Old degu acting slightly mad

[kittycat]

Hello, I'm new here.
But I'm experiencing some rather odd behaviour with my degu.

We took 2 degus in 7.5 years ago, at the time we were told they were 2/3 years old. They've been amazing and really fun and joyful. Sadly one passed away 1.5 years ago after a stroke. The other wouldn't tolerate any new friends, we were told due to her age. She has been perfectly happy since with just her human family. However in the last 2 days she's started to act really strange, rather than using her ladders she's literally climbing walls, ceiling if her cage, jumping and missing shelves, swinging on bars. She's also not eating as much as she usually does.
Could this be old age??
Any suggestions advice welcome as she starting to alarm us a bit.

[savvy]

Welcome to the forum, I'm sorry for the late reply.

Judging by your post, she must be about 9-10 years old now, that's a really good age for a degu. How's she doing now?

I'm sorry I have no suggestions as to why she would be acting this way unless there's something on her ramps that she doesn't like. Would it be possible to take them out and have a good look at them? Check for anything sticking out which could hurt her feet, and damage which may make them feel unsafe etc.

How's her walking in general? Is she displaying any signs of having issues with her back or legs?

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but its really quite puzzling behaviour.

[moletteuk]

Did this come on suddenly?

Is she distressed? Does she rest as normal between the strange activity?

I wonder if she could have had a stroke that has affected her mentally, or something like that.
Is she peeing normally? The other thing that springs to mind that would be treatable is a urine infection (urine infections in elderly humans can cause odd behaviour).

I think a vet visit would be helpful, they would be able to do a urine test, and might be able to suggest something else. I would also make changes in the cage to make it as safe as possible for her.

[bouncy]

I agree that such erratic behaviour could be due to a stroke. It could also be due to a head injury. How is their eyesight and/or general balance? Towards the end, my eldest became a bit frail. He would miss his step and fall off ramps, and certainly didn't behave normally. They don't necessarily get cataracts to have worsening sight.