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Piggie dragging back legs

Nicjones99

Nicjones99

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
May 23, 2018
Messages
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Location
Bristol, UK
Hi, my guinea pig is dragging her back legs - we have taken her to the vet (unfortunately the tropical specialist wasn't in today) so she said it could be a number of things - spinal damage, infection, etc. Basically we are none the wiser and just have pain relief to give her.

Does anyone here have any insight? She is able to stand on her legs and can use them if needed (like when we were trying to pick her up to take her to the vet) but she is otherwise dragging them behind her - particularly the left one.

My feeling is that my daughter may have unintentionally damaged her when trying to pick her up (I have been laid up sick or I would have been supervising).

Does this sound like something she may recover from or should we prepare for the worst? Vet said to see how she is next week but I don't feel reassured.

She is eating as normal and her eyes are bright but she is resting a lot. I feel like giving her the meds stresses her out and could cause more damage but I guess it has to be done.

Any advice much appreciated, thanks
 
I’m sorry that hear that your piggy is dragging her back legs :(

I’m afraid that our guess is as good as yours and your vet on what could be wrong. But if she is no better in a few days time, I would have her xrayed to make sure she hasn’t broken anything if you think your daughter could have accidentally dropped her. It could also be a neurological issue
 
Claire W said:
I’m sorry that hear that your piggy is dragging her back legs :(

I’m afraid that our guess is as good as yours and your vet on what could be wrong. But if she is no better in a few days time, I would have her xrayed to make sure she hasn’t broken anything if you think your daughter could have accidentally dropped her. It could also be a neurological issue
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Thanks for your thoughts 😔 I know it probably isn't possible for anyone to say what's wrong without seeing her. Fingers crossed she makes some improvement.
 
Nicjones99 said:
Hi, my guinea pig is dragging her back legs - we have taken her to the vet (unfortunately the tropical specialist wasn't in today) so she said it could be a number of things - spinal damage, infection, etc. Basically we are none the wiser and just have pain relief to give her.

Does anyone here have any insight? She is able to stand on her legs and can use them if needed (like when we were trying to pick her up to take her to the vet) but she is otherwise dragging them behind her - particularly the left one.

My feeling is that my daughter may have unintentionally damaged her when trying to pick her up (I have been laid up sick or I would have been supervising).

Does this sound like something she may recover from or should we prepare for the worst? Vet said to see how she is next week but I don't feel reassured.

She is eating as normal and her eyes are bright but she is resting a lot. I feel like giving her the meds stresses her out and could cause more damage but I guess it has to be done.

Any advice much appreciated, thanks
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Hi!

I am very sorry for your situation and that you haven't been able to be seen by an exotics vet. These things have a tendency to happen at the worst possible time. :(

How old is your piggy?

Please accept that we cannot diagnose sight unseen.
You can find more information on loss of mobility and how to best care for piggies with lots of practical tips and information. In many cases, back leg paralysis slowly rights itself again at least to some degree but it very much depends on the cause. in older piggies, a sudden drop in calcium can be cause but it can also be due to a progressive or one-off problem.
Here is the link: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility

All the best!
 
Hi, thanks so much for your post and for the useful link. She is able to stand on her legs and can use them if needed and she doesn't seem to be in pain, which makes me think it could be neural. She is about 2.5 years old and otherwise healthy. She is voluntarily moving to get food (though I am putting it close so she doesn't have to). I'm hoping that as she still has the ability to move her legs it may be bruising rather than permanent damage... But it's encouraging to hear back leg paralysis can sometimes get better. I hope so as would hate to see her put down when she's otherwise healthy x
 
Nicjones99 said:
Hi, thanks so much for your post and for the useful link. She is able to stand on her legs and can use them if needed and she doesn't seem to be in pain, which makes me think it could be neural. She is about 2.5 years old and otherwise healthy. She is voluntarily moving to get food (though I am putting it close so she doesn't have to). I'm hoping that as she still has the ability to move her legs it may be bruising rather than permanent damage... But it's encouraging to hear back leg paralysis can sometimes get better. I hope so as would hate to see her put down when she's otherwise healthy x
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If she still has the will to move, then please encourage it. keep in mind that metacam is not just a painkiller but also an anti-inflammatory in case of any bruising or inflammation in the tissue. I am sure that the vet has checked whether the spine is OK.

Even a guinea pig with limited mobility can have enough quality of life and the will to live in the longer term; hence the enrichment chapter at the end of the guide for the piggies needing longer term support care. ;)

Just give it time; any reversal is gradual and can take a number of weeks.
 
Wiebke said:
If she still has the will to move, then please encourage it. keep in mind that metacam is not just a painkiller but also an anti-inflammatory in case of any bruising or inflammation in the tissue. I am sure that the vet has checked whether the spine is OK.

