[Gpdd] [HEALTH] Cherry Update (paralysed back leg)

[DebJonSara at aol.com]

Many thanks to all who contacted me with suggestions for Cherry's single  
paralysed back leg. I persevered with the crushed calcium tablets in melon juice  
until my daughter was able to send me some liquid Osteocare from the UK, then 
 gave her that as advised in Piggie Potions. She has been in a smaller than 
usual  cage with Boulotte and Soulage, and seemed to be moving around better, 
so today  I put her down on the floor of the porch. She sat motionless for a 
while, so I  went to top up the dried food for the others, and when I got back, 
she'd  disappeared! There she was, scurrying around the floor looking for hay 
(I have  loads drying in there at present!), happily using both legs as though 
there had  never been a problem! I had been expecting a result sooner, but I 
am just glad  she now seems virtually on the mend. 
 
I say virtually, because she is losing weight. I am tempted to post with a  
subject heading "Dummy, I've Shrunk the Pigs!", only it really is no  laughing 
matter. Just recently almost all my piggies have been losing weight.  
Actually, it was whilst I was away and my partner Pete was caring for them that  the 
weight loss began, and we did have a big row about it. I know the Dolly  
Mixtures are getting on in years, but should they all be losing weight? Not  large 
amounts, just 50g or so in most cases, although for someone like  Scarecrow, 
who only weighs around 600g anyway, that seems significant. I haven't  changed 
their diet - they are on Pets At Home Guinea Pig Nuggets with no added  
colours, mixed with Gertie Guinea Pig Carrot and Cranberry, also no added  colours 
(both imported from the UK), plus unlimited hay and the usual veggie  salads 
twice daily. Actually, a recent voluntary helper here took umbridge  because he 
said I was feeding the guinea pigs better than I was feeding him!!  They are 
all eating well, running around as usual, showing no sign of illness  ... But of 
course, this piggie slave is worried! Cherry has actually lost 100g  since 
8th August. Is it because they are all over 4 years old? Scoot, the  youngster, 
is still gaining steadily - he still lives up to his name and scoots  in the 
opposite direction when I approach - hopefully I will spend more time  with him 
once they move indoors for the winter next month.
 
Apologies if i have forgotten anyone with condolences recently - life has  
been hectic, and promises toi become more so as I start a new job trial on  
Monday. I think I may have missed Janneke and Kay out. If I did, I am truly  
sorry, and please accept my condolences here and now - I have just been so  behind 
with everything.
 
Is there somewhere I can send a photo to be considered for the calendar? I  
would love the Dolly Mixtures to be represented on it - they have been  
subscribed quite a while!
 
Better go - dogs to walk!
 
Debbie