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Post by csr1476 on Mar 2, 2010 1:29:36 GMT
We rescued two one year old boars, Midnight and Bugsy, about a month and a half ago. They have always been together from birth with zero problems. Today, after either a major conflict or some very vigorous rough housing, Midnight is now paralyzed in his hind quarters....Is there anyway to keep him happy and healthy by making him a home made "wheel chair"? Or should I end his suffering and help him cross the bridge? I'm willing and more than capable to make him a wheel char of sorts, but I do not want to prolong his life if he is just going to be suffering. This would be very selfish on my part, and as bad as it would hurt, if the general consensus is that he will not have a very good quality of life then I will make the hard decision to put him down...I just do not want to do this prematurely.
If the opinion is that a wheel chair will provide him with a god quality of life, does anyone have any hints or tips on how to go about constructing one?
Thank you and any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 2, 2010 12:53:34 GMT
I've never been in this situation but here is a page that seems to describe the same thing as Midnight has. I hope it is helpful to you! www.oginet.com/pgurney/paral.htm
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 2, 2010 12:55:48 GMT
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Post by honey on Mar 2, 2010 20:01:33 GMT
Ive seen dogs that have a wheel chair for there hind quarters and they seem to live quite happily as long as theres no suffering and they are there happy selfs. I think you yourself will know if your piggie is suffering. If your piggie is its same old self and eating and happy, I see no reason why not, although I have had no experience with a piggie thats been paralyzed, good luck and hope everything goes well
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Post by Kayleigh on Mar 2, 2010 20:16:57 GMT
Personally i would put the piggie to sleep, Its such ashame this has happened but its difficult to know how a pig could cope with a wheelchair type contraption, Piggies live in cages, on loose bedding *unless fleece or vetbed is used* If he has lost the use of his back end then you have to think of urination and defication, if he cant move he will just lay in his own faeces etc. Ultimately its your decison but i dont think a guinea pig would cope,
I had my rabbit (rip simba) put to sleep because he paralyzed his back end, i thought it unfair to keep him alive as rabbits like to hop etc.
Regards
Kayleigh
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Post by catalady on Mar 2, 2010 20:26:12 GMT
Are you sure that this paralysis is permanent? Could it be that he just needs rest and recuperation and the use may come back? ( ie, if it was muscular ) Have you seen a vet before you beat yourself up or make any major decisions?
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Post by paulandjeanette on Mar 10, 2010 6:32:19 GMT
is there any sign of an injury
might just be a swelling pressing on the spine rather than an injury to the spine
He needs to see a vet
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Post by csr1476 on Mar 16, 2010 4:01:00 GMT
Thanks for all of your help...We did take him to the vet and she said she could feel some swelling in the lower 1/3 of his spine....suggested we give him a warm soak twice a week...we did this and lo and behold he is now running around like nothing ever happened. He is such a trooper!!!!
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Post by catalady on Mar 16, 2010 9:41:16 GMT
Awwwww, that's great news..I was wondering what had happened with him.
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 16, 2010 13:18:13 GMT
That's fantastic news!
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