Fractures

Fractures (broken bones) can occur as a result of fighting or from an accident. Prevention is better than cure, so steps should be taken to try and minimise them from happening.

Guinea pigs love to run around, explore and play with other guinea pigs. Sometimes simple accidents can happen. Guinea pigs can also be injured through incorrect handling or if they are dropped. It is therefore important to ensure you handle your guinea pigs carefully to avoid accidents.

Guinea pigs can also be severely injured by rabbits, and they should therefore never be kept together.

It is common for guinea pigs to break a leg, toe or their spine (back). Toe fractures are common when guinea pigs catch them in toys or on the bars of their cage. Overlong claws can also be a cause for this as they can become snagged. Wire mesh used on the bottom of runs or cages is a common cause of this, and for this and other reasons, it is not recommended to use wire bottomed cages. Broken legs or spine are often the results of trauma from being dropped, handled incorrectly or from predators such as foxes or other domestic pets like cats like cats and dogs.

If you suspect your guinea pig has broken a bone, you should take them to see your vet as soon as possible. Fractures are painful and the guinea pig will need a full clinical examination and pain relief. If a fracture is suspected, your vet will want to perform x-rays to establish where the fracture is. The guinea pig is likely to be depressed, unwilling to move around and not using the affected leg. A guinea pig with a broken spine will often have no movement or feeling in their back legs. They will also have no bladder or bowel control.

If a fracture is confirmed on xray, the treatment your vet suggests will depend on the fracture location and severity.

Broken toes will heal by themselves without surgery, but your guinea pig will need pain relief. Sometimes they can heal at a different angle and if the guinea pig keeps catching it then amputation may be necessary to prevent repeated trauma.

Fractured legs may be possible to surgically repair. However, guinea pig bones are extremely small and fragile and your vet may feel that referral to an exotics specialist is needed.

Depending upon the fracture location and type, it may be suggested to let the bone heal itself but immobilizing the leg with a large bandage. This can work well, but the guinea pig will need to be kept quiet and confined to a cage for several weeks, with frequent bandage changes.  If repair with surgery or immobilisation is not possible, then amputation of the leg may be suggested. Guinea pigs can live perfectly fine with 3 legs, but may need help with grooming.

A fractured spine carries a grave prognosis and in these cases euthanasia is often suggested to prevent further suffering.

You are unable to prevent them from happening, but there are steps you can take to minimise them from occurring.

Check your guinea pig enclosure and ensure there is nothing they can injure themselves on. They shouldn’t have access to high shelves or ledges that they may fall from.

Don’t use wire on the bottom of cages or runs. Make sure the guinea pigs claws stay short so they don’t catch on things.

Handle your guinea pigs carefully; it is best to sit on the floor with them and handle them sitting down, so if they are accidentally dropped they don’t have as far to fall.

Never house guinea pigs with rabbits.

Never allow other pets free access to them even if they are always good, dogs and cats are predators and can cause serious damage to your guinea pigs.

Ensure all hutches and runs are fox proof and secure.