Elderly pig losing weight

[Ilovepiggies1]

Hi everyone
I have a 9 year old guinea pig( yes I know she’s old and I’ve had her since she was a baby) that has started losing weight rapidly. She eats the same as always . Unlimited hay, 1/4 cup pellets, 2 cups leafy greens and various vegetables everyday. I love her so much! Is this just what happens in old age, can I change diet to add weight, can a veterinarian do anything for her? She’s still active, loves cuddles and ample floor time.

 

[YvonneBlue]

Welcome to the forum. Wow your piggy really is an old lady. She must have had amazing care from you to have reached such a great age.

As the weight loss is sudden i would suggest a visit to the vet as there may be something causing it which can be easily treated.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone
I have a 9 year old guinea pig( yes I know she’s old and I’ve had her since she was a baby) that has started losing weight rapidly. She eats the same as always . Unlimited hay, 1/4 cup pellets, 2 cups leafy greens and various vegetables everyday. I love her so much! Is this just what happens in old age, can I change diet to add weight, can a veterinarian do anything for her? She’s still active, loves cuddles and ample floor time.

Hi!

What a great age!

You can find some tips for underweight support in our weight management guide: Weight - Monitoring and Management

Here is our very practical information for common health issues related to older piggies and end of the life care.
Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A helpful and supportive information collection

Please be aware that no efforts of yours can help to stabilise the weight when you are fighting the force of nature and are facing the downside of the fast metabolism that guinea pigs have. Aome older piggies can start eating a lot in order to make up for their failing organs that are involved in the no longer efficient nutrient absorption process. This can help for a little while but only so much. Eventually you will sadly come to the time when the body is breaking down in earnest, having had such a great run. You can unfortunately never choose what gives first. Just try to enjoy every day with your old lady and make it special in some little way. That is the best you can do for her and for yourself.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

 

[Ilovepiggies1]

Welcome to the forum. Wow your piggy really is an old lady. She must have had amazing care from you to have reached such a great age.

As the weight loss is sudden i would suggest a visit to the vet as there may be something causing it which can be easily treated.

Thanks for your response I’ve made an appointment for tomorrow in the hopes it’s something fixable. I’d do anything for my CharliePig except prolong any suffering...

 

[Ilovepiggies1]

Hi!

What a great age!

You can find some tips for underweight support in our weight management guide: Weight - Monitoring and Management

Here is our very practical information for common health issues related to older piggies and end of the life care.
Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A helpful and supportive information collection

Please be aware that no efforts of yours can help to stabilise the weight when you are fighting the force of nature and are facing the downside of the fast metabolism that guinea pigs have. Aome older piggies can start eating a lot in order to make up for their failing organs that are involved in the no longer efficient nutrient absorption process. This can help for a little while but only so much. Eventually you will sadly come to the time when the body is breaking down in earnest, having had such a great run. You can unfortunately never choose what gives first. Just try to enjoy every day with your old lady and make it special in some little way. That is the best you can do for her and for yourself.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

Thank you so much for your advice, links to further info, and especially your kind words I never imagined having one of my pigs live this long and the entire family is super attached to her. I just want to do what’s right for her . Vet appt tomorrow and lots of love in between ! Thanks again!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for your advice, links to further info, and especially your kind words I never imagined having one of my pigs live this long and the entire family is super attached to her. I just want to do what’s right for her . Vet appt tomorrow and lots of love in between ! Thanks again!

All the best!

Cherish what time you have left with her and make the best of it so you are left with lots of precious memories and know that you have done your utmost. The pain of the loss is never any less but you can minimise the usual soul-searching and guilt trip by doing it this way.

Your attitude can also help your children prepare and cope better whenever the loss happens eventually. Our grieving guide link (in the oldies thread) contains a chapter with practical tips for parents and resources for children so you can choose what access you think will suit best. If you have the time it helps to lay the groundwork gradually.

 

[YvonneBlue]

I will be thinking of you and CharliePig tomorrow. Whatever the outcome of the vet visit, remember that she really has had the best life with you and your family.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for your response I’ve made an appointment for tomorrow in the hopes it’s something fixable. I’d do anything for my CharliePig except prolong any suffering...

All the best for tomorrow!

 

[weepweeps]

Best wishes CharliePig