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Sudden Paralysis in Back Legs

Julezfm39

Julezfm39

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jul 23, 2019
Messages
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Location
Woking, Surrey
Good morning,
I desperately need some guidance please. I’m away in Somerset with my kids, returning home today. My 4 piggies (3 bonded boys and 1 girl who lives separately from them) and 1 hamster are at a highly reputable boarding ‘hotel’ for small animals. 1 of my boys, Biscuit, suddenly died last night and the owner called me as she had found him in his cage literally 2 hours after he had been happily walking around the large hutch they’re in. That in itself was devastating for me but I attributed it to his heart, maybe, as the vet had heard a slight murmur 3 weeks before and Biscuit was on a diuretic for 2 weeks.
This morning the owner called me. Both Shaun and Peanut have suddenly got paralysis in their back legs. She is mystified as they have all been fine for the whole week. She’s going to take them to the vet as soon as they open and call me when she is in with the vet.
I’ve seen where all the animals are kept. Their hutches are spacious and incredibly well kept. The owner is highly experienced and knowledgeable about guinea pigs. The piggies have plenty of space to run around.
Shaun is 3, Peanut is 4, same as Biscuit (P & B were brothers). My 4th piggy, Nevaeh, is only 1 and is a rescue piggy. 3 months ago I lost Toffee who was Peanut and Biscuit’s brother. He had a severe heart condition (no paralysis, I had to have him euthanised as he stopped eating). But this doesn’t explain why Shaun has this paralysis as well. I’m completely confused and in a mess.
Couid this be some kind of parasitic infection? I am absolutely heartbroken. Now I’m waiting until the owner calls me from the vet.
Thank you and sorry for the long post X
 
Hi how awful for you and your poor boys.
I'm no expert at all but to have this happen to both boys seems extremely unusual 😥
 
Julezfm39 said:
Good morning,
I desperately need some guidance please. I’m away in Somerset with my kids, returning home today. My 4 piggies (3 bonded boys and 1 girl who lives separately from them) and 1 hamster are at a highly reputable boarding ‘hotel’ for small animals. 1 of my boys, Biscuit, suddenly died last night and the owner called me as she had found him in his cage literally 2 hours after he had been happily walking around the large hutch they’re in. That in itself was devastating for me but I attributed it to his heart, maybe, as the vet had heard a slight murmur 3 weeks before and Biscuit was on a diuretic for 2 weeks.
This morning the owner called me. Both Shaun and Peanut have suddenly got paralysis in their back legs. She is mystified as they have all been fine for the whole week. She’s going to take them to the vet as soon as they open and call me when she is in with the vet.
I’ve seen where all the animals are kept. Their hutches are spacious and incredibly well kept. The owner is highly experienced and knowledgeable about guinea pigs. The piggies have plenty of space to run around.
Shaun is 3, Peanut is 4, same as Biscuit (P & B were brothers). My 4th piggy, Nevaeh, is only 1 and is a rescue piggy. 3 months ago I lost Toffee who was Peanut and Biscuit’s brother. He had a severe heart condition (no paralysis, I had to have him euthanised as he stopped eating). But this doesn’t explain why Shaun has this paralysis as well. I’m completely confused and in a mess.
Couid this be some kind of parasitic infection? I am absolutely heartbroken. Now I’m waiting until the owner calls me from the vet.
Thank you and sorry for the long post X
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry for your and the boarders's nightmare.

If multiple piggies are involved with very similar sudden symptoms over the course of very few days you are either looking at an environmental angle (poisoning or shock) or at an illness.
However, since the weather is on the normal side, heat stroke is not an option.

