Boar suddenly limping now hopping

[Peanutandcookie]

Hello all

just after a little advice - tbh I’m probably going to take our cream boar to the vets tomorrow but would appreciate some advice
Yesterday I noticed he was slightly limping, and when resting, was leaning over on one side only, like not putting pressure on his right leg. Today he started hopping around which I know is not right.
He’s eating drinking and pooing fine
Lives with his mate from birth (they are 2.5 years old), and they never fight
This evening, he’s been lying around a lot more than usual, and his mate is keeping a vigil beside him and following him round which isn’t unusual in a way when he gets frisky.
He also has a little hair loss either side of his back
I have been advised by the breeder I got them from that it could be calcium deficiency, but I’m more concerned it could be vit c deficiency which I don’t understand why as they have the best hay, pellets and fresh veg every day
Any advice would be very welcome
Thank you

 

[Guineapigsmcr]

Hi , one of my guineapigs front paws has been limping before, does it look swollen at all ? We worked out he just strained his leg a little . We used metacam which is an anti inflammatory/. Painkiller and it went away in a week or so

The vet should be able to tell you if it’s a Sprain or fracture . Make sure he is eating and is warm if he isn’t moving around for now

 

[Siikibam]

It may be he injured himself but you’ll know better once he’s been seen. Please never go on the advice of a breeder and take your piggies to the vet if you’re worried about them. The breeder isn’t a qualified vet and can’t take a guess without a hands-on exam...unless they are a vet.

I’m not sure what hair loss could be. Hopefully you will find out tomorrow. All the best and let us know how it goes.

 

[Peanutandcookie]

Hi , one of my guineapigs front paws has been limping before, does it look swollen at all ? We worked out he just strained his leg a little . We used metacam which is an anti inflammatory/. Painkiller and it went away in a week or so

Hiya, no nothing is swollen, but when he’s resting, the right side looks distorted but when he stands it looks ok. Definitely something wrong

 

[Guineapigsmcr]

Hiya, no nothing is swollen, but when he’s resting, the right side looks distorted but when he stands it looks ok. Definitely something wrong ☹

Hopefully the little guy makes a recovery soon ! He might of caught his leg in his cage if he has a cage with bars ? I would see what the vet says tomorrow keep him warm if he isn’t moving and make sure he’s eating for now !

 

[Peanutandcookie]

It may be he injured himself but you’ll know better once he’s been seen. Please never go on the advice of a breeder and take your piggies to the vet if you’re worried about them. The breeder isn’t a qualified vet and can’t take a guess without a hands-on exam...unless they are a vet.

I’m not sure what hair loss could be. Hopefully you will find out tomorrow. All the best and let us know how it goes.

Thank you. This is our cream x

 

[Peanutandcookie]

Hopefully the little guy makes a recovery soon ! He might of caught his leg in his cage if he has a cage with bars ? I would see what the vet says tomorrow keep him warm if he isn’t moving and make sure he’s eating for now !

Thanks - he is moving around but a little lethargic tonight so I’ll see tomorrow what the vet says

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

Good that you are having him checked over.

Please be aware that any leg starts right up at the spine (hip or shoulder) and that any injury can happen in any part, resulting in limping or hopping - the back legs act as springs so hopping can be easier to get around without the injury being worse. He may also sit/rest in a way that favours his injury, so won't look quite symmetrical.

If you are lucky, it is just a sprain but it can be something more serious, especially if your piggy is unable to put any weight on the leg in question. Young piggies who popcorn and zoom can land awkwardly, so this is not at all uncommon.

Breeders will often tell you lots about hair loss; we have seen that repeatedly. Sadly anybody can call themselves a breeder or a rescue (or anything in between) without licence or supervision in the English speaking world - and the results can be accordingly. Welfare regulations for breeding only covers shows but not care at home.
Here is a list of the most common problems that new piggies can come with unless they have been adopted from a good welfare standard rescue with mandatory quarantine, pregnancy watch and vet care: New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

Fingers firmly crossed that it is just a minor sprain!

 

[Betsy]

Have you managed to get to the see the vet yet? Keep us informed.

 

[Peanutandcookie]

Hello

I got an appointment at 4pm today

she felt all round his legs pulling him this way and that!
She thinks he may have a bit of arthritis in his knee ☹ as she could feel a kind of crunching in hi
She did say it’s unusual to see this type of ailment in a guinea pig, as they don’t usually live long enough to have it

he’s going to be 3 in March.

been given a course of metacam and some antibiotics and to monitor him after
He may need constant pain relief

I’m hoping this doesn’t have to be

I’m just very relieved it’s nothing as serious as I originally thought, but still, can’t be pleasant for our boy
X

 

[Siikibam]

Some live to 8 years. But may be the case she hasn’t seen any ‘elderly’ pigs. And they can have arthritis.

I’m glad you got him seen. Hopefully the metacam will help ease pain. What was the antibiotics for? Did she suspect some kind of infection?

 

[Peanutandcookie]

She gave it precautionary incase there was an infection there