Newborn Guinea pig not using back legs!

Question
My Sow gave birth to four babies, but only two of the guinea pigs were alive at birth. The runt of the litter is really doing great and the mother is doing really good with her too. The other baby guinea pig is not doing really good. Her breathing is not labored, and she seems to be somewhat alert but she is not using her back legs. She just lays on her side and doesnt move and the sow isnt going out of her way to go over and nurse her. Is this a sign that my baby guinea pig is not going to make it? Do you have any suggetions for the care of this sweet baby?

Answer
Hi Stefanie

I wouldnt go as far as saying the baby isnt going to make it. It sounds more like he/she has a pysiological problem that needs looking at by a vet. It may even be that the back legs are a problem due to his position in the womb.

You can gently stimulate the back legs by rubbing gently but the prudent thing to do is to get a vet to check him/her out.

Andy