Paralysis

Paralysis describes the loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part of the body, typically as a result of illness or injury. Paralysis can be caused by several factors and have a varying prognosis depending upon the cause and severity. Commonly the hind legs are affected, but it can affect one side of the body, not just the front or back end.
 

Injuries are a common cause of paralysis. These can happen when guinea pigs live with rabbits and the rabbit sits on the guinea pig or lashes out with their powerful hind legs, injuring the guinea pigs back or leg/s. This is one reason why guinea pigs and rabbits should not live together. Rough handling or being dropped when being handled is another common cause. Fighting guinea pigs can also be a cause of spinal injuries leading to paralysis.
 
Guinea pigs can also suffer from an unknown condition that causes sudden paralysis for no apparent reason. Often the guinea pig is found dragging themselves along having not knowingly suffered any trauma. This is thought to be due to a calcium deficiency, and treatment with calcium can lead to a full recovery. However, it is important that you DO NOT treat your guinea pig at home without first seeking the advice of a vet, so the correct treatment can be commenced.
 

The guinea pig will be unable to move one or more of its legs. Often there is no pain response either, so if you pinch the guinea pigs toe they do not move their foot like they would normally. Spinal fractures and disc ruptures which commonly cause hind leg paralysis can also cause problems with the nerves in the spine and the guinea pig may not be able to urinate or knowingly pass faeces.
 
The guinea pig is likely to be anorexic, distressed and in pain. Try not to move the guinea pig around too much – place them in a box padded with rolled up towels so they cannot injure themselves any further.
 

It is important to take your guinea pig to your vet immediately. If the guinea pig is unable to pass urine there is the possibility of the bladder becoming so large that it can rupture.
 
Your vet will want to administer pain relief and stabilise the guinea pig so they can take x-rays to check for any fractures. Sometimes this is possible to do with the guinea pig conscious and other times it may be necessary to sedate them or give them a general anaesthetic.
 

This will depend on various factors such as if there is a fracture, where this is, if the guinea pig is able to pass urine and faeces, how distressed the guinea pig is, etc.
 
Spinal fractures are serious and often require complicated and expensive surgery to have any chance of the animal recovering. This surgery may not be an option due to the surgical challenges and referral would be necessary if it were to be undertaken.

If the guinea pig can be kept comfortable, has bladder and faecal control and is not distressed it may be possible to offer supportive treatment in the way of pain relief, fluid and nutrition support and keep the guinea pig confined to see if any feeling and movement returns in the leg/s over the coming days. Sadly, if this doesn’t happen or the guinea pig is faecally and/or urine incontinent or distressed then euthanasia is often the only option available.