Even a guinea pig with limited mobility can have enough quality of life and the will to live in the longer term; hence the enrichment chapter at the end of the guide for the piggies needing longer term support care. ;)

Just give it time; any reversal is gradual and can take a number of weeks.
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Thanks so much Wiebke, I've just been reading about Nerys(so cute) and glad to know that it's not cruel to keep them alive. She has a very well bonded cage mate who would be lost without her. It's interesting that you suggest encouraging her to move as I read elsewhere that you should limit movement. Ultimately I guess it's up to the pig how much they want to move. Will try to be patient and hope for the best x
 
Nicjones99 said:
Thanks so much Wiebke, I've just been reading about Nerys(so cute) and glad to know that it's not cruel to keep them alive. She has a very well bonded cage mate who would be lost without her. It's interesting that you suggest encouraging her to move as I read elsewhere that you should limit movement. Ultimately I guess it's up to the pig how much they want to move. Will try to be patient and hope for the best x
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It depends on what is wrong with her. If you suspect bruising and and injury, then I would keep her comfy until she feels better. Can you gently feel her back end to see whether she has any defined sore points or areas?
I would encourage her to get back sitting on her feet if possible but put her food close enough that she has to make a small effort if she can make it but not across the cage. Also make sure that she has her hay within comfortable reach and get to the water with having her back end to give her lift. If necessary, offer her water from a bowl or a syringe.
 
We lost one pig to this but our paralysis was sudden and absolute, and your girl sounds like she has some control which would make me hopeful. If you do suspect physical injury let the vet know - even if you're really embarrassed - I bet they see it a lot.

My girl (4+) was trotting round in the garden with her friend - then suddenly no movement from the 'waist' down. Front legs trotting along, back legs just dragging like a snake in an alarming manner. She didn't seem to realise at first, didn't show any pain, and we believe she'd lost all sensation actually. Her eating/pooping was fine and she so we just modified everything to one level. I believe she could have lived quite happily for a long time but I didn't foresee the problems a pressure sore (a 'bedsore') could bring. Try as we might she always rested on the same point and as she rapidly lost muscle tone there was hardly any flesh between broken skin and bone. It got infected (she couldn't even feel it) and there was nothing that could be done. If your girl can stay on her feet at least some of the time she'll maintain muscle tone, and if she can rest on different points you'll be in a much, much better position. Lots of luck ❤
 
Thanks so much for your comments - I'm sorry to hear about the piggy you lost. My husband took ours to the vet but wasn't allowed in due to Covid restrictions - he did tell the vet he thought it was injury-induced and the vet said she didn't appear to have any sore spots when she examined her. I will take on board the advice about keeping her comfortable and encouraging her to rest in different positions. Half the cage is filled with hay so it is easily accessible, plus I give them fresh daily. Will keep on with the meds and see if there is any improvement x
 
Hello. I had a wonderful piggie Cocoa who lost use of her back legs. Pls read this thread I'm sure it will give you hope as she was amazing. Specialist - Cocoa Poorly Lip And Congested. Pls Help. Photos
I know it's a long thread but her story WILL help
I will add I'm unable to say when her legs became poorly but it's in the thread.
I miss her so much . .
 
I'm sad to say Blossom seems worse today. What started with a limp on Friday or Saturday has turned into her completely dragging her back legs now. My husband thinks it's cruel to keep her alive like this. I think we need to give her a chance to see if she can recover some movement but it is very hard to watch. She is still bright and eating normally + taking her meds fine. We've phoned the vet again and the exotic specialist is booked up for the next TWO WEEKS. This is the only specialist in our area (Bristol). I don't know if we're allowed to travel out of the area during lockdown (+ I'm not supposed to drive as I've just had surgery). Is this an emergency or do we just keep her comfortable and hope for the best?
 
Nicjones99 said:
I'm sad to say Blossom seems worse today. What started with a limp on Friday or Saturday has turned into her completely dragging her back legs now. My husband thinks it's cruel to keep her alive like this. I think we need to give her a chance to see if she can recover some movement but it is very hard to watch. She is still bright and eating normally + taking her meds fine. We've phoned the vet again and the exotic specialist is booked up for the next TWO WEEKS. This is the only specialist in our area (Bristol). I don't know if we're allowed to travel out of the area during lockdown (+ I'm not supposed to drive as I've just had surgery). Is this an emergency or do we just keep her comfortable and hope for the best?
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BIG HUGS

I am very sorry.

Please have her vet checked again for a spine injury (if necessary by an x-ray) or nerve disruption asap. They often develop fully only a day or two after the actual accident. As Blossom still had a small degree of mobility yesterday, it was looking pretty hopeful for her bouncing back more easily. :(

This will hopefully give you the basis for any informed decisions about Blossom's future; and ones you can live with better in the long term. Your heart is in absolutely the right place; but you want to be assured that your judgment is backed up by facts. Please try not to feel guilty. It is one of these freaky things that you can never foresee or prevent, and it is not in any way a reflection of bad care.

Emergency vet appointments are allowed out of the area, as long as you take the phone with the appointment with you. They count as essential travel. However, like with eye injuries, bone or nerve damage can be seen and dealt with by any decent general vet as they are not species specific.

