senior piggie having trouble balancing

[potatopiggies]

My guinea pig Gamja has been having walking and balancing problems. I first noticed since this morning and it's been about the same throughout the day but it's worrying. She's lost over 30 grams over the past 2 weeks and is now at 1022g. Usually she's around 1050-60.

She also seems to move her head more in circular motions when searching for food in my hand. Her eating habits and other behavioral patterns are normal.

I think another issue is that her eyes seem to not be as open as they usually are (the top seems a bit droopy?). My sibling doesn't think it's a problem, but it's just something I noticed. Also, when I pet her lower back she usually purrs, but she hasn't been purring today

Gamja will be turning 5 in two months. She had an ear infection about 3 years ago and got treatment for ovarian cysts about 4 months ago. She recovered from both successfully though has a slight permanent head tilt that doesn't affect her in any way.

Does anyone have any ideas on what this is? Please help

 

[potatopiggies]

Here’s a video of what I described.

 

[Piggies&buns]

You will need to upload any video to YouTube and then post a link to it here. We cannot host video directly on the forum.

30g on its own is not considered weight loss - anything less than 50g is just normal fluctuation. However it’s important to keep a check and if there is continuous downward trend of weight loss then she will need to be support fed.

Please do see a vet for a diagnosis as to why she is struggling to walk and balance

Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[VickiA]

Please have your piggy seen by a vet as we cannot diagnose what may be wrong. From what you describe it could potentially be an inner ear infection or a stroke, but either way a vet needs to see her to diagnose and prescribe treatment,