Back Leg Paralysis - Resolved

[Isobel]

Hi

When our piggies get poorly a lot of us seek health related advice on the forum. I wanted to share my story with you, it might help those who come across a similar problem.

One night we noticed Peppa wasn't putting any weight on her right back leg, she was dragging it behind her. She also stopped eating - was clearly in pain.
I gave her some critical care, and took he to the vets (exotic!) the following afternoon. The vet examined her thoroughly and said that for 7 years old she is in a v good condition.
She couldn't feel an obvious fracture, and said that Peppa is aware of where her legs are so she ruled out a neurological problem. Due to her age and the risks from GA we decided not to xray. The final diagnosis was arthritis and some inflammation.
We started her on metacam 1.5ml daily for 6/7 days. She improved after the second dose, and was walking 70% normal. After the full course she was 90% back to normal.
I then started giving Osteocare, as recomended online 1ml x 2 a day for 2 or 3 days and then reduced to 1ml. After the 3rd dose she stopped eating and I noticed she had soft stools.
I took her of her Osteocare. She has deteriorated slightly over the next days, and had one episode of 'incontinence' where she was sat in the corner bottom soaking wet.
She eventually picked up and started eating again, however the paralysis came back. She would make a few normal steps and then her leg would 'lock'
I decided to start her on Osteocare again, but only 1ml a day. She has been on it for 7 days now and the paralysis is completely gone (touch wood!). We also swim twice a week
She is a very happy and lively pig now. She weighted 750g at the vets, and she has recently put a little bit of weight!

 

[Veggies Galore]

I'm so pleased everything worked out. I think it's really important to share information like this so thank you for posting it.

 

[Wiebke]

That is great news!

Back leg paralysis can have different causes; it usually affects both legs in older guinea pigs. It is often not quite easy for a vet to work out what is really happening, especially once you get to neurological issues.

Thankfully, in most cases of back leg paralysis, unless they are caused by damage to the spine or a degenerative nerve damage, the piggies regain use of their legs again over the following days or weeks.

Osteocare contains calcium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin D3. It is not a medication as such. The most common form of "overnight paralysis" (as described by Peter Gurney) that affects both legs seems to be caused by sudden dip in calcium, which is usually helped by a vet prescribing osteocare. It doesn't work in all cases (see different causes) and should not just be given on spec without a vet check to make sure that there is not something else behind the symptoms. It was good that you have promptly seen a competent vet!

In the case of my then 5 year old Ffraid, who suffered from a sudden intense pain in her back and subsequent temporary loss of her legs as well as partial gut stasis brought on by the pain, my vet suspected either a small blood where the arteries split to supply the legs (which is better known to happen in cats) or a neurological problem. Thankfully, there has never been a repeat in the two years since; it was a most distressing experience!