Guinea pig spinal problem

[squiggypigs]

Hi, new here but I'm looking for some advice. One of my pigs, Pickles, has lost the ability to move her back legs in the last day or so. We have taken her to the vets and told that it's neurological and signals aren't being sent to the leg due to a spinal issue. She had a steroid shot yesterday but hasn't really changed much. She isn't in any pain at the moment and is managing to move herself around a bit to get to food, water and shelter. The vet advised us to put her down as they are worried she could get secondary issues such as bladder infections, however as she still seems to be behaving fairly normally and snuggling with the other guineas I would not like to consider euthanasia unless it was affecting her ability to have a good quality of life.
Unfortunately I am not at home to see this for myself as I am still at university but will be back next week. Do you think it is ethical and fair for me to want to keep her alive until I get back so that I can say goodbye?
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry your girl is unwell. I wouldn’t put her to sleep just yet, as long as she is still okay in herself. One thing I would consider is getting her pain relief. You can’t know if she is in pain or not. They can hide illness very well, and that includes pain.

What tests did the vet do to conclude that it is neurological? I would perhaps also consider getting her seen by a more experienced vet for a second opinion. It wouldn’t do any harm.

There have been piggies on here with unexplained paralysis. The cause is never found. Hopefully she will be okay for now.

I’ll tag @Wiebke @VickiA @PigglePuggle
Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, new here but I'm looking for some advice. One of my pigs, Pickles, has lost the ability to move her back legs in the last day or so. We have taken her to the vets and told that it's neurological and signals aren't being sent to the leg due to a spinal issue. She had a steroid shot yesterday but hasn't really changed much. She isn't in any pain at the moment and is managing to move herself around a bit to get to food, water and shelter. The vet advised us to put her down as they are worried she could get secondary issues such as bladder infections, however as she still seems to be behaving fairly normally and snuggling with the other guineas I would not like to consider euthanasia unless it was affecting her ability to have a good quality of life.
Unfortunately I am not at home to see this for myself as I am still at university but will be back next week. Do you think it is ethical and fair for me to want to keep her alive until I get back so that I can say goodbye?
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome

Hi!

I am very sorry. This is a grey area and there is no right or wrong as to when or how soon or late to pts as long as you are putting your piggy's welfare and wellbeing first and foremost over your fears of loss. It is always a balancing act between conflicting factors but in the end, it has to also feel right for you whenever you have to make the decision.

As long as your piggy is lively, eating well and enjoying the company of their friends, there is no reason to put her to sleep now. If it is really a progressive issue, then you have to be aware that it can turn into a somewhat slippery slope where it gets harder to catch the right moment, so you have to be very honest with yourself and constantly reassess the issue.

You may find these two guide links below very helpful.
One is a fairly comprehensive practical care guide for guinea pigs with mobility problems (including back leg paralysis) and the other guide deals with all aspects that face those that care for a potentially terminally ill guinea pig to help them navigate the ethical and practical minefield better; especially when you have never been confronted with it. The second guide attempts to give you the tools to make informed decisions that you can live best with in the long term but also to make the best of whatever time you have with your girl.
Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

As long as your girl is not in pain and is having interest in life, you have time to think things through. As the owner, it is at all times your privilege as well as your responsibility to call shots and when to call them.

 

[squiggypigs]

Hi, thank you for all the advice and the extra guide information, it has definitely helped me. My thoughts are to not rush into euthanasia just yet as long as her quality of life is good and she is behaving well and happy in herself. Obviously I will constantly be assessing whether it is best for her welfare, although this is very distressing for me, I would never like to think that I would prioritise my feelings over her welfare. I am looking into getting her some pain relief just in case as I would hate for her to be suffering.
We were told that it was possibly due to a compression of her spinal cord, perhaps due to a slipped disc. It is also possible that it has developed due to arthritis, she is now 6 years old so I wouldn't be surprised. I'm not sure if anything can be done to help her in the long run which is why this decision is so difficult.
I have been lucky that I have had healthy guinea pigs for quite a few years now, however one of my pigs died a few months ago and I'm trying not to let that affect my decision with her friend.

 

[PigglePuggle]

I'm sorry to hear your piggy is suffering paralysis, there's no right or wrong decision here its a tough call and a difficult situation.
I would say however that maybe getting an xray to see exactly what has happened is a good idea, and in some cases if the spine is just compressed due to bruising and inflammation, then she may recover some mobility after a couple of weeks of a high dose of anti inflammatory pain relieving metacam/loxicom.
No guarantees especially in an older piggy, but I remember @Betsy had an old boy who suddenly became paralysed at the back end and managed to recover quite well and live a fair bit longer with daily metacam medicine.
As long as your piggy is pain free, there's no reason why you shouldnt wait a week or two and get an xray and try some anti inflammatory medicine and then reassess if there is any sign of recovery and if not then how well she is adapting to being immobile at the back.
Very difficult situation for you, sending hugs! X

 

[Betsy]

Yes my RB piggy Christian did have sudden onset paralysis in his back legs. One morning, I put him in in the run, he squeaked painfully and was dragging his back legs. Here is his story if you want to read it.
Christian was at emergency vet appointment this morning!