Walking With Front Foot Up?

[Moo]

Hello everyone, could anyone shed some light on this for me please, yesterday Tubby was fine, however today I've just noticed Tubby is walking with his left front poor up, so more of a Hopping movement, I carefully picked him up and he was obviously not happy as he was chatting his teeth. his foot does not look swollen and there is no sign of blood, i'm only guessing it's not broken as he can still put some pressure on it to eat at his bowl. and his cage is all one level so he cannot fall from anywhere. He is not complaining about it at all, he's just keeping it off the floor and kinda protecting it as he goes about his business, any feed back would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone, could anyone shed some light on this for me please, yesterday Tubby was fine, however today I've just noticed Tubby is walking with his left front poor up, so more of a Hopping movement, I carefully picked him up and he was obviously not happy as he was chatting his teeth. his foot does not look swollen and there is no sign of blood, i'm only guessing it's not broken as he can still put some pressure on it to eat at his bowl. and his cage is all one level so he cannot fall from anywhere. He is not complaining about it at all, he's just keeping it off the floor and kinda protecting it as he goes about his business, any feed back would be greatly appreciated.

it is very likely that he has pulled or strained something. Please be aware that that can happen at any point from the shoulder joint at the spine downwards and is not necessarily in the foot. As he is obviously in pain, he is not going to be keen to being examined. Please see a vet if in doubt; sprains are not all uncommon when a guinea pig is landing awkwardly on a leg, but if there is any swelling (compared to the other leg) or he is still not putting any weight on the foot at all by then, I would recommend to see a vet tomorrow.

 

[Freela]

Sundae did this last week too- obviously something hurt in her paw, as she had been climbing up on the bars, then got down suddenly, was looking/licking at her foot and then would not put weight on it. In her case, she was back to normal by the evening so I can only think that she pulled something or that improved quickly (she's old too... I suspect that has something to do with it in her case.) I would watch it over the day to see if it improves. If he is still not putting weight on it by tomorrow I would probably see a vet, but it may improve a lot quickly.

 

[Moo]

it is very likely that he has pulled or strained something. Please be aware that that can happen at any point from the shoulder joint at the spine downwards and is not necessarily in the foot. As he is obviously in pain, he is not going to be keen to being examined. Please see a vet if in doubt; sprains are not all uncommon when a guinea pig is landing awkwardly on a leg, but if there is any swelling (compared to the other leg) or he is still not putting any weight on the foot at all by then, I would recommend to see a vet tomorrow.

If it is the case Tubby has in fact pulled something, what options in terms of medication could a vet prescribe and would you it be just a visual inspection would you know? I wouldn't want him to prescribe one thing when theres more effective treatment on the market which he could offer, last time he ordered me in Imavrol because I especially asked for it as recommended from on TGPF, now he prescribes it to all his customers Piggies who suffer from Ringworm.

thanks

 

[Moo]

Sundae did this last week too- obviously something hurt in her paw, as she had been climbing up on the bars, then got down suddenly, was looking/licking at her foot and then would not put weight on it. In her case, she was back to normal by the evening so I can only think that she pulled something or that improved quickly (she's old too... I suspect that has something to do with it in her case.) I would watch it over the day to see if it improves. If he is still not putting weight on it by tomorrow I would probably see a vet, but it may improve a lot quickly.

Super news Sundae was back up on all feet again in no time at all, Tubby resting with Dom at the moment in the cosy cave so I will not disturb him if he doesn't want to come out. I have moved all food bowls closer to his sleeping area with the water bottles. I'll put some veggies by his side tonight before I sleep.

 

[Moo]

it is very likely that he has pulled or strained something. Please be aware that that can happen at any point from the shoulder joint at the spine downwards and is not necessarily in the foot. As he is obviously in pain, he is not going to be keen to being examined. Please see a vet if in doubt; sprains are not all uncommon when a guinea pig is landing awkwardly on a leg, but if there is any swelling (compared to the other leg) or he is still not putting any weight on the foot at all by then, I would recommend to see a vet tomorrow.

I was just thinking, this has happened since I put in the new hay area, it has hay on top of puppy wee pads, I am thinking the hay may be to deep or Tubby is not use to this type of flooring and its hurt him? think I'll ensure its not too deep or take it out, but still take him to the vet any how!

 

[Wiebke]

I was just thinking, this has happened since I put in the new hay area, it has hay on top of puppy wee pads, I am thinking the hay may be to deep or Tubby is not use to this type of flooring and its hurt him? think I'll ensure its not too deep or take it out, but still take him to the vet any how!

I would consider if he had repeat issues, but strains can happen at any time and in any situation. I have certainly had my fair share of them! Generally, things should calm down somewhat within a few hours and Tubby should be getting on with (if still limping) by tomorrow.

 

[Moo]

I would consider if he had repeat issues, but strains can happen at any time and in any situation. I have certainly had my fair share of them! Generally, things should calm down somewhat within a few hours and Tubby should be getting on with (if still limping) by tomorrow.

Thank you Wiebke, I've just cleaned out the hay area and put the hay at just one end, I thinking it is time for Tubby's annual check up anyway, so i'll keep a sharp eye on things nevertheless and give the vet a call.