Older Piggies

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

Though I find this very hard to post I have finally accepted that Nibbles isn't as young as he used to be. He is nearly six and I've noticed he sems slowed off. I took him to the vet and after extensive checks we can find nothing wrong. Though he still squeaks loudly and popcorns for his veggies with Nutty I worry I'm not doing enough.

His weight is unchanged and his eyes bright. He just dodders around now when he used to run.

Is there anything you can do for older pigs?

Would vitamins help? If so which ones? Should he have more of certain vegetables or less of some? I just want to make sure I'm doing all I can to keep him happy and healthy.


Amy
x

 

[hazeyg]

Awwww, this is just another stage of life for him and he's obviously a very content pig who is dearly loved. I think he's **** getting plenty of nutrition already as long as his veg is varied. If he's not got an OAP conditions than a doubt an increase in vitamins would serve any purpose and we just be flushed out in his urine.
Only think I can think of is calcium for old bones but if he's had a good died all his life his bones are **** ok.
Maybe someone more experienced can enlighten us both.

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

Thank you. I'm just a tad paranoid because I've never had an older piggy. (we lost Nuggeet two years ago to heart problems)

What foods are high in calcium?

Amy
x

 

[Wiebke]

You may find these links here helpful. Sadly, older piggies have become more of a rarity in these days, no thanks of the indiscriminate mass breeding on so many levels. Sadly, life expectancy is more like 4 years plus than 5-7 years, or the healthy 7 years plus of the guinea pigs I grew up with in the seventies or eighties. Older piggies slow down a bit, sleep a lot, are often somewhat arthritic and not agile anymore. They love a warm place to snuggle up. A good diet is vital, and you amy want to up the amount of pellets again a bit.
http://www.guinealynx.info/aging.html
http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/oldage.htm

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

Thank you for those links. I've bookmarked them for future reference! I've got Nibbles on my lap in his snuggley blanket. He's quite content to let me brush him and has flattened himself out. All relaxed! No matter how old he gets he's never too old for snuggles!

Amy
x

 

[hazeyg]

I believe Kale and Broccoli have higher calcium content. Kale being the better of the two. Also I think nettle leaves if you can go pick some would be good to keep the kidneys and water balance correct and lots of pellets too as older piggies (as well as humans) find it harder to keep warm so need lots of body fat as there systems are slowed for insulation. Also hot water bottles/heat pad and lots of cosy blankets would be appreciated.

 

[Abi_nurse]

What foods are high in calcium?

Amy
x

Dont feed too many things high in calcium, your likely to cause bladder issues if so.

x.

 

[hazeyg]

Agreed, best to keep to a well balance diet with lots of variety althought my guinea love kale, but in moderation .

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

Thank you. I'll probably stick to the veggies I already give him (quite a wide range to long to list!) though I would like to know whether to stop giving him apple. He doesn't seem all that fussed about it and I think its quite acidic as well. Is this true? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. I just want to know whats best for my pigglies!

Amy
x

 

[Farquhar]

My piggie Matilda is about six and a half now. She has also slowed down and sleeps more. She is however always first in line to get veggies and treats. I think with older piggies, if no other health reason can be found, then all we can is just keep them safe and warm and stress free. I only handle Matilda for nail trimming and she seems content just pottering slowly around the cage. My oldest piggies was Mimsi who died last year at the age of 8!

 

[Guinea Slave]

Hi

I have an older girl, she is just about 6.5 years, she has got heart problems, breathing problems, has had bladderstones...you name it but she keeps on going! She is a big character though with a very cheeky personality and I am sure she believes she should be house pig and not sharing a shed with the others!

She is a little more doddery than she used to be, does'nt really popcorn much and does'nt 'do' running or climbing anymore. However, she will think nothing of jumping off the sofa still if I don't watch her, she is still boss pig and will put the others in their place in a flash if they are in 'her' snuggle place (which varies to keep the others on their toes!). She is very happy and contented and we have a very special relationship.

I just focus on keeping her warm, eating a good balanced diet and making sure she gets lots of lots of love and hugs so when her day comes to move on, I know we have spent good times together. I think thats all you can do as clearly what you have been doing so far has worked!

I love older piggies, they are like people, they seem to have that look of a wisened person in their old age, they don't react to scary stuff like younger ones do and just get on with life at their own pace. I just love them xoxo

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

I suppose I'm quite lucky. Nibbles has only ever had a broken claw once and a problem with spring grass being to rich for him last year but thats it.

That's another thing; is spring grass going to be to rich for him again this year and give him tummy problems?

Amy
x

 

[Charlie84]

I had my Bear for very nearly 5 years, and it was only really a couple of months off of him passing that I noticed he looked a little less bright. He had 'slowed down' for about 6 months before he went, but he was still his old self, snooting through his hay and loving his veg. Bless him. They do age, just like we do, and it's quite sad to see that they are getting old.

I'm sure your piggie has the best life and is just becoming a pensioner! If the grass has caused problems before, then I would err on the side of caution this time too - just to be safe!