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Guinea pig can not move his back legs properly

Szilvi

Szilvi

New Born Pup
Joined
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Location
Cambridge
Hi guys,

I have got two guinea pigs and they live in a big C&C cage. They eat pellets, hay, salad etc., drink plenty of water.
One of my little piggies has got paralyzed and cannot use his back legs.He was absolutely fine and running around yesterday, so it happened during the night. They are in my room and no one has dropped them (I have got two housemates but they never come into my room).
Luckily, I was able to take him to the vet today and they could not really tell me what's going on with him.They gave him an anti-inflammatory injection and I need to take him back tomorrow.He is eating well and looks happy, moving around dragging his legs behind.
I'm very upset and super sad really.I love them so much and it is heartbreaking watching him suffer.Can anyone give me some advice please?What is going on with him?:(
You comments are much appreciated.
Thank you! xx
 
Szilvi said:
Hi guys,

I have got two guinea pigs and they live in a big C&C cage. They eat pellets, hay, salad etc., drink plenty of water.
One of my little piggies has got paralyzed and cannot use his back legs.He was absolutely fine and running around yesterday, so it happened during the night. They are in my room and no one has dropped them (I have got two housemates but they never come into my room).
Luckily, I was able to take him to the vet today and they could not really tell me what's going on with him.They gave him an anti-inflammatory injection and I need to take him back tomorrow.He is eating well and looks happy, moving around dragging his legs behind.
I'm very upset and super sad really.I love them so much and it is heartbreaking watching him suffer.Can anyone give me some advice please?What is going on with him?:(
You comments are much appreciated.
Thank you! xx
Click to expand...

Did you try syringe him Vitamin C?
it could be scurvy (lack of vitamin C)

I'd buy a liquid vitamin C (I use the Natures Aid Mini Drops for children - Amazon) and start giving him 1 ml a day and see if there's any improvement.

don't put it in the water bottle but use a 1ml syringe directly in his mouth (carefully).
 
There are all sorts of reasons this might happen and there will be different outcomes depending on the reason. If the anti-inflammatory starts to work he can recover some or all of his movement. A bump and temporary swelling is a good thing to hope for, I think.

It happened to us with an older girl but she had previously lived with some lively boys and I assume she had been dropped at some point - probably more than once. She seemed as surprised as the rest of us when it suddenly happened - the front end scampered off but the back end just dragged along the floor. No pain. Are your piggies older ones, or from a rescue? Is it possible there was a previous injury? Or if they are young and you know the history is it possible he could have fallen off a ramp or tried to climb out and fallen back?

If the front end looks happy and he is moving around easily for now that's all you have to think about. The vet will have checked he was not in pain. It does look alarming and it is upsetting to see them but they manage very well even if they do not recover all their mobility. His friend will be a great support to him. There is a link here for such piggies Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility feel free to have a read but bear in mind that some of these conditions mentioned are severe or life-limiting but your case might just as well be temporary. But there are good tips on keeping things at one level in the run etc. It sounds like they have a lovely varied diet and with no other illness they are not likely to be deficient in vitamin C but you can ask the vet if you like. Stay positive - it might all be sorted within a week, and the forum if here to support you if things get complicated x
 
Nayma said:
Did you try syringe him Vitamin C?
it could be scurvy (lack of vitamin C)

I'd buy a liquid vitamin C (I use the Natures Aid Mini Drops for children - Amazon) and start giving him 1 ml a day and see if there's any improvement.

don't put it in the water bottle but use a 1ml syringe directly in his mouth (carefully).
Click to expand...

Hi, thank you very very much.I will try this! :nod:
 
:agr: With @Free Ranger

Guinea pigs who have a good balanced hay based diet dont need additional vitamin C, although it is fine to give it as a short course during a period of illness such as a respiratory infection as a way to boost the immune system. Due to hay containing vitamin c and the pellets being fortified with it as well as a good balance of veg, is incredibly rare to see guinea pigs with scurvy and any cases we do see are generally caused by routinely giving supplementary vitamin c as it can cause their bodies to get used to abnormally high amounts. Any drop in the levels can then cause scurvy symptoms even though the levels would normal to another piggy.

The guide below explains sudden paralysis and how you can help.

