Depressed guinea pig?

Question
Hi
I've had my guinea pig Tai for about 8 months and she's always been quite lazy. She isn't exactly lethargic, just less active than her cage mate, Kit. I've noticed that recently she seems different though. She seems healthy (her eyes are bright and clear, eating and drinking fine and she pees and poops normally too) but when i get her out of her cage she just sits and lets me pet her. Normally though, after I've had her out for a while (especially on her own) she cheers up. Could she be depressed?
I'm in college so i cant get them out and play with them all day but i try to get them out as much as i can, but she seems depressed to me. However, I've had her to the vet and he said she seems fine. Can vets tell when guinea pigs are "depressed"?

Thanks
Katie

Answer
Katie,

By the sound of it Tai maybe a little depressed. Try spending a little more time with her on her own. She will cheer up a lot, she just misses you and would like a little more time with you. Guinea Pig develop a strong bond to their owners so it is not uncommon for a Guinea Pig to get a little depressed. Vet's can't tell if a Guinea Pig is depressed unless the vet has a Guinea Pig. Just spend a little extra time when you can with her just on her own. That is all she really needs is just a little extra time with you. All will be fine once she gets just a little extra time with you.

    Take care,
            Jules