How many toes does a guinea pig have?
Most guinea pigs are born with four toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their hind feet. Each toe has a continuously growing nail consisting of the outer horny part and the inner living part called the “quick”. The underside of the foot has a soft foot pad which should be regularly examined for swelling or injury.
When to see a vet for guinea pig foot problems?
Usually the nail will grow back, although it may be more than a month before you see the new one. See a vet if there are any signs of infection like swelling or feeling hot to the touch. Some guinea pigs develop flaps of tough skin that protrude from their front feet.
What kind of foot pad does a guinea pig have?
The underside of the foot has a soft foot pad which should be regularly examined for swelling or injury. Guinea pig toenails grow constantly. Some grow straighter while others have a tendency to curl and lie to one side.
What should I do if my guinea pig toe is hanging?
A vet will evaluate the blood supply, bones, etc. to determine the best method. Removal by scalpel or surgical scissors under anesthesia can be safe and effective. In cases where the toe is hanging by a thread, a vet may use a ligature (tightly tied string to cut off blood flow to the dangling toe).
Most guinea pigs are born with four toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their hind feet. Each toe has a continuously growing nail consisting of the outer horny part and the inner living part called the “quick”. The underside of the foot has a soft foot pad which should be regularly examined for swelling or injury.
Why does my guinea pig have sores on her foot?
Pododermatitis in Guinea Pigs. Pododermatitis is a condition in which a guinea pig’s footpad becomes inflamed, develops sores, or becomes overgrown. The appearance may be similar to callouses, or small tumors on the bottom of the foot. This condition is commonly referred to as bumblefoot. When bumblefoot is left untreated or is present in…
Usually the nail will grow back, although it may be more than a month before you see the new one. See a vet if there are any signs of infection like swelling or feeling hot to the touch. Some guinea pigs develop flaps of tough skin that protrude from their front feet.
Why do guinea pigs have spurs on their feet?
Some guinea pigs develop flaps of tough skin that protrude from their front feet. These spurs can be carefully removed with a nail clipper to prevent accidental tearing. Avoid clipping too closely and causing bleeding. Development of spurs does not seem to be related to the type of bedding or flooring used.
Why does my guinea pig not move his back legs?
We took him to our regular vet who, unfortunately, didn’t specialize in exotics, and all she could say is that it might have been a stroke or spinal injury, and it might get better or might not (not real helpful). Fortunately, our guinea pig slowly improved over the next 10 days to where he could again use his back legs.
What to do if a guinea pig’s foot catches on something?
Occasionally a guinea pig’s nail may catch and tear completely off. If bleeding is excessive, styptic powder may help. Usually the nail will grow back, although it may be more than a month before you see the new one.
Can a guinea pig use his back legs?
Fortunately, our guinea pig slowly improved over the next 10 days to where he could again use his back legs. He still walks somewhat slowly with them and so I’d say he didn’t recover fully, but he gets along fine and seems perfectly happy.
Occasionally a guinea pig’s nail may catch and tear completely off. If bleeding is excessive, styptic powder may help. Usually the nail will grow back, although it may be more than a month before you see the new one.
Is there something wrong with my guinea pig?
Some conditions in guinea pigs still haven’t been well-researched. Hind leg paralysis is one of these conditions. Even experienced exotic vets are often stumped. Extensive, expensive testing often reveals nothing wrong with the guinea pig, and they are otherwise happy, going about their normal tasks. Eating. Pooping.
What causes a guinea pig to lose its hind leg?
Calcium-related hind leg paralysis Probably the least-known cause of hind leg paralysis in guinea pigs has to do with calcium. We spend a lot of time trying to make sure guinea pigs aren’t getting too much calcium in the diet in an attempt to avoid dreaded bladder stones.
Some conditions in guinea pigs still haven’t been well-researched. Hind leg paralysis is one of these conditions. Even experienced exotic vets are often stumped. Extensive, expensive testing often reveals nothing wrong with the guinea pig, and they are otherwise happy, going about their normal tasks. Eating. Pooping.
Calcium-related hind leg paralysis Probably the least-known cause of hind leg paralysis in guinea pigs has to do with calcium. We spend a lot of time trying to make sure guinea pigs aren’t getting too much calcium in the diet in an attempt to avoid dreaded bladder stones.
What to do if your guinea pig has paralysis?
Your vet will probably start with an exam to see if your guinea pig has any feeling in his legs. An X-ray will reveal if the legs have been fractured and can identify spinal injury. A guinea pig that has an injured or broken back can recover, but it will depend on the location and extent of the damage.
Can a guinea pig recover from a broken leg?
An X-ray will reveal if the legs have been fractured and can identify spinal injury. A guinea pig that has an injured or broken back can recover, but it will depend on the location and extent of the damage. Depending on what’s causing the paralysis, your vet might recommend keeping him as immobile as possible for a few weeks to help with healing.