Does your boarder keep rabbits in the same space or has wild rabbits coming into the area? (poss. e.cuniculi transmission)

Predators (foxes or predatory pets etc.) or wild rodents could provide the shock factor or a potential angle for transmission although most nasties that can be transmitted don't cause paralysis as their first symptom and are not tied to a sudden death. So it is unfortunately all rather mysterious to me, too. :(
Paralysis

Contagion - Inter-species Transmission and Pet Care During Owner Illness/Pregnancy (incl. Covid) (includes a list of potentially fatal illnesses that can be transmitted to guinea pigs from other species)

Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility (contains a list of potential causes for back leg paralysis)

Neurological Issues (Seizures, Strokes, E.cuniculi etc.) - Symptoms and Care
In the cases we have seen on here over the years e.cuniculi generally presents as a URI that is going into the brain and that develops over several days but it should be considered as it affects the nervous system and can cause paralytic symptoms.

My heart goes out to you.
 
Wiebke said:
BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry for your and the boarders's nightmare.

If multiple piggies are involved with very similar sudden symptoms over the course of very few days you are either looking at an environmental angle (poisoning or shock) or at an illness.
However, since the weather is on the normal side, heat stroke is not an option.

Does your boarder keep rabbits in the same space or has wild rabbits coming into the area? (poss. e.cuniculi transmission)

Predators (foxes or predatory pets etc.) or wild rodents could provide the shock factor or a potential angle for transmission although most nasties that can be transmitted don't cause paralysis as their first symptom and are not tied to a sudden death. So it is unfortunately all rather mysterious to me, too. :(
Paralysis

Contagion - Inter-species Transmission and Pet Care During Owner Illness/Pregnancy (incl. Covid) (includes a list of potentially fatal illnesses that can be transmitted to guinea pigs from other species)

Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility (contains a list of potential causes for back leg paralysis)

Neurological Issues (Seizures, Strokes, E.cuniculi etc.) - Symptoms and Care
In the cases we have seen on here over the years e.cuniculi generally presents as a URI that is going into the brain and that develops over several days but it should be considered as it affects the nervous system and can cause paralytic symptoms.

My heart goes out to you.
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Thank you so much for your detailed reply. The boarder does have rabbits boarding there but they are kept separately. She’s never had anything like this happen before. They’ve been really well looked after and were absolutely fine yesterday, until she found lifeless little Biscuit last night and then Shaun and Peanut half paralysed today.
The vet doesn’t know what is causing it. I’m just in my way home and dreading seeing my babies.
 
😢😢😢😢😢😢
I am so sorry to read this.
How distressing for you, especially when you’re away from home.
The boarder must be very upset too.

I hope there’s something hopeful that comes out of the vet visit.

Sorry that you lost Biscuit.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
Hugs 🤗
 
Julezfm39 said:
Thank you so much for your detailed reply. The boarder does have rabbits boarding there but they are kept separately. She’s never had anything like this happen before. They’ve been really well looked after and were absolutely fine yesterday, until she found lifeless little Biscuit last night and then Shaun and Peanut half paralysed today.
The vet doesn’t know what is causing it. I’m just in my way home and dreading seeing my babies.
Click to expand...
HUGE HUGS

Whatever it is, it is not something I can remember coming across, either. :(

But it is every loving owner's worst nightmare that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I am so sorry that you have been hit with it. :( :( :(

PS: We had one case on here where it turned out that indirect e.cuniculi transmission happened from tiny food debris from infected rabbit feeding bowl was falling into bowls/guinea pig cages via the owner serving the rabbits before the guinea pigs. That is why I am asking.
 
Merab said:
😢😢😢😢😢😢
I am so sorry to read this.
How distressing for you, especially when you’re away from home.
The boarder must be very upset too.

I hope there’s something hopeful that comes out of the vet visit.

