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Dragging hind legs/Osteocare

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Chazz

New Born Pup
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I took my guinea pig to the vet last night as he is dragging his hind legs. He is 6 or 7 years old. The vet said he needed an X-ray and if nothing can be found a scan. The x-ray alone is £400 and a scan £600 plus consultation and any pharmaceuticals he may need. So a minimum fee of £1k. My guinea pig isn't in any pain, is still lively and eating very well. I read some other similar postings and have decided to try Osteocare 1ml twice a day. I guess the point of my post is to ask if I am doing the right thing?
 
I would get piggy checked to try and find out what may be causing him to drag his legs. I’m not sure that osteocare would work if it’s not related to his bones. Good luck and I hope he feels better soon.
 
Oh no it's tricky when there is a massive bill involved. I guess I would be asking what they are looking for with a scan etc and what they would do with the findings. Without a proper plan I wouldn't even be considering throwing that amount into the ring. If they know that they are looking for X before they can do Y then ok, it's different but to have a look, find nothing or diagnose but still only give painkillers then I'd find it hard to pay out.

I'm the same for me though even without payment,I need to understand the point and understand if it would change management before I agree to much.
 
Chazz said:
I took my guinea pig to the vet last night as he is dragging his hind legs. He is 6 or 7 years old. The vet said he needed an X-ray and if nothing can be found a scan. The x-ray alone is £400 and a scan £600 plus consultation and any pharmaceuticals he may need. So a minimum fee of £1k. My guinea pig isn't in any pain, is still lively and eating very well. I read some other similar postings and have decided to try Osteocare 1ml twice a day. I guess the point of my post is to ask if I am doing the right thing?
Click to expand...

Hi!

Back leg paralysis diagnosis can be difficult by there can be a lot more issues behind it than a sudden drop in calcium.
Here is more information on possible caused, including how to best care for a guinea pig with mobility problems: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility

Would you consider seeing a general for an x-ray or scan because they are considerably cheaper?
 
Many thanks for the advice and support. I really appreciate it. The vet said that the x-ray was to rule out anything like a fracture but from my understanding of what the Vet said, it was unlikely to show anything. It was more likely that my GP would need a scan plus steroids. I asked if my GP was in pain and the Vet said no. My GP is his usual happy self, is eating well and his weight is normal. I just feel that if I pay that kind of money (which I don't have) I and my guinea pig will not be in a better situation.

Sorry I don't know what you mean by this: "Would you consider seeing a general for an x-ray or scan because they are considerably cheaper?"

Thanks again!
 
Chazz said:
Many thanks for the advice and support. I really appreciate it. The vet said that the x-ray was to rule out anything like a fracture but from my understanding of what the Vet said, it was unlikely to show anything. It was more likely that my GP would need a scan plus steroids. I asked if my GP was in pain and the Vet said no. My GP is his usual happy self, is eating well and his weight is normal. I just feel that if I pay that kind of money (which I don't have) I and my guinea pig will not be in a better situation.

Sorry I don't know what you mean by this: "Would you consider seeing a general for an x-ray or scan because they are considerably cheaper?"

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Sorry, I meant a general vet.
 
I would be wary of using osteocare without a diagnosis. I have used it with success, it is 'safe' however I have also used it and caused a bladder stone which required expensive surgery.
I would run the use of osteocare by your vet first to get their opinion, and a time frame to expect improvement so you don't accidentally cause urinary issues.

The prices you've you've quoted are extremely expensive, I would try to get a second opinion from a different vet as Wiebke suggested before making a decision
 
I would have a look in the Recommended Vets list and see if you can get a second opinion and a quote for X ray, sometimes it’s good to shop around
Sending healing vibes to your little piggie, take heart he is not in pain x
 
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