One evening last week, Rufus began acting very sick. He staggered around, unable to keep his balance & couldn't seem to chew, almost as if he'd had a stroke. It was after dark (when I can't see to drive) and the vet's office had closed, anyways. I was very upset & kept a close eye on him the rest of the night. A few hours later, about 9:30 pm, he had improved vastly and was able to stand better & was very hungry, eating lettuce, tomato & a bit of hay as fast as he could gobble it up. The next day he was sleeping a lot, but seemed almost back to normal, except when trying to walk, which still gave him trouble.
My u.colitis had flared up again, even before this happened, so I was unable to go anywhere, but finally on Sat. it had calmed enough that I took him to the vet during a major snowstorm caused by a cold front from Canada called the "Alberta Clipper". The vet was about to close early due to the weather when I called, but was kind enough to wait for me to drive the short distance to her office. After a very thorough exam, she showed me where his leg was swollen & said that was probably causing him pain when he tried to walk, hence the lurching. So now he's on twice daily antibiotics for at least a couple weeks, plus a bunch of new veggies to provide extra fiber to help the impaction problem.The latter does seem to be helping & we spend less time wrestling as he is resigned to the strawberry flavored antibiotics. I also put warm compresses on his afflicted leg. A layer of aspen shavings goes on top of the newspaper on the bottom of his cage to provide a softer surface to walk on.
We return to the vet in 2 weeks and he may need the antibiotics longer. The swelling seems to have gone down, at least a bit & I'm hoping that continues. I'll keep you posted on how my little piggy is doing & we'd appreciate any prayers or good vibes you could send. Thanks.
Comments (7)
Awww, I'm sending out good wishes for a speedy recovery for little Rufus. You take such good care of him. I wish I had known you so long ago when I had my own little piggie.
Poor Rufus. How old is he now?
I remember one of our guinea pigs got an abscess under his neck. Boy that was disgusting to treat.
Poor little piggy!!
Thanks for the visit. That little Rufus is so precious and boy does he have a loving mommy.
Poor little guy. You had me really worried, there! I was afraid that he'd had a stroke or seizure. I second the question someone posed above: How old is Rufus? I know he is at least five years...right? Perhaps several more, even. He's in very good care, though. I know that with surety.
Love you,
Angel
Rufus is about 6 and a half years old, elderly in piggy years.
Oh dear. How could he get such a thing? He still looks very chipper for his age in the photos.
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