Poorly Pig, Any Suggestions?

[Denise55uk]

We have a Peruvian who is 3.5years old, he has suddenly began having problems moving around. He appears to have some movement in his back left leg but generally appears to be moving around by dragging himself with his front feet. The vet put him on anti inflammatories last night, there is nothing broken etc, but thought maybe a sprain, I don't think she really knows. he looks to have lost weight on his back end. He is eating well and has always drank a lot, he doesn't appear in pain. Any ideas?

 

[Wiebke]

There are lots of reasons that can cause paralysis. Your boy is a bit young for arthritis. Have you checked for scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), sudden drop in calcium (overnight lameness, usually affects older piggies). However, a sprain or spinal injury, a neurological problem in the brain, a trapped nerve or a tiny blood clot can be equally at fault. It is often very difficult to pretty impossible to work out the reason.

I hope that your boy will recover over time, like most piggies do. Give his legs gentle massages. Make sure that you keep his bum end cut very short and that you gently wipe him with handwarm water, as he will struggle to clean himself. Keep his sleeping area as dry and clean as possible.

 

[Denise55uk]

There are lots of reasons that can cause paralysis. Your boy is a bit young for arthritis. Have you checked for scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), sudden drop in calcium (overnight lameness, usually affects older piggies). However, a sprin or spinal injury, a neurological problem in the brain, a trapped nerve or a tiny blood clot can be equally at fault. It is often very difficult to pretty impossible to work out the reason.

I hope that your boy will recover over time, like most piggies do. Give his legs gentle massages. Make sure that you keep his bum end cut very short and that you gently wipe him with handwarm water, as he will struggle to clean himself. Keep his sleeping area as dry and clean as possible.

Thank you for your quick reply. The vet said she would probably rule out vit c deficiency as he had good diet, quality pellets and plenty of fresh vege. We will do as you suggest and keep his rear end clean etc and massage him. Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

Wishing your poorly boy all the best! Please be aware that it can take some time.