Senior Pigs and Weight

[Fanch]

My baby Pumpkin is turning 6 on June 5 (yeah!!!) I guess hes really not my baby anymore Being my first senior, and oldest of all my pigs, I'm unsure of some stuff.

Recentally, I've noticed that hes gotten...smaller, just not as healthy looking as 6 months ago. I weight him once a week, and hes been at the same weight (to the tenth) for months, but he seems boney along his back, and really fat in the belly. Is this just a senior thing or should he be getting more food? He and his buddy are getting 1/2 of pellets, unlimited hay, and veggies a day, which I think is good, but I might be wrong.

Also, hes always been hard to excercise, and lately hes been getting really bad. What can I do to motivate him; he loves food, so I try to put it all around during floortime. I think some of this may be cause by the heat. I have started putting frozen bottles in with them, in his favorite spots to sleep. Does anyone else find the pigs are less active in summer.
I have a fan in my room, but I'm worried about them getting drafty. Its a roof fan, should I be worried???

Any other info special to senior pigs would be great!!

[Fanch]

Anyone out there??

[AnimalHouse36]

Jack Pine Guinea Pig Rescue

This may or may not help you. I found it on a link from Guinealynx. Good luck!

[PiggieMamaKelly]

My 6 year old had consistent weight loss despite a healthy appetite for I would say a year or two (before she died). I've heard this is pretty common. And I could definately feel her spine after she had gotten skinny. She also got slower and funny walking, I think maybe a little arthritic.

[Fanch]

I read that site, very good. It metioned a couple of meds for old pigs that might have arthritis(which I thing he does, he has that funny, forced walk) They are Rimadyl or Metacam, would this to be something to adress with my vet??

Kelly, Pumpkin is how you described for the past 6 months to a year, so in a way I'm glad to hear how he acts is normal. Did you notice that she went into deeper sleeps? I've had a few heart attacks with Pumpkin where hes sleeping and I pet him and he doesn't do anything, I get scare and shake him slightly, then pick him up and finally he wakes up, silly boy!

[AnimalHouse36]

[quote=Fanch;370030]I read that site, very good. It metioned a couple of meds for old pigs that might have arthritis(which I thing he does, he has that funny, forced walk) They are Rimadyl or Metacam, would this to be something to adress with my vet??
quote]


Yes, you should address this with your vet. Better safe than sorry.

[Ly&Pigs]

Yes, any medications should be prescribed by a vet and discussed with your vet prior to use. Your pig may need x-rays to determine if he is indeed arthritic before trying out meds.

[PiggieMamaKelly]

Fanch, I'm not sure about the deep sleeping. It's possible but she's been gone for over a year now so I don't really remember. The way I helped her with her stiff joints was to make her cage easier for her to get around in. I took down her second level, made hay easier to reach etc. And I noticed she preferred to keep the same hideys in the same places rather than trying to "change it up".

I would only address the walking with your vet if it seems really severe or the pig is in pain. I think some stiffness and the penguin walk are natural and not necessarily something to be medicated. My pig was quite a happy gal, stiff joints and all! I miss her so much. Older pigs are great because they are so mellow.

[Fanch]

Yeah, he does not seem in pain, but I will make sure to keep the cage even cleaner!!
Thats funny about the hidey houses, I change it up, but Twoonie, his one year old buddy, always rearanges them to where he wants them, and Pumpkin just fines the near one to snooze in!

[Toadies]

Fanch, my experience with older animals is with cats, but my older kitties seem to do some "remodeling" and end up with more pendulous bellies and bonier backs the older they get, even while maintaining the same weight. I know that as I get older, the same thing seems to happen to me as well. A six year old pig is a great thing! I have one that turned three this spring and, with his health issues, I would be ecstatic if he makes it to six. Good job and I hope that Pumpkin sees at least seven.

[Fanch]

Yeah, I love that I've been lucky enough to spend his whole life with me!!

Speaking of it; today, is the big boys birthday! No pictures since I'm at school right now, but he'll be enjoying a big plate of his favorites this evening!!

Happy birthday my special boy, hope to see more to come!!