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I have a guinea pig that drags her back legs. She is not ...


Sent to Pet Experts July 16, 2006 9:35 p.m.

I have a guinea pig that drags her back legs. She is not drinking as much water as she used to but eats the veggies and fruit, as well as her other reg. food. I just gave her her weekly bath and she seems ok otherwise. I can't afford a vet...any ideas?

Optional Information:
Age: 5; Female; Breed: guiena pig

Already Tried:
Baths, just holding her, feed her well and keep her cage clean. She is very sweet. but no longer whistles and is less active.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Info Request
July 16, 2006 9:49 p.m. (13 minutes and 48 seconds later)
REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark

How long have you had her?

What size cage is she in?

Is she leaning more to one side than the other?

Is she dragging both back legs, or one back leg?

__________________
I am NOT, nor do I claim to be, a Veterinarian.
Always check with your vet for any symptoms your pet exhibits.

Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful.
PictureDanielle  -- Animal Care Expert -- 98% Positive Feedback on 246 Pet Accepts
10+ years experience with rodents and rabbits, 7+ years experience with freshwater fish and reptiles
Reply to Danielle
Sent July 16, 2006 10:04 p.m. (14 minutes and 56 seconds later)

Hi, thank you for responding..She is about 4, maybe 5. Someone gave her to me about 2 years ago., Her cage is 2' by 3'. She used to have a "second story" but never used it. Now she just sleeps under there. She started draging one leg and rested on one side. Now there are times she drags both.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 17, 2006 12:27 p.m. (14 hours and 23 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Due to the fact that she is favoring one side, and 'sometimes' dragging both back legs, leads me to believe that she may have an injury to her hip. This could've been caused by her wiggling around while being held or grabbed. There is a chance that there could also be nerve damage to her hip, or even her back.

Another possiblity, especially given her age, is that she suffered a stroke. These are common in guinea pigs and small rodents, unfortunately. The symptoms usually appear as leaning torwards one side, and loss of mobility in the hind legs.

Unfortunately, either possibility really needs to be checked out by a veterinarian. Any time an animal loses mobility in their hnd legs, indicates that something severe is going on. A veterinarian will need to examine her in order to diagnose, or rule out, any potential illness she may have, and determine an appropriate course of treatment.

Hope this helps!

__________________
I am NOT, nor do I claim to be, a Veterinarian.
Always check with your vet for any symptoms your pet exhibits.

Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful.


1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

PictureDanielle  -- Animal Care Expert -- 98% Positive Feedback on 246 Pet Accepts
10+ years experience with rodents and rabbits, 7+ years experience with freshwater fish and reptiles
Reply
Sent July 17, 2006 1:37 p.m. (1 hour and 10 minutes later)

Relist: I still need help.
I beleive she did have a stroke, and as I said I can't afford a vet..is there anything I can do. She is handled by me, and never was grabbed, or dropped. Thank yhou.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 17, 2006 2:15 p.m. (37 minutes and 55 seconds later)

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1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

PictureDanielle  -- Animal Care Expert -- 98% Positive Feedback on 246 Pet Accepts
10+ years experience with rodents and rabbits, 7+ years experience with freshwater fish and reptiles

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