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Young Gp: Paralysis And Twitching, Seen Vet, Advice Please

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SqueakersUnited

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Hello,

Our young boy GP Bob is very poorly. He was limp with his head tilted on one side so we took him straight to the vet but tbh the vet was a bit baffled. He has had a Baytril antibiotic injection and is on oral antibiotics and critical care food via syringe. His back legs appeared totally paralysed and one front foot is not right either. He has maintained a good appetite. A few days into treatment he can now move his back legs but can barely move around, he can't stand or walk, he just lies on his side and sometimes moves his back legs in running motions and his limbs twitch. I read up on calcium deficiency causing paralysis and he is having doses of calcium too just in case.

Anyone heard of anything like this? We only got him a month ago and he was healthy, even had a vet check up then and all happy. He is roughly three months old. It is heart breaking to see. His brother was a bit poorly with suspected guinea pig chlamydia prior to this and is fine now. We can't tell if Bob is in pain, he has always been vocal though squeaking more than he used to when being picked up so worried he may be. Almost certain it is not an injury as he was slowing down a few days before being found limp, he was still eating fine (assumed it may be GPC like his brother) and vet didn't think so either.

Thanks.
 
I'm sorry he is so poorly. This is a bit beyond my expertise but I will tag @Abi_nurse just in case she comes online. Are you in the UK, is your vet experienced in dealing with pigs?
 
It sounds like it may have been a stroke, but I'm suprised the vet didn't consider this. Is your vet experienced with guinea pigs? It would be worth a second opinion I think. Whereabouts are you? We have a list of recommended vets for the UK, but we have members worldwide, so if you could update your profile with your location, that will help us give more tailored advice.

I always think that if the guinea pig is still eating, drinking, pooping and weeing ok, then there is hope. Even if it is a stroke, he may be able to recover sufficiently for a good quality of life. Baytril is notorious for upsetting the digestion so I would recommend giving him a pro-biotic (e.g. bio lapis or Pro-C) 1-2 hours after each dose of antibiotic.
 
Hi,

You may want to see a more specialised piggy vet that @helen105281 has mentioned. It sounds like a vestibular issue, with the head tilt, and the fact antibiotics seemed to have helped movement in his rear legs improve. Ofcourse this could just be coincidence, and it could be a stroke/seizure that he is starting to recover from.

I would have thought he would have been given metacam (anti inflammatory) as this would be the route of treatment for any of the above conditions.

Continue with the antibiotics and give probiotics 1-2 hours after each dose to keep his guts balanced.

Continue with syringe feeding:

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Please only syringe a little in his mouth at a time to ensure he doesnt choke, due to his age and weakened body. Also check he is swallowing before u syringe feed each time.

I hope you can get to a piggy savvy vet soon that may have other ideas. There is a vet locator at the top of the forum that may give you some help x
 
Yes, the vet is very senior and has had lots of experience with GPs. I said baffled as it is unclear what the issue is and because the GP is so young. He does seem to be getting stronger, if it is a stroke then hopefully he will be able to improve lots more. Thanks
 
Thanks for the link to the vets, it is quite a long way from us and our vet has had lots of experience of GPs. Really hoping he gets better, hadn't been able to find anyone describing symptoms like his online. Will be giving him pro-biotics too. Thanks
 
SqueakersUnited said:
Yes, the vet is very senior and has had lots of experience with GPs. I said baffled as it is unclear what the issue is and because the GP is so young. He does seem to be getting stronger, if it is a stroke then hopefully he will be able to improve lots more. Thanks
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I would definately enquire about an anti inflammatory such as metacam. This will help with any discomfort but also aid in recovery with any of the potential causes listed above x
 
If it is a stroke the first 48 hours are crucial so if he is over that period then there is some hope. I usually suggest water therapy for a stroke but if he is laying on his side it is not a good idea at this stage.
 
SqueakersUnited said:
Thanks all for your advice. Our guinea pig Bob died last night.
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I am so sorry. He obviously had something major goin on, sadly these things can strike out of the blue. You really did give him the best chance, i hope you can at least take some comfort from that.

Sleep tight bob xx
 
Thank you. Tbh it was the kindest outcome as he was in such a bad way. He was in his hutch, snuggled up to his brother which was probably the best way for him to go. I have contacted the pet shop as having illness of both GPs and death of one within a month of buying them is concerning and points at problems. They are investigating, they have requested reports from the vets and looks like it will be thoroughly investigated. Thanks again.
 
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