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My guinea pig fell. Why is he dragging his back legs and squealing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 6 days old | 1lb

My daughter dropped her guinea pig outside. She said she believes is his rump and that he squeeled alot after the accident. He drags his back legs now, but after a few days he is showing some signs of movement in his left leg/foot, but nothing really in his right foot that I've seen. Can you give me a few ideas on what he may have Injured? I'm sure spine is a possibility, but he's not paralyzed, because of the movement in his left leg? HELP! PLEASE! I included a side profile of his body too! :(

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

I'm so sorry about Pig. Ideally he needs to see a vet as he may have a spinal cord lesion, pelvic fracture or other fracture. He may have a collapsed disc or broken vertebra. Spinal cord lesions may not always start with full paralysis. He needs to be kept fairly quiet to help allow for healing but knowing the extent of his injury will help determine if he can recover. He also may need pain medication which is only available by a prescription from the vet. After exam the vet may likely recomend radiographs to look for the lesion. The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment started the better his chance of recovery.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    He hasn't likely injured his spinal cord in the mid back region. There are different levels if paralysis depending on the severity of the injury. In this case if he has a little movement it may be that the soft tissue around the cord is inflamed and pressing on it. But still there is the possibility that he has fractured his back. He needs to see a vet to make sure he doesn't have a break and get some pain relief and antinflammatories. With time these injuries can improve but you need to make sure he is able to go to the toilet as sometimes the bladder loses its function.

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