Jack fell and now drags his back legs
On Sunday, one of my guinea pigs, Jack, jumped out of my daughter's arms and fell on the floor.
As soon as he landed he started to squeal and wouldn't stop.
He started dragging one foot. I picked him up and gently touched his back legs and he made no noise or any movement.
When he was put back in the cage, he was dragging both his rear legs.
We spoke to a vet and then took him to one, who examined Jack and gave him a injection (think it was an anti-inflammatory). The vet didn't think that Jack had broken anything from what he could feel.
He said to give Jack 48 hours to see if there was an improvement, if not then take him back.
As of today, he is not better and isn't eating much apart from little bits of cucumber and carrot. He won't come out of his hiding hole and will only drink if the water bottle is held to him. He also will eat lots of hay.
We are unfortunately very short of money (this may not come out right) and we don't want to spend money on him if he isn't going to get better or prolong his suffering. We are eligible for PDSA help but don't know if it's worth applying for if he's not going to improve.
So, don't really know what to do. We are going to take him back to the vets tomorrow.
As soon as he landed he started to squeal and wouldn't stop.
He started dragging one foot. I picked him up and gently touched his back legs and he made no noise or any movement.
When he was put back in the cage, he was dragging both his rear legs.
We spoke to a vet and then took him to one, who examined Jack and gave him a injection (think it was an anti-inflammatory). The vet didn't think that Jack had broken anything from what he could feel.
He said to give Jack 48 hours to see if there was an improvement, if not then take him back.
As of today, he is not better and isn't eating much apart from little bits of cucumber and carrot. He won't come out of his hiding hole and will only drink if the water bottle is held to him. He also will eat lots of hay.
We are unfortunately very short of money (this may not come out right) and we don't want to spend money on him if he isn't going to get better or prolong his suffering. We are eligible for PDSA help but don't know if it's worth applying for if he's not going to improve.
So, don't really know what to do. We are going to take him back to the vets tomorrow.
I think you should exhaust more options before even considering euthanasia. I don't have a lot of money either and vet bills bleed me dry but if there's a way to help a piggie, it should be done.
Your vet may not have -thought- there was anything, but an X-RAY is essential to rule it out. Piggies are delicate and even low falls can cause breaks or even be fatal.
Please get an x-ray done, there might be subtle break in the legs that's causing the pain and discomfort. Breaks can heal in time.
And also your piggie is probably frightened out of its mind. Dropping one may be accidental but they've just been hurt because of it, they're in pain and vulnerable. This is terrifying.
Please, please get an X-ray.
Your vet may not have -thought- there was anything, but an X-RAY is essential to rule it out. Piggies are delicate and even low falls can cause breaks or even be fatal.
Please get an x-ray done, there might be subtle break in the legs that's causing the pain and discomfort. Breaks can heal in time.
And also your piggie is probably frightened out of its mind. Dropping one may be accidental but they've just been hurt because of it, they're in pain and vulnerable. This is terrifying.
Please, please get an X-ray.
Undoubtedly you need an x-ray. If you are really unable to afford the fee that the vet will charge for this, (and I fully understand if you can't) then an alternative is for him to go to CCT where an x-ray can be taken at very reasonable cost. If you are not already a member I would be happy to take home for you.
I am in Ware tomorrow evening and Sat morn so could pick him up from you and take him up to Vedra.
Is he a lone pig or does he has a companion?
PM me with your number if you want to talk through the options.
I am in Ware tomorrow evening and Sat morn so could pick him up from you and take him up to Vedra.
Is he a lone pig or does he has a companion?
PM me with your number if you want to talk through the options.
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
If he got an injection of steroids, that should help with the swelling. Be sure to restrict movement. Several guinea pigs have regained the use of limbs given time. Some people have adapted their cages (use fleece) and made a cart to help the guinea pig get around. I am unsure how safe handling is but do know that typically one weighs ill pigs daily to ensure they are getting enough food. I would not give up yet. Ditto on the xray. It sounds like he may have broken something. Pain medication can definitely help.
I'm actually very surprised the vet didn't do an x-ray as soon as you mentioned fall with instant pain/ loss of mobility.
If you've been at that vet for a long time and are in good standing is it possible to work out a payment plan? I know years ago when our cat required emergency 900.00 surgery we were allowed to go on a payment plan. Normally vets are very good about these kinds of things, as long as you're in good standing with them!
If you've been at that vet for a long time and are in good standing is it possible to work out a payment plan? I know years ago when our cat required emergency 900.00 surgery we were allowed to go on a payment plan. Normally vets are very good about these kinds of things, as long as you're in good standing with them!
With adea's permission I am updating.
Jack went to Vedra on Saturday afternoon. The x-ray reveals no break or dislocation and Jack has full bowel and bladder control.
He does not appear to be in any pain but the back leg paralysis prevails so we are thinking nerve damage (brusing and/or entrapment).
I shall be colleting him sometime this week whereafter he will be coming to stay with me for some therapy and observation over the next few weeks/months, depending on progress.
I intend to keep that progress updated here and will get some pictures up once he's settled a little.
He's a lovely chap and I am keeping everything crossed that his condition will improve over time.
Jack went to Vedra on Saturday afternoon. The x-ray reveals no break or dislocation and Jack has full bowel and bladder control.
He does not appear to be in any pain but the back leg paralysis prevails so we are thinking nerve damage (brusing and/or entrapment).
I shall be colleting him sometime this week whereafter he will be coming to stay with me for some therapy and observation over the next few weeks/months, depending on progress.
I intend to keep that progress updated here and will get some pictures up once he's settled a little.
He's a lovely chap and I am keeping everything crossed that his condition will improve over time.
- JudiL-MetroGPRescue
- Poop Obsessed
I had a piggy who did break his back when dropped. He lives for another two years running around on his front legs. He developed quite the upper chest! He passed away not from that but from a thymoma - cancer. So pigs can live and run even if their back legs are useless. I hope he recovers well, though!