Behavior Up and down days for a 6 yr old

[Pinny Gig]

So my piggie Hale is roughly about 6-6.5 yrs old. She's got some medical issues such as disc calcification/arthritis and GI issues. The arthritis is being treated daily with Metacam and the GI issues with Metoclopramide. We also have a stubborn mite infestation and after Ivermictin proved futile she's on Revolution.

I've read here that 6 isn't really that old for a guinea pig. I'm also aware they slow down and drop a little weight when they age which has happened. On some days she's pretty good, feisty and food-driven. She sleeps a bit more.

On other days she doesn't react as quickly to food (possibly due to cataracts) and she seems slower than usual. She'll look disheveled and a touch lethargic. Then the next day or even later in the evening she'll perk up again, pretty much back to normal, and alert.

Is this typical of an aging guinea pig? She's eating well and drinking plenty and she will explore a lot during floortime. I'm worried about the ups and downs.

Thanks!

 

[bpatters]

Totally typical. You might want to supplement her with vitamin C. Their digestive tracts become less effective as they grow older, and the seniors seem to do better with some extra C.