pneumonia and life span

Question
Our Gpig, Jersey, has been sneezing, coughing, and sometimes wheezing, for a couple of days now. She is a little quieter than usual - not begging the way she usually does.  I think she may have a fever as she seems warmer than usual.  She is not in a drafty area (her cage lid is half covered by a towel just in case), her pine bedding, water and food are all kept fresh.  Jersey gets fresh parsley daily and she is in a well-lit busy room of the house.  I can't think of anything that would have led to her having a cold. Here's my question:  How long do pigs generally live?  Jersey is almost seven years old.  She still gets around pretty good but I'm wondering if I should take her in to the vet (expensive!) or if I should just consider this the end of the road.  Although Jersey is as dumb as a box of rocks, she has been a good, sweet, gentle pet and we'd be sad to see her go.

Answer
Hi Jersey's mom

7 years old is a good age for a piggy, but if I were in your position, I dont think I could consider it the end of the road. However, the symptoms you describe could well be age related.

There are a few things you could try. Give plenty of vitamin c rich foods and you could even try dabbing a small amount of vicks vapour on his nose to help breathing.

Please write back if you have any other questions.

Andy