Sorry that you lost Biscuit.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
Hugs 🤗
Click to expand...
Thank you… the vet was not sure either. They’re a very good vet practice but the one vet who is more of an expert on piggies wasn’t there today.
My kids and I have just arrived home from our week away.. I’ll be leaving shortly to see my piggies. I left 3 healthy boys and am returning to one who’s died and 2 who are paralysed. The boarder said it’s very upsetting to see them both unable to move their back legs. I don’t know if it might be better to give them cuddles and then have them put to sleep 😢😢😢😢
 
Julezfm39 said:
Thank you… the vet was not sure either. They’re a very good vet practice but the one vet who is more of an expert on piggies wasn’t there today.
My kids and I have just arrived home from our week away.. I’ll be leaving shortly to see my piggies. I left 3 healthy boys and am returning to one who’s died and 2 who are paralysed. The boarder said it’s very upsetting to see them both unable to move their back legs. I don’t know if it might be better to give them cuddles and then have them put to sleep 😢😢😢😢
Click to expand...

Please read the mobility care link with all the practical tips. With a little luck your two remaining boys may still make it through. I would recommend to wait until they can be seen by a vet with more guinea pig experience and hopefully with a lab test so you and the boarder know what you are up against.

It is very easy to give up at this point but please don't despair yet as long as there is a chance that with the right medication they can make it through.
 
Wiebke said:
HUGE HUGS

Whatever it is, it is not something I can remember coming across, either. :(

But it is every loving owner's worst nightmare. :( :( :(
Click to expand...
Thank you.. I wonder if they’ve contracted a bacterial infection which has killed Biscuit and paralysed Peanut and Shaun. I haven’t seen them yet but I’m really concerned that my one-year old girl has been exposed as she was in the same house of hutches, though not in the same hutch.
I feel it may be better to have them put to sleep. I haven’t seen an exotic vet as there isn’t one nearby 😢😢
 
Wiebke said:
Please read the mobility care link with all the practical tips. With a little luck your two remaining boys may still make it through. I would recommend to wait until they can be seen by a vet with more guinea pig experience and hopefully with a lab test so you and the boarder know what you are up against.

It is very easy to give up at this point but please don't despair yet as long as there is a chance that with the right medication they can make it through.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I will. Just seen your reply before I sent my last one. It’s too late for darling Biscuit but it may still be okay for my other boys. I’ll have to try and find a more experienced vet.
 
Julezfm39 said:
Thank you, I will. Just seen your reply before I sent my last one. It’s too late for darling Biscuit but it may still be okay for my other boys. I’ll have to try and find a more experienced vet.
Click to expand...

We are here for you for moral support and if needed practical tips in this dark hour.
 
CTWC said:
Hi how awful for you and your poor boys.
I'm no expert at all but to have this happen to both boys seems extremely unusual 😥
Click to expand...
Thank you, that’s what I thought. It’s very strange. I have to go and collect them in a few minutes as we’ve just arrived back from holiday. I just don’t know what to do next. I’ll have to get a better opinion from a more experienced vet 😢😢
 
Wiebke said:
We are here for you for moral support and if needed practical tips in this dark hour.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I’m just devastated and in shock. I work full time. How will I be able to manage their daily care if they can’t move to drink or feed themselves? I will try and find out what is happening.
 
Julezfm39 said:
Thank you. I’m just devastated and in shock. I work full time. How will I be able to manage their daily care if they can’t move to drink or feed themselves? I will try and find out what is happening.
Click to expand...

Please read the mobility guide. You can place plenty of hay and watery food within reach for the day. Just see how bad they really are and whether they are still able to eat on their own and until you can see a vet with guinea pig experience.

You are currently in shock. NOT a good time to make far reaching decisions that you may come to rue.

I would recommend that you wrap Biscuit's body in an old towel and then in a plastic bag in the fridge or the freezer in case your vet would like to do a post mortem so you may have a chance to get some answers.
 
Wiebke said:
Please read the mobility guide. You can place plenty of hay and watery food within reach for the day. Just see how bad they really are and whether they are still able to eat on their own and until you can see a vet with guinea pig experience.

You are currently in shock. NOT a good time to make far reaching decisions that you may come to rue.

