pregnancy complication?

Question
Hello,
 I have had my guinea pig for 7 months now. She (Ginger) gave birth to two babies a couple months ago and everything went well. Ginger is pregnant again. I can feel and see her belly move. But, about a week ago she stopped walking. Her hind legs are sticking out sideways and she not move. I have to put her food in front of her and take her water bottle to her. Do you think she had a stroke? Her personality has not changed. Maybe her belly is so big she cannot move?
Please help,
Thank you for your time,
Trisha


Answer
Hello Trisha,

She is likely suffering from malnutrition (hypocalcemia and hypoglycemia are common at this stage of pregnancy particularly since the pregnancies were so close together). I recommend crushing tums (or a different calcium supplement) into pineapple juice and syringing it to her (this will cover calcium, vitamin c, and sugars) and getting her to the vet ASAP. Malnutrition can quickly lead to pregnancy toxemia (almost always fatal) if not corrected quickly. When one of my pigs went through it, subcutaneous injections pulled her through. You also need to stay with her constantly if at all possible. Often when they have trouble during the pregnancy they also have to deal with a rough delivery. I'm going to send you a link to a story about another piggy who dealt with just this problem as it may help to help yours if she is in fact dealing with the same thing (though hopefully Ginger's experience won't be so traumatic). Good luck. Ginger and your family will be in my prayers.

http://www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs/breeding.html

-kkat