Joint Pain

How can I relieve my guinea pig of pain from arthritis?

My guinea pig chocolate is very old, and has really bad arthritis in her feet/ankle joints. This is what the vet told me a couple months ago, when she started to drag her feet and not walk properly. She never really told me how to help her, but she was happy and walking around okay. In the past couple of days chocolate seems very unhappy will hardly eat, and can't seem to walk. When i pet her she does not purr and seems to be in pain. Is there anything I can do to help her? I read that Potters Tabritis tablets help, has anyone use that? Or is my only option to put her down? She refuses to eat or drink anything.

Public Comments

1. Ask your vet about Rimadyl. It will be hard on her kidneys and possibly reduce her time by a few days, but she will be out of pain.
2. well is she still eating? She's probably having digestive failure due to her advanced age. Herbivores, grass and grain eaters, have bacteria in there stomachs to digest the plant matter they have eaten. Formulated alfalfa pellets are very high fiber, protein, and fats. This is harder and harder for the older pig to digest. I would suggest a diet change, look up health recipe alternatives to pellets. You will have a lot more work to do in the feeding area, making sure to provide a balanced diet of vegetables, hays, grains, and other things. Also soak the pellets in a warm water, or juice solution can make the food more appetizing and easier to chew and digest. As some chondrotin glucosamin (not spelled right) the same stuff you can give a dog in his food bowl. Cut down the amount as much as possible. This can aid in his joint mobility. I have many old piggers in my life, I had one that lived 13 years. This is what i had to do for the poor fella. He died on his own when he was ready. If you think yours is in serious pain and discomfort, by all means help him into the next life peacefully. If you dont want to syringe feed her for the remaining days, then I suggest helping her on to her next life.
3. I'd go back to the vet for pain meds. There are ones that can be injected for pets that hurt too much to eat it. Get a vet opinion about euthanasia. Usually, not eating, not walking and excruciating pain mean a gentle end for our beloved pets. After all, you don't want the last memory of your pet to be pain.