I hope your piggy is feeling better soon

Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
 
Free Ranger said:
There are all sorts of reasons this might happen and there will be different outcomes depending on the reason. If the anti-inflammatory starts to work he can recover some or all of his movement. A bump and temporary swelling is a good thing to hope for, I think.

It happened to us with an older girl but she had previously lived with some lively boys and I assume she had been dropped at some point - probably more than once. She seemed as surprised as the rest of us when it suddenly happened - the front end scampered off but the back end just dragged along the floor. No pain. Are your piggies older ones, or from a rescue? Is it possible there was a previous injury? Or if they are young and you know the history is it possible he could have fallen off a ramp or tried to climb out and fallen back?

If the front end looks happy and he is moving around easily for now that's all you have to think about. The vet will have checked he was not in pain. It does look alarming and it is upsetting to see them but they manage very well even if they do not recover all their mobility. His friend will be a great support to him. There is a link here for such piggies Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility feel free to have a read but bear in mind that some of these conditions mentioned are severe or life-limiting but your case might just as well be temporary. But there are good tips on keeping things at one level in the run etc. It sounds like they have a lovely varied diet and with no other illness they are not likely to be deficient in vitamin C but you can ask the vet if you like. Stay positive - it might all be sorted within a week, and the forum if here to support you if things get complicated x
Click to expand...

Dear Free Ranger, thank you so much for you reply.

My piggies are going to be two years old in Jun.I have adopted them when they were 10 months old.The previous owner has not mentioned any injuries.
Yes, I agree with you, I do not think that it is a diet. Something else...They are so delicate animals...bless them.
Thank you for your support, I feel burnt out emotionally, it was such a shock finding him in this condition.
You are right, he can move, which is very important, so I need to stop panicking.I will check the forum out, I'm sure that I find some useful information.
I will keep you updated about his condition.
Thank you so much for taking time and replying to my messagel.I really do appreciate it.

Take care!xx
 
Piggies&buns said:
:agr: With @Free Ranger

Guinea pigs who have a good balanced hay based diet dont need additional vitamin C, although it is fine to give it as a short course during a period of illness such as a respiratory infection as a way to boost the immune system. Due to hay containing vitamin c and the pellets being fortified with it as well as a good balance of veg, is incredibly rare to see guinea pigs with scurvy and any cases we do see are generally caused by routinely giving supplementary vitamin c as it can cause their bodies to get used to abnormally high amounts. Any drop in the levels can then cause scurvy symptoms even though the levels would normal to another piggy.

The guide below explains sudden paralysis and how you can help.

I hope your piggy is feeling better soon

Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
Click to expand...
Thank you so much.
I agree with you, it is not the diet.I always feed them with lovely pellets and hay, salad and other yummy things.(They are spoiled :) , love them so so much.
Thank you.I will check the forum out.
x
 
Keep an eye on his peeing and pooping to check it is the same as usual (my girl had no issues here).

As long as he moves himself around there is less chance of him resting in his own pee and more chance he will stay clean and avoid problems like urine scald. See how he 'sits' when he rests... is it always in the same position or does he rest on this side sometimes then that side sometimes. Have you got anything like snuggle-tunnels or fleece pads which are more cushioned to lie on? If this goes on for a few weeks it is better if he can be cushioned or rests himself in different positions to avoid putting pressure on the same point. In the short-term it's not a problem but in the longer term he might risk a pressure sore - just like less mobile people do.

You will manage this fine - the shock can really knock you but that's because we humans can worry about the future. He's not worried - maybe slightly confused if he thinks about it, but as long as he's happy munching he's a happy pig!
 
Free Ranger said:
Keep an eye on his peeing and pooping to check it is the same as usual (my girl had no issues here).

As long as he moves himself around there is less chance of him resting in his own pee and more chance he will stay clean and avoid problems like urine scald. See how he 'sits' when he rests... is it always in the same position or does he rest on this side sometimes then that side sometimes. Have you got anything like snuggle-tunnels or fleece pads which are more cushioned to lie on? If this goes on for a few weeks it is better if he can be cushioned or rests himself in different positions to avoid putting pressure on the same point. In the short-term it's not a problem but in the longer term he might risk a pressure sore - just like less mobile people do.

