9yo sow with trouble walking
Hi all -- I am a new member and need advice. I apologize in advance if the question is too vague.
I have a 9.5+ year old sow (American) who over the past couple of weeks has had serious problems walking. The problem appears to be in the rear left foot but the right one is not better resulting in her having to really struggle to move around and kind of dragging herself around. It started at first at her favoring one leg over the other but now it's gotten to the point where she seldom moves unless she has to. She has bouts of this over the past 6 months but they used to go away after a couple of days. This time it's not appearing to be going away.
She is still eating and drinking (although with much less gusto than before) and enjoys sitting on the couch with me watching tv and getting petted. Her poop is soft but she is able to manage that and seems to be urinating ok.
I am doing my best to keep her comfortable as best I can but I would like some advice on what I should do next. I am really hesitating taking her to a vet because of her advanced age and I don't think I want to put her through anesthesia and prodding but I am open to all advice.
I love her dearly -- she's been the only constant in my life the past nine+ years -- and just want her to be comfortable. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Bill.
I have a 9.5+ year old sow (American) who over the past couple of weeks has had serious problems walking. The problem appears to be in the rear left foot but the right one is not better resulting in her having to really struggle to move around and kind of dragging herself around. It started at first at her favoring one leg over the other but now it's gotten to the point where she seldom moves unless she has to. She has bouts of this over the past 6 months but they used to go away after a couple of days. This time it's not appearing to be going away.
She is still eating and drinking (although with much less gusto than before) and enjoys sitting on the couch with me watching tv and getting petted. Her poop is soft but she is able to manage that and seems to be urinating ok.
I am doing my best to keep her comfortable as best I can but I would like some advice on what I should do next. I am really hesitating taking her to a vet because of her advanced age and I don't think I want to put her through anesthesia and prodding but I am open to all advice.
I love her dearly -- she's been the only constant in my life the past nine+ years -- and just want her to be comfortable. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Bill.
It could be arthritis due to age. We can't really say. It's the normal course to get an x-ray. A good vet can do it without anesthesia.
I'm assuming she is getting enough vitamin C. So she is just a short hair? Is she a Satin?
I'm assuming she is getting enough vitamin C. So she is just a short hair? Is she a Satin?
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- Little Jo Wheek
Well, a vet can actually do a lot for her well-being without using anesthesia.
X-rays are not terribly difficult. Bloodwork isn't either. She may have arthritis which would benefit from an anti-inflammatory such as meloxicam. If she has a fracture or bone tumor, anti-inflammatories are also in her future.
What kind of diet does she have? Improving upon that may also help (I'm assuming she's eating a timothy-based pellet, free fed grass hay, and fed appropriate leafy veggies daily).
X-rays are not terribly difficult. Bloodwork isn't either. She may have arthritis which would benefit from an anti-inflammatory such as meloxicam. If she has a fracture or bone tumor, anti-inflammatories are also in her future.
What kind of diet does she have? Improving upon that may also help (I'm assuming she's eating a timothy-based pellet, free fed grass hay, and fed appropriate leafy veggies daily).
Sounds like I shouldn't worry too much about taking her to a vet. I'll call tomorrow morning to schedule.
She's on a pretty standard diet. Standard pellet fare, timothy hay, fresh vegetables daily and added vitamins in her water so I think vitamin C should be fine as well.
Thanks for the quick advice!
P.S. She is of the short hair variety. :)
Picture taken of her today lounging.. (normally use CareFresh but ran out earlier in the week and now I am trapped indoors by the snow.)
Thanks again,
Bill
She's on a pretty standard diet. Standard pellet fare, timothy hay, fresh vegetables daily and added vitamins in her water so I think vitamin C should be fine as well.
Thanks for the quick advice!
P.S. She is of the short hair variety. :)
Picture taken of her today lounging.. (normally use CareFresh but ran out earlier in the week and now I am trapped indoors by the snow.)
Thanks again,
Bill
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
We generally advise people not to put vitamins in the water and if they give supplements to only give vitamin C. And to provide a high quality pellet.
No idea if diet is a contributing factor. You might want to look over www.guinealynx.info/diet.html
But you sure are doing a lot right if she's 9 1/2!
No idea if diet is a contributing factor. You might want to look over www.guinealynx.info/diet.html
But you sure are doing a lot right if she's 9 1/2!
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- 4 the Good of all Pigs
Wow, that's one long life for a pig!
Is your vet experienced with guinea pigs?
Is your vet experienced with guinea pigs?