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Starting meloxicam young

A

AngryPenguin

New Born Pup
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Hi everyone,

I have a 1.5 year old piggie who dislocated one of his rear legs due to a fight in a small hidey. This happened about 6 months ago and we went to various surgical specialists who advised that the best outcome for him would be to form a 'fake joint'. Basically, the muscles and cartilages would 'hold' the leg in place as scar tissue.

Fast forward 6 months, he has lost his ability to walk like normal (to be expected), but otherwise still uses that leg. Range of motion is significantly less but indeed he puts weight on it and pushes off of it. This was an ideal outcome though we wished the incident never occurred.

As some may have followed, I have another 3.5 year old guinea pig which I am managing arthritis for the rest of his life. I have that other piggie on high ish dose meloxicam. Now, this makes me think of this 1.5 year old piggie. Should I be giving him a low dose of meloxicam to minimize inflammation as his other 3 joints will be used more heavily due to his injured leg?

Thanks!
 
If worried I would check with your vet but personally don't think it is necessary. I once had a piggy who had to have a rear leg amputated when 5 months old. He lived to be 6 and never needed metacam for his other legs. I would say, however, that it is important not to let your piggy gain too much weight as that will put added pressure on his joints. Also with less range of movement he will not be able to groom himself as effectively so regular brushing will help remove loose hair and debris and help prevent skin issues developing.
 
:agr:

If he seems to be in pain or showing signs of problems with his other joints then you could consider x-rays and possible pain killers, however if he is currently fine then I would keep things as they are.

It would be best if his cage was all on one level though (without ramps, etc).
 
Swissgreys said:
:agr:

If he seems to be in pain or showing signs of problems with his other joints then you could consider x-rays and possible pain killers, however if he is currently fine then I would keep things as they are.

It would be best if his cage was all on one level though (without ramps, etc).
Click to expand...

Yup, already done, thanks for the suggestion! It's a 40 sq foot enclosure, all on one level. There's also a wooley carpet underneath their entire enclosure to reduce the pressure on the joints as they walk :)
 
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