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Old age?

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crazylady_012

Hey everyone, am fairly new 2 this forum. Have kept guinea pigs 4 as long as i can remember. At the moment I only have one. She is 5 years old (last october), only has one eye, had 2 babies (when she was 4 months old) 1 week after we got her (she was a rehome from a rescue centre). Anyway, we let the gps loose in the utility room, so she is fairly active for her age. She is still eating and drinking (quite a lot) but she has lost soooo much weight! She is now really skinny with her spine and hips sticking out. I was just wondering if anyone knew what could be causing this, or if it is just old age? Also, unsure whether to take her to the vets or not, she doesn't seem to be in any pain and is her normal self, still a playful little thing. Sorry this is soo long. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. x
 
Hi and welcome :)

I would still take her to the vets as it is a cause for concern. She could have diabetes or some other complaint which isnt necessarily due to old age. It is useful to weigh her every day at the same time to see if she is losing weight continuously.

Is she eating ok? drinking more? anything else unusual?
 
That sounds familiar. As my sow aged she lost a lot of muscle around her back legs, hips, etc. I would be suspicious (sp?) of muscle wastage. It could be the start of arthritis or degenerative joint disease. I agree with lavender jade and start weighing her daily. If she's eating, drinking, etc normally then it probably has something to do with her age.
 
Not sure on the cause - but the suggestions above all sound reasonable - but cases like this do highlight the importance of weighing every week. Tracking the rate and amount of weight loss accurately can help in many cases. Increase the weighings to daily if the guinea pig is ill. I hope your piggie continues to stay strong and healthy despite her weight loss.
 
Hey everyone, thanks for the help. We took her to the vets who said they couldn't do anything but as long as she was still herself it was ok. She was a rescue guinea pig and a few days after we got her she gave birth (she was only 4 months), ever since she has had a mass in her abdomen. She contracted bubble foot a few days ago, one of the scabs caught so it bleed quite a lot. We rushed her to the vets to get antibiotics and iodine (to dilute and soak her feet in). However, she didn't eat last night and hasn't been herself all day. She was put to sleep this evening at the grand old age of almost 6. She's had a good life but we'll miss her. (Just thought you would all like to know) Thank you though for all your advice!
 
So sorry to hear of your loss. She sounds as though she was a lovely girl.I lost one of my sows a few weeks ago and miss her terribly. You obviously done all you could for her and it sounds like she didnt give up without a fight. Take comfort from the fact that she had a wonderful life with you..
 
I am so sorry about your little girl, i hope she's at peace now. I lost one of my boars a few days ago and i know its heartbreaking but just try and concentrate on all the good times she brought you. Keep strong xx
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a good age and sounds like she had a very enjoyable and comfortable life with you. Rest well, sweet girl. xx
 
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