Bald legs - Self Barbering (UTI?)

[Tea2018]

Hi everyone

My piggy Mushroom developed what the vet thought was a UTI back in late December. Her wee was cloudy and she was hunching etc/squeaking when weeing and pooping. They did a scan and no stones.

She was given a week of antibiotics plus Metacam. She had lost a significant amount of weight and was pulling her fur out. Her fur is shorter in some areas than others. I’ve attached a photo of her back legs which are pretty much bald now I took her back to the vets but he was hesitant to give more antibiotics (worried would come resistant) and just provided a month supply of Metacam. I’m still concerned about her as the hair doesn’t seem to be growing back She’s put some weight back on which is good, but there’s obviously something more going on. Has anyone had any experience of self barbering with their piggies?

Thank you

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone

My piggy Mushroom developed what the vet thought was a UTI back in late December. Her wee was cloudy and she was hunching etc/squeaking when weeing and pooping. They did a scan and no stones.

She was given a week of antibiotics plus Metacam. She had lost a significant amount of weight and was pulling her fur out. Her fur is shorter in some areas than others. I’ve attached a photo of her back legs which are pretty much bald now I took her back to the vets but he was hesitant to give more antibiotics (worried would come resistant) and just provided a month supply of Metacam. I’m still concerned about her as the hair doesn’t seem to be growing back She’s put some weight back on which is good, but there’s obviously something more going on. Has anyone had any experience of self barbering with their piggies?

Thank you

Hi

Has your vet checked for potential arthritis as well? Barbered legs are most commonly caused by pain, most commonly arthritis. It would be worth checking.

Thread 'Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection'

May 7, 2021

1 Caring for Older and Frailer Piggies
- Overview of old age and its particular challenges (Guinea Pig Magazine article)
- In-depth care information
- The importance of regular health/weight monitoring and saving up for euthanasia/vet access
- Signs of illness/pain, emergency and hot weather care
- Common old age issues and practical care advice
2 Facing the End and Dealing with Dying and Loss
- Overview of the challenges and practical approaches...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Grooming Care & Health Monitoring

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[Tea2018]

She is 7 so that could be the issue

 

[Tea2018]

How do they check for arthritis? X

 

[Wiebke]

How do they check for arthritis? X

By looks (stiffness when walking, feel and if needed, an x-ray).


Ideally dog strength metacam for the pain (or stronger painkillers for advanced stages) and, for the UK, Johnsons 4joints strong dog liquid for the glucosamine supplementation and increased regained mobility are the usual treatment. Please be aware that glucosamine is classed as a food supplement and is not stocked or prescribed by vets. it is however widely available online or in pet shops. If you are based in another country, you may want to look for comparable glucosamine products. Oxbow joint supplement is widely available but comparatively low dosed.

 

[Tea2018]

Thank you - her belly fur is a little thinner too but not much - the vet wasn’t an exotics vet so maybe I need one? She’s on cat metacam at the moment She runs around quickly when having a run about and doesn’t seem to be in discomfort (but then she’s having daily painkiller) Could the arthritis be causing weeing and pooping pain too?