I would recommend that you wrap Biscuit's body in an old towel and then in a plastic bag in the fridge or the freezer in case your vet would like to do a post mortem so you may have a chance to get some answers.
Click to expand...
Thank you.. I’m going to read it now. I haven’t stopped since we got home almost 5 hours ago. Biscuit’s little body is at the boarders as she has kept him cold. I saw him and stroked his little head. I’ll collect him on Monday when I get an appointment at the pet crematorium. I hadn’t thought about a post mortem tbh.

Yes, I’m definitely in shock. I took Peanut and Shaun back to the same vets and I spoke to the vet who is more knowledgeable about piggies. He’s given the boys each a big shot of metacalm and an antibiotic injection. I’ll continue the treatment orally and monitor them over the next 48-72 hours. I’ll have to take a couple of days off work so that I can be at home. The boys are currently cuddled up together in one of their little houses 😢😢😢
 
CTWC said:
Please don't make any decisions until you've given yourself time to grieve for poor Biscuit and as shocking as it is to see your boys in this condition it will hopefully be something that can be managed and they could well recover from 🙏
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I hope so, thank you. I’m just in complete shock. At first I thought I should have them put to sleep but I couldn’t face losing my 3 boys within 24 hours 💔💔💔. They’ve had metacalm and antibiotics injections and I’ll be continuing the treatment orally at home. Right now I don’t feel hopeful, looking at how motionless they are 😢😢😢 but they have plenty of hay and forage and I’m just about to go and get some fresh lettuce.
 
Wiebke said:
HUGE HUGS

Whatever it is, it is not something I can remember coming across, either. :(

But it is every loving owner's worst nightmare that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I am so sorry that you have been hit with it. :( :( :(

PS: We had one case on here where it turned out that indirect e.cuniculi transmission happened from tiny food debris from infected rabbit feeding bowl was falling into bowls/guinea pig cages via the owner serving the rabbits before the guinea pigs. That is why I am asking.
Click to expand...
I’ve just seen this last part of your reply. I’m going to message the boarder and ask her about this.
 
Please weigh them on your kitchen scales every morning and if needed, step in with feeding support.


Julezfm39 said:
I’ve just seen this last part of your reply. I’m going to message the boarder and ask her about this.
Click to expand...

It's not just for you but also to her to get to the bottom of it; it must be as devastating for her as for you. The more that can be excluded, the better.

Cleaning the rabbits just before the piggies can also be a way in which e.cuniculi can be unknowingly transferred if you are unlucky. What you are dealing with is definitely not a run of the mill thing.

Make sure that you have some out-time for yourself tomorrow during the day. Right now, you are likely too wired, upset and raw for it. I am very sorry for you all for having such an upsetting end to your holiday.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss and how poorly your boy's have become whilst you were away from them, @Julezfm39 :hug:

I'm not a medical expert and don't have experience of this kind of thing, but I wondered if it might be the kind of calcium-deficiency paralysis that I have read about on here in the past. I found an old thread/post where a piggie developed it but got better with treatment, here
Dianet said:
When I had my boy Sid a couple of years ago, we woke up one morning at my caravan and he was completely paralysed in his back legs but otherwise was eating and trying to move. He had been fine beforehand, so took him to the local vet (not exotic unfortunately). As he was 5 at the time, the vet said it was probably his age and we should PHTS but I couldn't accept that so took him home and researched his symptoms. I found an article by Peter Guerney about sudden drop in calcium and giving Osteocare for a few days so I did this. Pleased to say, after just a couple of days Sid was back to normal and went on to live happily for another 2 years. I'm so glad I didn't listen to that vet.
Click to expand...
 
Qualcast&Flymo said:
I'm so sorry for your loss and how poorly your boy's have become whilst you were away from them, @Julezfm39 :hug:

I'm not a medical expert and don't have experience of this kind of thing, but I wondered if it might be the kind of calcium-deficiency paralysis that I have read about on here in the past. I found an old thread/post where a piggie developed it but got better with treatment, here
Click to expand...

