[Gpdd] HEALTH: Merlin - arthritis...

[Michelle Melaragno]

Merlin had a second appointment with our vet today.  The x-ray showed a
couple different things.  He has some abnormalities = arthritis in his
hips and knees, however, it seems the pain he is experiencing and
subsequent strange positioning of his hindquarters, is due to a
compressed (or completely degenerated) disc.  It was a very good x-ray,
and you could see each vertebra well with the "space" where the disc is
in between each...except on that one.  There is really no space and the
vertebra looks a bit deformed.  Vet said it looks like it's been that
way for quite some time.  I am waiting to hear back from someone about
the dosage and frequency of meloxicam use.  My vet hasn't used it in
GP's before, so any other suggestions will be helpful also.
Thanks,
Michelle
Whistle Ridge Guinea Pig Rescue