You will manage this fine - the shock can really knock you but that's because we humans can worry about the future. He's not worried - maybe slightly confused if he thinks about it, but as long as he's happy munching he's a happy pig!
Click to expand...
Thank you very very much, I washed him in the morning and might do the same tomorrow.They have got a nice soft blanket in their cage, he likes resting there.
I hope that he is happy...It is incredibly hard to see him in this condition but hoping for the best.I will keep you guys updated!xx
 
Szilvi said:
Hi guys,

I have got two guinea pigs and they live in a big C&C cage. They eat pellets, hay, salad etc., drink plenty of water.
One of my little piggies has got paralyzed and cannot use his back legs.He was absolutely fine and running around yesterday, so it happened during the night. They are in my room and no one has dropped them (I have got two housemates but they never come into my room).
Luckily, I was able to take him to the vet today and they could not really tell me what's going on with him.They gave him an anti-inflammatory injection and I need to take him back tomorrow.He is eating well and looks happy, moving around dragging his legs behind.
I'm very upset and super sad really.I love them so much and it is heartbreaking watching him suffer.Can anyone give me some advice please?What is going on with him?:(
You comments are much appreciated.
Thank you! xx
Click to expand...

Hi!

How old are your guinea pigs?

Sudden back leg paralysis can have quite a number of causes, so we can unfortunately tell you what is going on. One cause can be a sudden drop of calcium (more common in older piggies although none of mine has ever had it), but neurological problems or a sudden or chronic source of intense pain (like arthritis, sciatica or a blood clot in a lower spine blood vessel, a bladder stone or even a build up of fluid in the body can cause it.

Thankfully most sudden onset paralysis cases will revert themselves full or at least to good degree if the cause is temporary; it can be a matter of as little as a day or two or take weeks. Sudden back leg paralysis is more common in older piggies while accidents are most frequent in younger and new piggies as a result of freak blind jumps or being dropped by a human.

In order to care for your boy appropriately, please see this guide link here; it will take you through all practical care aspects in terms of what you can do for your boy at home and what you need to look out for: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

How old are your guinea pigs?

Sudden back leg paralysis can have quite a number of causes, so we can unfortunately tell you what is going on. One cause can be a sudden drop of calcium (more common in older piggies although none of mine has ever had it), but neurological problems or a sudden or chronic source of intense pain (like arthritis, sciatica or a blood clot in a lower spine blood vessel, a bladder stone or even a build up of fluid in the body can cause it.

Thankfully most sudden onset paralysis cases will revert themselves full or at least to good degree if the cause is temporary; it can be a matter of as little as a day or two or take weeks. Sudden back leg paralysis is more common in older piggies while accidents are most frequent in younger and new piggies as a result of freak blind jumps or being dropped by a human.

In order to care for your boy appropriately, please see this guide link here; it will take you through all practical care aspects in terms of what you can do for your boy at home and what you need to look out for: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
Click to expand...


Thank you Wiebke.
I'm taking back him to the vet today and they might do an x-ray just in case.He is going to be two years old so I guess he is still quite young.I'm their owner and never dropped them (or anyone as I'm their only contact haha).He is quite happy and 'going to the toilet'.I do not think that he is in pain.I really hope that he will recover very soon.
It is just heartbreaking to see that he cannot run around as he did before...
 
Bradshaw Piggies said:
Hope all goes well at the vet today and you start to see some improvement for your boy. We are sending lots of love
Click to expand...
Thanks very much.He has been quite happy today, eating etc.The vet referred me to an exotic pet specialist.So will go there.I need to give him some Metacam in the next couple of days.But the vet has also suggested giving him some extra calcium.So I might try that too.


Thanks very much for all your help.I will keep you updated!
 
