6 Year Old Girl

[hazelbeth]

One of my guinea pigs, Felicity is 6 years old now. We take them to the vets for check ups just to check their general health. She was weighed and has lost no weight since the last check up, even though she is noticeably bony, you can feel every rib, her pelvis, spine, everything. But has a chubby belly underneath and a chubby chin! Is this generally just because of old age?

 

[helen105281]

It does seem consistent with old age but if you are worried you could get her checked by a more piggy savvy vet, especially if the vet you have seen already does not specialise in guinea pigs. Have a look at our recommended vets locator.

Also, you could give her a course of Metatone Vitamin tonic which you can get from the supermarket, this would give her a bit of a boost. The dose is 0.5ml a day for 1 week and 0.3ml a day for a second week.

Has she ever had any health issues previously? such as bladder or renal issues or any problems with fungal?

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, it is typical for old age that guinea pigs become bonier (the same as humans!).

 

[hazelbeth]

She has had a urinary infection, and a respiratory infection, both of which she recovered extremely well from and very quickly. She's still so lively and bright, I lierally keep a diary of all my guinea's behaviours so I can notice any changes, and hers have not changed. I will have a look at the Metatone Vitamin tonic, thank you

 

[Freela]

My older guinea pig, Linney, will be six in November, and she is much the same. She is definitely bony on top, all her weight is now in the bottom. In her case, she did have some gradual weight loss, but she was a big, solid guinea pig in her prime. She is no longer losing and has stabilized at a new, lower baseline. My vet has said it's a loss of muscle mass and is not uncommon for older animals.

 

[hazelbeth]

Okay thank you so much, all her weight is definitely all in the bottom too, it's just a terrible thing to feel when I was cuddling her! Made the 'mummy owner' in me worry a bit! hehe!