QUESTION

Our guinea pig had a fall and now cannot use her backlegs, they drag behind, although her feet can move the legs drag. The vet said the legs are not broken, she needs rest and it's a case of wait and see. She had one anti-inflammatory injection. In herself she seems well, she eats and drags herself around the cage, she lives indoors. But she is wetting on herself so she smells and her backend is badly discoloured. We are afraid to wash her in case we will hurt her but I know the urine can't be left. It's now been 6 days since the accident - could she regain use of her legs and what do we do about her wet fur? Thankyou

Caroline

ANSWER

Dear Caroline,
If I see a guinea pig that has a back injury I would suggest that there needs to be a very positive response over three days, otherwise what is happening to your pet is the result- urine scald/possibly skin infections, and often urinary infections. These are often painful for the pet and may be life threatening. I would always gently bathe the pets rear in luke warm, slightly salted water. You will get a lot of the fur falling out! But, if it is six days and no real improvement, then please at least inform your vet, if not see them again.

Best Wishes

James Haddow