VERY sick guinea pig!!

Question
hi,
 we have a piggie who's about 3 years old.today i went to say take her out of her cage, and she was having a siezure. her eyes are clear now , but its like her rear end has no motor control and she doesnt whistle anymore. She was eating pellets and we would give her romaine a couple times a week, along with apples and dandelion greens. She has had 3 litters. She is also losing hair from her rear end. We thought the piggie in the cage with her was biting her rump, so we took her companion out of the cage a week ago.
  We lost another piggie to the same symptoms about 6 months ago. but that one happened over night.
 Also, there are no vets who care for guinea pigs in my area.
 Thank you for any help you can provide, we love her alot and hope you have an idea.

Answer
Hello Tim and thanks for the question.

I am sorry to hear of the situation that your pet is in. I am also more sorry still to hear that there is not a vet in your area to treat GPs. Quality medical care is vital to ALL types of pets (and humans).

Since this rare condition has occurred in TWO of your GPs, I believe it to be one of two things. If it has occurred in one and then one's offspring it could be genetic epilepsy (or some other like condition). I would STOP breeding these GPs and their offspring. Passing on a condition like this is not a good thing. Secondly, it could be a virus (the name escapes me) that attacks the GP's central nervous system. This condition is very rare and usually kills the GP outright though.

My advice is to quarentine the sick GP from the herd and watch her. If she is suffering, has another seizure or if necrosis (gangreen) sets in in her legs or back, it is time to say goodbye and put her down. If she is eating and is happy, let her be. She will need more love, help and attention (as well as companionship).

I would maintain the quarentine until she passes away or shows improvement.

Thanks and good luck to you,
Ryan
PS: If this helps you please rate me. THX.