Spinal injuries

As with all mammals, spinal injuries can occur in guinea pigs. They can arise from traumatic injuries and are usually serious and require urgent veterinary treatment.

The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine, is part of the axial skeleton. The vertebral column houses the spinal canal, a cavity that encloses and protects the spinal cord, which carries messages, via the nerves to parts of the body.

Guinea pigs have 258 bones, including the skull, ribs and breastbone. Their spinal column contains between 32 and 36 bones, with the coccygeal vertebrae making up the tailbone. Other parts of the spine include the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

Often with guinea pigs, traumatic injuries occur from rough or incorrect handling. Guinea pigs can be easily dropped when being handled or may injure themselves if they are picked up roughly whilst trying to run away. Spinal injuries may also happen to guinea pigs when housed with rabbits, since rabbits can sit on, stand on or hurt guinea pigs if they attempt to mount them. This is one of the reasons why guinea pigs should never be housed with rabbits.

It is possible that spinal injuries may happen from fighting with another guinea pig, but this is unlikely. Young guinea pigs or those with poor bone mineralization are more at risk.

Spinal injuries typically manifest as hind limb paralysis. The guinea pig will drag its hind legs behind it but may appear to be otherwise totally normal! If the spinal cord is completely severed, the nerves may also be, and the guinea pig may not appear to be in pain. Others may sit completely still and make no attempt to move around. Bladder function and the ability to control passing feces will also be affected, so they will sit in their urine and feces. Pinching the hind feet will not evoke any response from the guinea pig as they will not be able to feel their feet.

You must take your guinea pig straight to your veterinarian. They will examine them and will more than likely recommend x-rays to assess the spinal damage. These may be able to be performed conscious, but if they guinea pig is distressed, sedation may be required. More advanced imaging, such as MRI may also be suggested if cost is not an issue.

Treatment is limited and depends on the severity of the condition. If the spinal cord is severed, then recovery is not possible, and euthanasia should be performed to prevent suffering.

If the spinal cord is intact the guinea pig may recover to some degree (but may not make a full recovery). Whilst time may be given to allow for the swelling around the spine to reduce, supportive treatment in the form of pain relief, assisted feeding and fluids (if the guinea pig isn’t eating and drinking), manual expression of the bladder, keeping them clean and away from urine and feces, can be attempted. However, the guinea pig’s welfare needs to be constantly monitored and if the guinea pig shows no improvement within a week or is miserable then euthanasia should be performed.

Never keep guinea pigs with rabbits. Always ensure you handle guinea pigs carefully and correctly – never grab at them, handle them on the floor so if they do fall, they are not falling from a great height. Monitor children when they handle guinea pigs and ensure they have a good diet.