Thank you for providing more background information. This makes a lot of sense. We are very often asked questions without helpful background information which makes any assessment and answer very difficult for us, considering that we completely lack hands-on access and only get everything through the filter of their owners perception and - already - interpretation. None of us is a vet, nor can we replace a vet or any necessary examinations.
I would recommend to have the x-ray done so you can see extent and nature of the damage. I doubt that there is a lot you or your vet can do but knowing exactly what is going on and if necessary being able to compare x-rays in the long term to judge any developments may help your vet in the future; especially in the case that the back is further impacted from a bad move or an accidental injury or interactive issues (mounting by a neutered boar or sows with a strong season or ovarian cysts, which can aggravate spinal or back injuries etc). The huge need for companionship can sometimes be a very delicate balance act as a group/pair is a dynamic process and not a static one.
Unfortunately for you, we haven't had a comparable case on here; most piggies with such major damage generally don't survive to be rescued or sadly often require pts if the damage is that little bit worse.
You may still find our mobility care guide from my first post helpful; especially in view of any secondary long term complications and what to look out for. Since your piggy is unable to pick her caecotrophs from the anus and is somewhat impacted in spreading saliva and natural oils from the grease gland over her body by doing full piggy washes and also not necessarily able to clean her own genitalis by not being able to sit fully on her back legs, as well as having more weight for longer on her front legs and putting more weight on her front feet (increased bumblefoot risk) or weight on her back feet at somewhat awkward angles etc. there are some potential long term considerations, which are covered in the mobility care guide, which has been proofread by a very experienced vet nurse specialising in guinea pigs.
This will hopefully help you to keep your girl as healthy and comfortable in the long term when you are aware of what to look out for during the weekly weigh-ins and body checks.
catches? She is currently on metacam for pain relief. I think I'd want it xrayed but unsure about amputation as the other leg isn't much better. Would be interested to hear anyone elses experiences
