When to call it a day on old guinea pig

[NCTDN]

So GP is 7. He's outlived 2 others but we made the decision that we weren't getting a third because he will be the last one having had GPs for the last eleven years. I felt really guilty about this but he's genuinely been a happier pig since living on his own. He's had so much human contact too.
Over the years he's had so many times we thought that was the end for him. There's been lumps, maggots, runny eyes, loss of fur....the list is endless. He's the scabbiest one we've ever had yet every time he just bounced back!
However he's now impacted all the time - don't think there's any muscles anymore to help him poo. He's not using his back legs much.
He's still eating and drinking but doesn't really move around his cage. Sometimes he seems quite happy but others he just sits there.
I really don't want him to suffer. Do we get him pts?

So sorry. Any exercises that could help him?

It is difficult but could be kinder to do it sooner rather than later if his quality of life has gone. Remember most animals mask pain.

I would take him to the vets and be guided by them. He's reached a great age for a piggie.

I think a trip to the vet. We took advice from the vet when one of our boys stopped eating and she put him to sleep. His brother has died with similar symptoms three or four months earlier.
Our last piggy was rehomed with us as she had fallen out with her cage mates, she was very happy on her own and had DH wrapped around her smallest claw.She lived on her own for three years.

I know absolutely that if he goes to the vet, he won't be coming home. Its just when we make that call.

Kindly, if you are thinking about it then you know that it is time. There is a lot to be said for the phrase "better a week too soon than a day too late". It's so tough, but we owe it to our pets not to let them suffer.

I’ve had many, many Guinea pigs - at one time we had a herd of 7 living in a 10ft by 6ft indoor cage. If he can barely move and can’t poop properly the time has come, sorry. Generally once they start to become immobile it’s time to say goodbye.