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Piggy Physio?

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Liane

Liane

Teenage Guinea Pig
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Nelson is five years old and has been suffering from weakness in his back end, both in terms of his legs and use of his bottom. He has lost a lot of muscle at the back (making him an odd shape!) but his strength has improved with regular exercise in the nice weather.

The vets could only suggest possible causes, and treat him for things 'just in case' but they didn't mention Physio or anything and I felt to silly to ask about it. I know it's possible as I've seen it mentioned - does anyone know any exercises or massage techniques I could try to help him rebuild his muscle mass?

A previous vet visit revealed he had very mild arthritis in his front legs but no mention of his back legs. He has good days and bad days with his back legs.
 
I have definitely read about guinea physio on guinealynx, it would be worth searching it on their site.
 
Do you know where abouts? I couldn't find it.
 
I am not sure what exercises you could do. However I am interested to know if piggy swimming is safe and acceptable as a form of exercise? As I assume weightless swimming would be best if Piggies can swim?
 
I'll have a look Liane & hopefully find you a link.

I have heard about piggie swimming but I wouldn't dream of it for my pigs. The risk of inhaling water (aspiration) is too high & can contribute to long-term respiratory problems. I imagine pigs could find it stressful too. No doubt there are people who will disagree with me on this but I'm just putting my opinion out there!
 
I do not know if this is of any use but Amelia Jane has arthritis in her left leg and is on loxicom. I also give her half a tablet of Potters Tabritis as recommended by Peter Gurney. I have noticed a lot of difference in her and she seems to be in less pain. You may like to try it for your little one. You can buy the tablets on Amazon or order them from a health food shop.
 
http://www.guinealynx.info/records/viewtopic.php?t=108

This page has links to lots of guinea paralysis threads. I would suggest getting your guinea seen by a guinea-experienced vet who may be able to findout what is actually causing the problem for your guinea. Having a quick look through the threads, there seem to be multiple possible causes of paralysis.

Whereabouts (only general location) are you & hopefully somebody can suggest a good guinea vet for you :)

Best wishes to you & Nelson
 
Thanks for that link, I'll have a read tomorrow! :)

We see Simon and Kim at the Cat&Rabbit Clinic. Nelson has a lot of different symptoms and they are a little baffled as to what is wrong, which is why we're trying a few different things. He is doing much better though, a few weeks ago we thought he wouldn't be with us much longer but today he was running round the garden quite happily (well, for most of the day, he's been a bit grumpy this week!). They suggested a possible infection in his nervous system, and he was on strong antibiotics which he finished the other day, or possibly a degenerative disease. He is improving in nearly every way, except the muscle in his legs.
 
I have no advice to give, but I hope little Nelson continues to improve. :)
 
Liane you are lucky to already have well-respected guinea vets so I hope they can help you get this sorted out. Hope the guinealynx threads might be useful for physio stuff :)
 
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