Hello everyone,

I would like to update you all about Axl's condition but first of all I'd like to say thanks very very much for all your support, really appreciate it.
Axl is feeling so much better now. He has slowly started using his legs this week. This morning he was bending it confidently and running around. I also noticed that he is more content and drinking water (using his bottle, I was using a syringe), his appetite has never really changed xDD.
I'm very very happy!
He was on Metacam 0.17ml but I have started giving him Osteocare on Monday 2x1ml for three days and 1ml for another three days.
As you know he did not have an injury, I took him to the vet 2 times and no bladder stones, UTI or anything...So it was a mysteriously occurred condition.
So I think it was the 'overnight paralyzes' which happens overnight. I have read Peter Gurney's book and he talks about this phenomenon and the cure for it is calcium, worth reading it. (From the writing, important 'WARNING ALL OTHER FORMS OF PARALYSIS NEED EXPERT ATTENTION. By this I mean those that occur after falls, or accompany other illnesses or ones that come on gradually')

Anyway, thanks very much. Have a super weekend!
 
Szilvi said:
Hello everyone,

I would like to update you all about Axl's condition but first of all I'd like to say thanks very very much for all your support, really appreciate it.
Axl is feeling so much better now. He has slowly started using his legs this week. This morning he was bending it confidently and running around. I also noticed that he is more content and drinking water (using his bottle, I was using a syringe), his appetite has never really changed xDD.
I'm very very happy!
He was on Metacam 0.17ml but I have started giving him Osteocare on Monday 2x1ml for three days and 1ml for another three days.
As you know he did not have an injury, I took him to the vet 2 times and no bladder stones, UTI or anything...So it was a mysteriously occurred condition.
So I think it was the 'overnight paralyzes' which happens overnight. I have read Peter Gurney's book and he talks about this phenomenon and the cure for it is calcium, worth reading it. (From the writing, important 'WARNING ALL OTHER FORMS OF PARALYSIS NEED EXPERT ATTENTION. By this I mean those that occur after falls, or accompany other illnesses or ones that come on gradually')

Anyway, thanks very much. Have a super weekend!
Click to expand...

Hi!

Glad that the paralysis has reversed.

Calcium drop 'overnight paralysis' (i.e. sudden onset temporary loss of use of back legs) is just one of the causes for mystery temporary back leg paralysis but it can also caused by a temporary source of intense pain, like a blood clot in a spinal vein, sciatica or neurological issue, non of which can be easily diagnosed. My Beryn had one of these in connection with a short or partial GI stasis, followed by bloating and then loss of use of back legs for a day or two on the next day in January. What caused all the symptoms is still a mystery as my vet couldn't find anything obvious, and he did look very carefully and thoroughly.
I have also dealt with temporary back leg paralysis in the wake of a large fluid build up that started in the adrenal gland area.

That is why it is always best to see a vet to at least have your piggy checked for diagnosable cause like stones, arthritis, injury etc. before treating for a sudden calcium dip on spec; which is sadly something we see all too often. That is why the warning has been added to Peter Gurney's book.

More information on what can cause back leg paralysis on a temporary or permanent basis in this link here: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
You can find more information on the various causes
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

Glad that the paralysis has reversed.

Calcium drop 'overnight paralysis' (i.e. sudden onset temporary loss of use of back legs) is just one of the causes for mystery temporary back leg paralysis but it can also caused by a temporary source of intense pain, like a blood clot in a spinal vein, sciatica or neurological issue, non of which can be easily diagnosed. My Beryn had one of these in connection with a short or partial GI stasis, followed by bloating and then loss of use of back legs for a day or two on the next day in January. What caused all the symptoms is still a mystery as my vet couldn't find anything obvious, and he did look very carefully and thoroughly.
I have also dealt with temporary back leg paralysis in the wake of a large fluid build up that started in the adrenal gland area.

That is why it is always best to see a vet to at least have your piggy checked for diagnosable cause like stones, arthritis, injury etc. before treating for a sudden calcium dip on spec; which is sadly something we see all too often. That is why the warning has been added to Peter Gurney's book.

More information on what can cause back leg paralysis on a temporary or permanent basis in this link here: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
You can find more information on the various causes
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply...
Exactly, that's why I tried the calcium treatment - with my vet's suggestion - after he has been checked for everything else. :-)
We have to be very cautious!

As I mentioned in my previous posts I took Axl to the vet 2 times, he had blood test, x ray etc.(Also he will have another appointment with another vet on the 23rd just in case - just a follow up)
So we made the right decision with the vet and very happy that he is feeling better.
Thank you for the extra link though, problem has solved, thankfully!:-)
 
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