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Weight in Older Pig

Kids0519

New Born Pup
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Hi I’ve read about weight fluctuations and can kind of gauge what is normal, I think lol. My mind is not working correctly, I’ve had lots going on with emergencies dealing with other animals the last couple of weeks but still have been watching my pigs weight. She is an older pig, 6+ years old, known cyst on left ovary, suspected hernia on the right side, is still eating unlimited hay, Science Selective Guinea Pig food, has an Oxbow Vitamin C daily and an occasional Oxbow Apple biscuit treat here and there. She sometimes gets veggies but that’s a couple times a week thing because they tend to constipate her and I’m wondering if that is due to the hernia. Anyway, for awhile her weight was around 2.12 or so lbs and then last month it was down to around 2.11 and then last week 2.10 and today 2.98. I have a habit of weighing more like every few days vs weekly, I get very paranoid with my animals because even had very bad luck with them getting ill and passing away. Anyway is this cause for concern? I realize she’s older but do they lose weight as elderly pigs?
 
Hi! My vet has mentioned losing muscle mass as they get older. 6 could be in that range. But your piggie's still pretty big. 2# is what in grams? Around 1100 or so? I only weigh my piggies in grams. For example, one of my oldest girls who may be 6 (hard to know for sure with rescue) had been 1100-1200 grams the first few years but now she's more like 1050 at the most and drops into the 900s if bladder sludge/cystitis is bothering her 💖
 
Elderly pigs do tend to lose weight and muscle mass as they grow older. If you are concerned, a vet check wouldn’t go amiss but I wouldn’t worry at this stage

Also, start to weigh her weekly as guinea pigs weights fluctuate a lot from day to day and 30g can be the difference between a full bladder and empty bladder, full tummy and empty tummy. You’re looking for either a sudden drop in weight from one week to the next or a gradual decline

My late Edward weighed around 1100g in the prime of his life but weighed around 900g when he was 6 - 6 1/2 x
 
Hi I’ve read about weight fluctuations and can kind of gauge what is normal, I think lol. My mind is not working correctly, I’ve had lots going on with emergencies dealing with other animals the last couple of weeks but still have been watching my pigs weight. She is an older pig, 6+ years old, known cyst on left ovary, suspected hernia on the right side, is still eating unlimited hay, Science Selective Guinea Pig food, has an Oxbow Vitamin C daily and an occasional Oxbow Apple biscuit treat here and there. She sometimes gets veggies but that’s a couple times a week thing because they tend to constipate her and I’m wondering if that is due to the hernia. Anyway, for awhile her weight was around 2.12 or so lbs and then last month it was down to around 2.11 and then last week 2.10 and today 2.98. I have a habit of weighing more like every few days vs weekly, I get very paranoid with my animals because even had very bad luck with them getting ill and passing away. Anyway is this cause for concern? I realize she’s older but do they lose weight as elderly pigs?

Hi

We speak of weight loss over 50g (ca. 2 ounces) or more. If the weight loss is ongoing over a relatively short time, then there is normally a pain issue or another health issue behind it that should be vet checked next week. You can step in with offering extra food, like some mushed up pellets (soaked in warm water) as a stop gap measure.
Please either weigh once weekly or weigh daily first thing in the morning for best comparison; the weight swings around 30g (1 oz) over the course of the day.

While older piggies eventually get bonier and lighter in old age this is usually a pretty gradual process. What you cannot control by eye is the all important hay intake. The weight loss is not yet critical. The hernia can move, the cyst can grow and all older piggies should be checked for arthritis (which is pretty common and treatment for which with painkillers and glucosamine/joint care can help to give them a new lease of life) but it can be another issue of course.

All the best!

(PS: We use grams as a weight measure on our UK based forum since guinea pigs fall right into gap between metric and imperial pounds. Grams are the same all the world over, so no potential misunderstandings. ;) )
 
This makes sense, thanks all! And yes I think in grams she’s just under 1200 or so. I will check her tomorrow morning and then make sure to check her weekly in the AM after that. You’ve all been helpful! She does have some gabapentin she can use for pain as needed so may pop some of that into her just to give her a boost. Still loves her food lol.
 
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