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5 year old guinea pig suddenly limping

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vkhat1

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Hello,

My Chiku (male, 5 years) suddenly unable stand on his hind legs and his hind legs sort of shiver when he is walking. He was completely normal a day ago. He's still eating and drinking as per usual, but he's been staying in his bathroom area (where his hay is) and sleeps there too. He has never done this before. I brought him to the vet and they didn't find anything amiss until I asked them to try to make him walk. For now, the doctor has prescribed anti-inflammatory/pain relievers for him for 5 days. I wanted to see if anyone else's piggies had experienced similar issues. It breaks my heart seeing him trying to walk, specially when he's running away to hide. I would appreciate any help or insights that you could provide🙏🏼
 
Sending support and hope that Chiku gets better soon. Someone with medical knowledge should be along soon.
 
Hopefully this care guide will help you.

I hope Chiku starts to improve with the medication. 🤞🏻

Wiebke

Thread 'Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility'

Introduction
1 Why can guinea pigs stop moving around?
- Animal attacks, severe illness or pain
- Back leg paralysis with list of potential causes
- Post-op, sudden illness or acute pining after bereavement
2 Adapting the living space
- Bedding and cosies
- Everything within reach
- Warmth and stable conditions
3 Weight monitoring and feeding support
- Weighing...
  • Like
 
vkhat1 said:
Hello,

My Chiku (male, 5 years) suddenly unable stand on his hind legs and his hind legs sort of shiver when he is walking. He was completely normal a day ago. He's still eating and drinking as per usual, but he's been staying in his bathroom area (where his hay is) and sleeps there too. He has never done this before. I brought him to the vet and they didn't find anything amiss until I asked them to try to make him walk. For now, the doctor has prescribed anti-inflammatory/pain relievers for him for 5 days. I wanted to see if anyone else's piggies had experienced similar issues. It breaks my heart seeing him trying to walk, specially when he's running away to hide. I would appreciate any help or insights that you could provide🙏🏼
Click to expand...

Hi

Please rearrange the cage, including water and hay access, so he has everything within easy range. Our guide with all the practical tips has already been linked in. Keep in mind that hay makes over three quarters of the daily food intake.

Switch to weighing daily first thing in the morning and step in with feeding top up support when, as and as much as needed.

Wiebke

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI
3 The...
  • Like

Wiebke

Thread 'All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures'

Introduction
1 Choosing the right place to medicate/feed your piggy
2 Guinea pig whispering and asserting your authority
3 Recovery products and emergency improvisation
4 Syringe recommendations
5 Weight monitoring: your biggest ally
6 Weight loss guidelines and when to step in with feeding
7 Syringe feeding amounts/frequency advice
8 Practical medication and syringing tips
9 Medicating and feeding cooperative guinea pigs (videos)
10 Medicating and feeding uncooperative guinea pigs (hold pictures and tips)
11 The line between life and...
  • Like
  • Love

It all depends on what is causing the problem and whether it is a one-off/passing thing or a progressive issue. There is unfortunately quite a range of very different that can cause sudden back leg paralysis or wobbly walking in older piggies. If it is neurological, then there is very little that can be done for guinea pigs, unfortunately. Right now, it is all wait, monitor and see for you.

I know from my own experiences that this is not a nice place to be in for you right now because it is difficult to see a beloved one in discomfort and feeling helpless. Please concentrate on his comfort and care because there you have control and can make a real difference.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi

Please rearrange the cage, including water and hay access, so he has everything within easy range. Our guide with all the practical tips has already been linked in. Keep in mind that hay makes over three quarters of the daily food intake.

Switch to weighing daily first thing in the morning and step in with feeding top up support when, as and as much as needed.

Wiebke

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI
3 The...
  • Like

Wiebke

Thread 'All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures'

Introduction
1 Choosing the right place to medicate/feed your piggy
2 Guinea pig whispering and asserting your authority
3 Recovery products and emergency improvisation
4 Syringe recommendations
5 Weight monitoring: your biggest ally
6 Weight loss guidelines and when to step in with feeding
7 Syringe feeding amounts/frequency advice
8 Practical medication and syringing tips
9 Medicating and feeding cooperative guinea pigs (videos)
10 Medicating and feeding uncooperative guinea pigs (hold pictures and tips)
11 The line between life and...
  • Like
  • Love

It all depends on what is causing the problem and whether it is a one-off/passing thing or a progressive issue. There is unfortunately quite a range of very different that can cause sudden back leg paralysis or wobbly walking in older piggies. If it is neurological, then there is very little that can be done for guinea pigs, unfortunately. Right now, it is all wait, monitor and see for you.

I know from my own experiences that this is not a nice place to be in for you right now because it is difficult to see a beloved one in discomfort and feeling helpless. Please concentrate on his comfort and care because there you have control and can make a real difference.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. I did rearrange his cage to make sure he has easy access to water and foos. The vet has prescribed a 5 day course of metacam, one daily. From what I can tell, it doesn't look like a neurological issue as he squeals when his foot is touched.

Hopefully the medication takes effect soon 🤞
 
weepweeps said:
Hopefully this care guide will help you.

I hope Chiku starts to improve with the medication. 🤞🏻

Wiebke

Thread 'Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility'

Introduction
1 Why can guinea pigs stop moving around?
- Animal attacks, severe illness or pain
- Back leg paralysis with list of potential causes
- Post-op, sudden illness or acute pining after bereavement
2 Adapting the living space
- Bedding and cosies
- Everything within reach
- Warmth and stable conditions
3 Weight monitoring and feeding support
- Weighing...
  • Like
Click to expand...
Thank you. Me too 🥺
 
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