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Baby Guinea Pig Isn't Using His Back Legs

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estitt

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We purchased a baby guinea pig today. The owner claimed he was eight weeks, but judging by his size I thought otherwise. Shortly after bringing him home, we noticed he was dragging his back legs. I Googled it, but there didn't seem to be many cases with young guinea pigs. I made an appointment for him tomorrow, but does anyone have any tips if they have had a guinea pig act this way? Thanks :)
 
He is sleeping as of now, but before when we were holding him, he was looking around and squeaking a bit. He was also eating.
 
Could be a spine or nerve injury I would certainly want the vet to check. He may do X-rays to determine if it is permanent damage or possibly from swelling. That's all I would imagine, unless he injured both back legs at the same time. Keep us posted, good luck!
 
It may be that he is just so young that he hasn't learnt how to use his back legs properly yet. Is he any better today?
 
It could be a deficiency in calcium or vitamin C in the diet. You are having it checked over by a vet so just make sure it is eating/drinking/comfortable until then. Try small amounts of veggies.
 
I would either suspect a spine injury or scurvy (vitamin C deficiency). Please have him seen by a good vet as soon as you can. Your boy may need a scan to check for a spine injury.
Recommended piggy savvy UK vets: Guinea Pig Vet Locator
Recommended vets in other countries: Veterinarians - The GLX-Files

Please weigh daily at the same time to monitor the food intake and if necessary start topping him up with syringe food and water. Place hay (which should make up to 80% of the daily food intake) next to where he is, so he can still eat. Start syringe feeding as soon as he has lost 50g or more. it is vital that you keep the guts going and balanced. You can five 1/8 of a human vitamin C tablet once or twice daily, if necessary dissolved in 1 ml of water and given in 3-4 mouthfuls to prevent it going down the wrong way in such a little one.
Keep the area where he is sitting dry and cleaned twice daily. Can he clean himself? If not, please give him a gentle wipe with a damp cloth or unscented puppy wipe. Be careful when handling/lifting him in case he has got a spinal injury.
Here is our illustrated step-by-step syringe feeding guide with tips on what you can do with what you have at home or easily available:
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

As we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK country so we can tailor any advice to what is realistically available and doable where you are. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.
 
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