Care Tips for Elderly Piggies

[Lessie]

Hi,

I've been searching this for the last hour, and cannot really find anything that puts my mind at rest.

Basically I'd like to know if there's anything, including supplements that should be provided for elderly guinea pigs. (Piggies that are 7+)

Revolver is currently under weather, and has got some health issues, she is however doing well. She's on medications at the moment, and is having regular trips to the Vets.

Simon from Cats and Rabbit Clinic have been brilliant, and agrees that Revolver is doing fantastically well for her age.(She's now 8 yrs 4 months) But she is slowing down. Thankfully she's not deteriorating or showing any pains (otherwise I would've put her out of her misery) So there's no reason why she cannot continue a healthy life.

Our priority at the moment, is to make sure Revolver is comfortable. But I still worry I am not doing enough for her.

So I wanted to hear any tips/advice you may have for nursing elderly piggies. She's my first, and is my best friend.

I've been weighing her daily, and she is unfortunately losing weight, particularly last few days, BUT she is eating and drinking. So it may be down to the meds - and was thinking she should have probiotics?

If she continues like this, I will get her seen by Simon again before her next appointment which is on Monday.

Thank-you for your time.

Lessie & Revolver

 

[Wiebke]

http://www.guinealynx.info/aging.html
http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/oldage.htm

I'm taking 6 year Bryn to Simon today for a check up (with a couple of other piggies); he's become rather stiff and is slowly losing weight. I am enquiring re. Potter's Tabritis tablets.]

However, like with old humans, when very old age hits, there is only so much you can do. Your girl is a very grand age!

 

[Lessie]

Thank you.

I agree and I do sometimes have to remind myself that she's at a grand age.

I just can't help it but worry and want what's best fir her! We all do for our special piggies.
Revolver is also on metacam to aid her movement/stiffness. She's probably got arthritis and can be very stiff at times.

Anyway good luck at the vets, wishing all of your piggies speedy recovery.

Simon is brilliant, wish we was with him all that time before! (FOr those of you that live nearby - please use him!)

 

[Wiebke]

I wish I'd gone all the way to Northampton earlier, too. One or two piggies might have lived longer.

You may find some threads about old piggies if you search for "tabritis".

here is one about arthritis. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?101136-Arthritis&highlight=arthritis

 

[Lessie]

Thank you for the link. Very interesting, would definitely be interested to hear what Simon says about this.

 

[Dindypig]

There is a great article on longevity in the latest issue of The Guinea Pig Magazine.