so far in good health. But I will keep this in mind, just in case.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

Just wanted to share something. My elderly female piggie started dragging her back feet around last weekend. I found on this forum, advice about using Osteocare which I purchased from Boots, I followed the instructions which I read on this forum - 1ml twice a day for two days, followed by 1ml per day. Apart from the fact that she absolutely loves her meds, she is now walking around using her back legs normally, although slightly wobbly. Just wanted to share this in case anyone else encounters the same problem. PS she did not have an injury, this just happened on its own.

Thanks for sharing.

"Overnight back leg paralysis" in older guinea pigs due to a sudden drop of calcium is the most common form. However, there are other issues that can also cause sudden loss of the back legs, like arthritis, spinal injury, blood clots or neurological issues. We strongly recommend to see a vet for a proper investigation and medication and to not home treat on spec, as you may overlook a crucial vector.

Thankfully, in most cases, back leg paralysis will revert and the piggy in question will eventually be able to walk again. It is generally a one-off episode.

 

[karonus]

I would also recommend daily bum baths in warm water to prevent urine scalding, especially in sows.

 

[worried val of york]

Just thought I would give my experience with my 7 year old boar called Rupert who lost the use of his back legs. I took him to vets who gave him metacam and gabapentin. As this really didn't improve his mobility issue I referred to Peter Gurney's advice about Osteocare. He had it for 3 days only and his mobility did get better.
However a few weeks later Rupert stopped weeing. He ate and drank but only produced poops. I took him back to vet who told me off for giving Rupert Osteocare as guinea pigs have problems processing the calcium in that medicine. The vet took x rays which showed something was there (not stones). Rupert had a procedure under anaesthetic to clear out his system. The vet said it was a sludge like consistency. The vet also advised me Rupert had severe arthritis and one of his back legs has bones fused together. Rupert is still with me he has daily metacam and I am convinced he has an acceptable quality of life as I type this. I have to help him morning and evening with his impaction. He has limited movement so he has vet bed to rest on and keep him as dry as possible. I have cut guinea pig sized pieces of the vet bed so it is easy to launder and change frequently. I asked the vet what shampoo to use to avoid urine burns, I was advised to use only water to bathe him.
It is upsetting when you see your guinea pig struggling to walk so I hope your guinea pig continues to improve.

 

[tiggiwinkle]

Just thought I would give my experience with my 7 year old boar called Rupert who lost the use of his back legs. I took him to vets who gave him metacam and gabapentin. As this really didn't improve his mobility issue I referred to Peter Gurney's advice about Osteocare. He had it for 3 days only and his mobility did get better.
However a few weeks later Rupert stopped weeing. He ate and drank but only produced poops. I took him back to vet who told me off for giving Rupert Osteocare as guinea pigs have problems processing the calcium in that medicine. The vet took x rays which showed something was there (not stones). Rupert had a procedure under anaesthetic to clear out his system. The vet said it was a sludge like consistency. The vet also advised me Rupert had severe arthritis and one of his back legs has bones fused together. Rupert is still with me he has daily metacam and I am convinced he has an acceptable quality of life as I type this. I have to help him morning and evening with his impaction. He has limited movement so he has vet bed to rest on and keep him as dry as possible. I have cut guinea pig sized pieces of the vet bed so it is easy to launder and change frequently. I asked the vet what shampoo to use to avoid urine burns, I was advised to use only water to bathe him.
It is upsetting when you see your guinea pig struggling to walk so I hope your guinea pig continues to improve.

Thanks for the information, I will keep a close eye on Chocolate.