Vet Or No Vet?

[Sue and Smartie]

I saw Panda doing something very odd today and would appreciate your thoughts on whether he needs to see a vet or not.

He's sleeping a lot lately (both are getting quite elderly, they both sleep a lot) and I often have to wake him up at teatime. Usually he will wander out of the nest he's been in, have a wee, then go to the food bowl. Today he did the wee, then tried to scratch his neck with a back foot. He fell over so he tried again. This time he went right over onto his back and struggled a bit to get back up again. As soon as he got on his feet again, he went to the food and began to eat.

There are no other signs of anything wrong, his eyes are bright, his coat is shiny and smooth, he is weeing and pooing as usual, and eating well. He is moving about the cage OK also. I'm wondering if he is a bit stiff with age (I know I am when I first get out of bed). But also wondering if it could be a sign of something else amiss.

So what do you think? I have this week off so a vet visit would not be a problem, but I don't want to upset him unnecessarily either.

 

[Wiebke]

He may have become a bit arthritic? It can cause a grooming piggy to unbalance and struggle to right itself. Please have him see if you wish to in order to alleviate the arthritis.

I wouldn't worry about an ear infection or stroke, though that is often at the root of any balance issues. Those guinea pigs simply fall over, however; which is not the case with yours.

 

[Sue and Smartie]

Thanks Wiebke. We have a vet who does acupuncture - she has done it on elderly cats of mine and it certainly helped their stiff old bones. I once asked her if she could acupuncture a piggy and she said she could. With the cats it lasted about 3 months so a little easier than giving Metacam and better on the liver too. I will ring them up and see if she is working this week.

 

[biscandmatt]

always vets if you're not sure - better safe than sorry

probably a long shot, but whereabouts in the country are you? i'm looking into acupuncture at the moment for our older arthritic rabbit but it's been hard to find one, or one i feel i could trust and who is savvy enough anyway.

 

[Sue and Smartie]

I think I'm a bit far from you Biscandmatt, am in Devon.
There aren't many vets who do it, we are lucky to have Rachel. She has also acupunctured my pony with great success.

 

[biscandmatt]

I think I'm a bit far from you Biscandmatt, am in Devon.
There aren't many vets who do it, we are lucky to have Rachel. She has also acupunctured my pony with great success.

definitely a bit far thank you anyway.