My Guinea Pig Cant Move Her Back Legs Very Well

[sophiachew]

hello everyone, i was wondering if you could help me. i have a 7.5 year old Guinea pig named chocolate, lately she has been slow moving due to her back legs, she seems to be struggling to move around for water and food. even so that today she was on the brink of death she couldn't even eat or drink or pass urine or poo. but slowly she began to eat lettuce and then water and back on food i also put a seen and nut bar in her cage. anyway, she cant really move her back legs very well and struggles to move. what can i do to help? and what has caused this? is it just old age?
reply's would be great fully received thank you

 

[helen105281]

Welcome to the forum. Please could you update your location as it will help us help you.

She needs to see a vet as soon as possible as it sounds like she is in pain. It could be caused by arthritis but there could be more to it and only a vet can diagnose. I am worried about her not eating, how much is she eating now? Here is our hand feeding guide, it is crucial that she keeps eating so her guts don't stop working

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-hand-feeding-guide.115359/

 

[Sue and Smartie]

I agree, she needs to see a vet.

I did have one who was very ill and had problems with his back legs ever after. The vet thought he had a slipped disc, or possibly had had a stroke. He lived for a year and a half afterwards but he did require a lot of extra care - frequent baths, hand feeding, massages etc.
The vet has since started offering acupuncture which has been very effective on my elderly cats so she would be the first I would go to if I had a similar problem to the one you describe.

 

[DM030819]

Definitely a vet visit is needed. My first guess would be arthritis, and she'll be given some pain medication like Metacam, or Rimadyl. But, a guinea pig specialised vet will be able to diagnose her properly.

 

[Wiebke]

Please have her checked by a vet; the most likely cause it arthritis considering her age and the fact that the onset has not been immediate. However, you need to exclude a variety of other causes. She will also need the right kind of medication, most likely a painkiller.

It is absolutely vital to hand feed your old girl in order to prevent her guts from closing down. @helen105281 has given you the link for our detailed how-to guide. Weigh her daily at the same time to make sure that she is getting enough food (fibre!) and water.

Please add your country, state or (for UK) your county/city to your details, so we can give you advice that is appropriate for your location re. medical brands and access to vets. We have got a piggy savvy vet locator on the top bar for our UK members.
Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thanks!