Bone problem

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AcornA

Post   » Fri Dec 08, 2017 7:59 am


My 5.5 year old Abyssinian male has developed a condition over time where his forelegs tun out 90 degrees at the shoulders and not down. So when he is ‘standing’ his chest is flat on the ground and his arms point out to the sides. He seems content but his mobility is very restricted. He used to be quite overweight and we think this might have caused it. It also hid the problem as we thought he just couldn’t support himself and that is why his legs pointed outwards a bit. But it may have been a separate problem. Now that he has lost weight is is quite obviously a deformity.
Does anyone know what it is? Can you tell me if it is something that would be painful for him?

Sorry... I can’t figure out how to add a picture of him

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Fri Dec 08, 2017 8:53 am


You can email a picture to me, if it is crisp and clear and illustrates the issue:
Image

Has he been xrayed? It could show a joint problem. Consider also a motility aid like a cart:
https://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15475

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:42 am


Here is your picture:




You wrote and said:
As you can see his fore legs turn out flat. He hasn’t had an X-ray (I don’t think my ex has taken him for one either.

Do you have examples of carts? I was trying to think of an aid that could help him but would also be able to be used on his bedding.
The link I posted above gives examples of carts:
https://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15475

The cart is usually used when the front feet can pull the body along and there are problems with the rear feet. It is possible the cart might help your guinea pig but pushing only with the rear feet may not allow control for moving from one place to another.

This guinea pig needs a thorough veterinary evaluation, in my opinion, with xrays, to try to determine what is going on.

Carts work best in cages that have fleece or some other smooth bottom.

AcornA

Post   » Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:19 am


Thanks Lynx! I hadn't thought of fleece. He's got good strength despite the deformity so he should manage. I'll try stuff and see how we got on

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Mon Dec 11, 2017 12:23 pm


Lots of people here use fleece. Hopefully it will work for you!
https://www.guinealynx.info/bedding_fleece.html

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