I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed and will keep thinking of you and poor Blossom!
 
Thanks Wiebke, it's so distressing to see her like this. I have just seen her using her back legs again, though it is a big effort. She can sit on them comfortably to eat. I'm saying to my husband we need to give her at least a few more days to see if there's any improvement. Is that the right thing to do? I'm fearful of how much an x-ray will cost and whether it will actually show anything useful. Would it show nerve damage, or just spinal?
 
Nicjones99 said:
Thanks Wiebke, it's so distressing to see her like this. I have just seen her using her back legs again, though it is a big effort. She can sit on them comfortably to eat. I'm saying to my husband we need to give her at least a few more days to see if there's any improvement. Is that the right thing to do? I'm fearful of how much an x-ray will cost and whether it will actually show anything useful. Would it show nerve damage, or just spinal?
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An x-ray will only show spinal damage. As long as Blossom has still got the will to eat and live, you have the grace to wait and see how things are going. At least the gut and urinating are not impacted by what is going on.

Please follow the tips in the guide for guinea pigs with no mobility and make sure that she has everything she needs right by her side and that you replace everything regularly to prevent sores.

Some cheap vetbed (look for dog stuff) from online cut into pads will come in handy as it is the best surface for her to be on. If you have several pads you can swap them over 2-3 times a day and wash so she is kept as soft and dry (on the surface) as possible. Please gently clean her bum and the under carriage (including the pads of her weight beatring front feet) daily to prevent sores and infections.

Situations like this one are never easy to navigate and they can be very taxing.
 
The vet might be able to give you some ideas about x-ray cost on the phone in advance... at least if it's usually "between this and this". My vet was cheaper than I thought for an x-ray but it turns out they don't use a general anaesthetic (which some do) they just swaddled them in a towel.

@Wiebke is right about giving her (and yourselves) time to process what is going on so you can make the best decision for her. If she's not in pain and she's still young she has every chance. You might see improvement over the next days - you might see her deteriorate further - but at least you'll have more idea and be able to see how she is managing. There are still options...
 
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. I definitely need time to process this so it's reassuring to know that she isn't suffering and we don't have to make an immediate decision. As you say, she is a young pig and I had hoped to have her for several years yet so I want to give her every chance to recover. If the xray shows spinal damage is that likely to be a permanent thing, as opposed to neural which could potentially improve?
 
Nicjones99 said:
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. I definitely need time to process this so it's reassuring to know that she isn't suffering and we don't have to make an immediate decision. As you say, she is a young pig and I had hoped to have her for several years yet so I want to give her every chance to recover. If the xray shows spinal damage is that likely to be a permanent thing, as opposed to neural which could potentially improve?
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Right now, it is impossible to tell. We can only support your home care but as we know as much as you do about the medical side, all we can do is guess as much

Hang on in there and adjust the level of care to how her mobility and her appetite is. The coming days will tell. Right now she still has some movement and feel in her lower body. Keep in mind that any bruising will also be at its worst right now. Please keep the pain relief going; it will help with any swelling.
 
Yes, I guess the next few days will be critical in terms of improvement or deterioration. I will keep you posted, thanks again for the support x
 
Nicjones99 said:
Yes, I guess the next few days will be critical in terms of improvement or deterioration. I will keep you posted, thanks again for the support x
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We are here for you; providing ongoing emotional as well practical support for your care at home during a difficult time is part of our forum ethos.

Please keep to this support thread so we can keep the information together for as long as needed and can quickly look up what has been said before or what has happened to refresh our memories at need. You can pick your thread by using the 'find thread/your threads' option by the top bar on the home page.
 
Hang in there if you can @Betsy has a piggie that had trouble moving his back legs and he gradually regained movement after a couple of weeks
Finger all crossed for your little lady x
 
Thank you everyone, I'm so glad to hear Christian recovered, thank you for sharing his story. I think Blossom has different issues (no arthritis, no obvious pain, she can stand on her legs and move on them if startled but is preferring to drag them) but we will give her a few more days then try to get an x-ray. I really wish our exotic vet was available to give us some answers. After a couple of days rest should we encourage her to move around more to regain some strength - or should we just let her do what she wants/needs (which is basically sleeping and eating right now)? I'm worried she may get too fat to be able to support herself (appetite isn't affected!) X
 
I think she'll move if she wants to and I don't think she'll get that tubby in the short-term. The fact her appetite isn't affected is great - she obviously takes pleasure in her munching and if she just wants to have a little stretch and move occasionally she'll be doing what feels OK to her. When they're unafflicted they're not lazy animals, they bop around investigating the world, so if she's resting she must need it. Sending her and her friend lots of love 💕
 
Rose one of our girl pigs lost complete use of her back legs last year. She lost quite a bit of weight and we had to help her with regular syringe feeding and bath her to keep her bum clean. Throughout the period she was happy to move around all be it slowly. It took her 7 weeks to recover. Today over a year later she has no noticeable issues. She was in and out of the vets every week...never found out what had caused it.
I hope your little one makes a swift recovery.
 
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