The problem is that this kind of one-off episode doesn't happen to two piggies at the same time. It is a sudden dip in the calcium level of the body that has actually become a lot rarer in recent years because of a much better general diet that is more hay and less pellet/veg based diet that has become a lot more widespread over the last 10 years. We don't see much of this type of paralysis typically in older piggies anymore compared to earlier times.
 
You are of course bound to be in shock. Do you think they have any feeling in their legs at all IE do they move their feet even slightly if they are touched?
Also as regards keeping them hydrated cucumber would help as well as syringing water obviously not too much as we don't want to cause any digestive problems.
It may be that you are in for a few days of constant care for them but I pray that your boys can pull through until any medications kick in. Biscuit will be watching over them and giving you the strength you need 🌈🙏
 
Wiebke said:
Please weigh them on your kitchen scales every morning and if needed, step in with feeding support.




It's not just for you but also to her to get to the bottom of it; it must be as devastating for her as for you. The more that can be excluded, the better.

Cleaning the rabbits just before the piggies can also be a way in which e.cuniculi can be unknowingly transferred if you are unlucky. What you are dealing with is definitely not a run of the mill thing.

Make sure that you have some out-time for yourself tomorrow during the day. Right now, you are likely too wired, upset and raw for it. I am very sorry for you all for having such an upsetting end to your holiday.
Click to expand...
Thank you.. (again) for your support. I’m exhausted. Peanut has been eating cucumber and lettuce just now, but Shaun is struggling to eat. It’s like he doesn’t quite know what to do. I’ve given them another syringe dose of antibiotics. It’s just harrowing to watch them drag themselves around. Shaun is barely mobile.

I yelled at my daughter (she’s 15) as she picked up one of the boys then minutes later, despite being told to wash and sanitise her hands first, she went upstairs and picked up our girl piggy, Nevaeh. I went mad. She had her on the bed! I’m praying that the little girl will be ok and that nothing has been transmitted to her. I was so angry with my daughter who’s very chaotic and forgetful 🥺😢
 
CTWC said:
CTWC said:
You are of course bound to be in shock. Do you think they have any feeling in their legs at all IE do they move their feet even slightly if they are touched?
Also as regards keeping them hydrated cucumber would help as well as syringing water obviously not too much as we don't want to cause any digestive problems.
It may be that you are in for a few days of constant care for them but I pray that your boys can pull through until any medications kick in. Biscuit will be watching over them and giving you the strength you need 🌈🙏
Click to expand...
There might be slight feeling in one
Click to expand...

CTWC said:
You are of course bound to be in shock. Do you think they have any feeling in their legs at all IE do they move their feet even slightly if they are touched?
Also as regards keeping them hydrated cucumber would help as well as syringing water obviously not too much as we don't want to cause any digestive problems.
It may be that you are in for a few days of constant care for them but I pray that your boys can pull through until any medications kick in. Biscuit will be watching over them and giving you the strength you need 🌈🙏
Click to expand...
Thank you 🙏 I’ve just given them some cucumber. Peanut ate it as well as some little gem lettuce leaves, but Shaun was struggling to even bite the cucumber. He’s just buried himself in the hay 😢😢. I miss my darling little Biscuit 💔💔. There’s a tiny bit of feeling in one of their legs (on each piggy) but it’s barely noticeable 🥺🥺
 
Qualcast&Flymo said:
I'm so sorry for your loss and how poorly your boy's have become whilst you were away from them, @Julezfm39 :hug:

I'm not a medical expert and don't have experience of this kind of thing, but I wondered if it might be the kind of calcium-deficiency paralysis that I have read about on here in the past. I found an old thread/post where a piggie developed it but got better with treatment, here
Click to expand...
Thank you for your kind words 💕. I’m just mystified and heartbroken at the same time 💔💔. There’s fact that both my surviving boys are suffering with this is just devastating 😢😢😢
 
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