Nelson had the snip today - concerned about walk

[Liane]

I've been searching on the internet for information but am having no luck so far. Nelson went in for his castration op today and is now home, moving about and eating well (and pooping, although they're ever so slightly smaller than normal) but my main concern is his walk. I'm probably being over-anxious and my Dad has even suggested an explanation which sounds reasonable, but I just want to be safe.

When he walks/scurries, he moves his front legs as normal but he sort of 'hops' with his back legs. Dad suggested that the normal walking movement may make his 'bits' hurt for a bit, which could be why he's walking funny. Does anyone have any experience of this? :...

 

[zombieprincess]

My Harvey hopped for a day or so after his op, and I put ut down to discomfort, he wad on metacam but he still had a bit of firm swelling just above the incision which you could tell was hurting him. He jad stopped hopping within about 3 days.

 

[Liane]

Thank you! That's reassuring.

We haven't been given any medicine to give Nelson - is this unusual? They didn't say whether or not they had given him anything like a long-lasting antibiotic injection or anything, and didn't say anything about pain relief (my cat didn't get anything after he had the snip so we're assuming it is not necessary?)

 

[zombieprincess]

I think it depends very much on the individual practice, although from what I gather it is becoming more common place not to give animals any post op drugs unless they really need it. When I for Harvey back from his op, I was suprised he had no antibiotics to go home with, and the nurse said it was better just to keep his environment really clean, that fill him with a drug he may not need, that could also affect his digestion (baytril can give some piggies the runs) which I suppose is fair enough. I think if you really felt he needed some thing then a vet would prescribe it.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

It's maybe in his interests for you to get some Metacam as pain relief
I wouldn't worry too much about his walk as long as he's not exerting himself - try to keep him on one level if possible.
Sure Nelson will soon be himself after a few days x>>

 

[CharlieH]

When my Poggle had 'the chop' he was dragging his legs a little the morning after, I raced him to the vets as soon as we noticed and they reassured us that it was just uncomfortable and gave him some metacam, he perked right up after this!

Might be worth a ring to the vet in the morning to ask for some but if you're worried, pop him in to the vets

Hope Nelson is feeling better soon x>>

 

[Dindypig]

I agree with the replies above and you will probably notice hat his poos continue to be about half the size as before.

 

[Liane]

Thank you so much for all your replies I'm feeling much less anxious now! Nelson stayed in my room last night so I could keep an eye on him, but he seems fine! He's eating, drinking and pooping as normal, and he also seems to be working pretty normal now, too. Just got to keep an eye on his stitches

He looks rather funny with his shaved bottom, though!

 

[Liane]

Thank you so much for all your replies I'm feeling much less anxious now! Nelson stayed in my room last night so I could keep an eye on him, but he seems fine! He's eating, drinking and pooping as normal, and he also seems to be working pretty normal now, too. Just got to keep an eye on his stitches

He looks rather funny with his shaved bottom, though!

 

[christine]

Hope Nelson continues to make a good recovery. Anyone else thinking of neutering please consider glue rather than stitches. I have had many piggies neutered and have never had an abcess when glue has been used . Some piggies are allergic to the stitches.

 

[MargaretB]

Glad he's ok. Hope he continues to do well.