Guinea pigs eyesight

[MemberY]

Do any of you know if guineas eyesight deteriorates as they get older? I do know they can get cataracts but he doesnt seem to have these. I am becoming convinced that my older boar Lennie cannot see as well as he could For example, he used to be quite adventurous exploring the whole room during floor time but now he will only come out if I put a large piece of brightly coloured vetbed the same as is in his cage down on the floor and he only ventures a short distance before going back in. When I put his food down he takes a wee while to find it and he is very jumpy when I go to stroke him whereas he never used to be :{ It is as if he didn't see my hand and he goes to nip me now too. I am unsure of his age as he was a rescue but he could be about 4-5 years old.

What do you think?

 

[boureki]

I honestly don't know Fi, it's possible I suppose - or it could also be him feeling just more vulnerable as he gets older and just more scared. He's such a gorgeous hairy sweetheart isn't he!

 

[MemberY]

I know bless him! I might take him along to see Anne for a check over soon and see what she thinks..he may have cataracts I suppose :{

 

[rw3399]

I noticed similar things with Ginger before she died. Whenever I put veg in the cage she would sniff around trying to find it whereas when she was younger she straight there. Ginger didn't have cataratcs either.

 

[roninnorfolk]

it might just be old age and slowing muscle response

 

[Kerry123]

I think he might be losing his sight a little take him to the vets for a check up I'm not sure but it sounds like it. Hope all turns out well x

 

[MemberY]

Thanks guys, I am thinking old age..my poor Lennie. He is so grumpy these days, I will get my vet to look him over but apart from mites, he has been very healthy!