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My guinea pig is limping. What can I do if no vet is nearby?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Female | unspayed | 2 lbs

My guinea pig is limping and carrying her front left leg, and I was wondering what it could be or what I can do at home to help? She's still walking around and she's eating and drinking like normal and everything. We don't have a vet that takes guinea pigs anywhere near us for quite a while and the closest one is a plane ride away. so I'm not really sure what to do. Any help would be amazing. In the pictures she's ticking it under her so it's hard to see but I don't want to hurt her by pulling

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 24th, 2017

Check her foot for swelling or redness. She may have an infection (bumblefoot) which would account for the symptoms you are seeing. It happens when guinea pigs are kept on a wire bottom cage. Dirty bedding can also complicate it, especially if she develops a small wound on her foot.
You don't necessarily need a vet that specializes in pocket pets. A local vet should be able to diagnose and dispense antibiotics. If this is not possible, try foot soaks in a dilute chlorhexidine or Betadine solution. You don't need much, just enough for her to stand. Soak daily, dry thoroughly and keep her on paper towels until she heals. Change bedding daily or more often if necessary.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 20th, 2017
Maybe his foot got stuck in the cage, this happens relatively often with guinea pigs. for now i would recommend to monitor it for a couple days, in most cases the swelling will go down within a few days and the limping should improve. if the condition doesn't get any better you should then take him to the vet to get it checked and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on July 2nd, 2018
If Nibbles will allow, look at the affected foot. Check for redness, swelling or bruising. This can be an indication of 'bumble foot' which is a serious infection. Check for overgrown toenails as well.
Keep the cage clean, changing the bedding daily if needed.
Check his teeth as well for overgrowth or misalignment. If everything appears "normal" , have him physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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