Guinea Pig Died Overnight

[lazyfish]

Came downstairs this morning to see one of our GPs had died overnight :( - thankfully DD1 didn't see before she went off to school. GP was about 2.5 yrs, a long-haired one with no obvious signs of illness, though perhaps a little quiet past few days. I've got DH to check her over and there's no signs of flystrike or similar which I know can be a problem for longhaired breeds. Any ideas as to what could have happened? I'm assuming she was too young to be just old age? Her sister GP seems fine, but now worried that it might be infectious or that she will be really lonely. Will clean out hutch today but any other ideas? Not looking forward to breaking the news to DD1 tonight!

[BonkeyMollocks]

Oh no :(
Just came on to offer my sympathy.

Is it worth phoning a vet and taking your other in for a check up?

[lazyfish]

Thanks BM - yes perhaps should get her checked over to be on the safe side.

[BonkeyMollocks]

I would, at least then you can either get treatment or put your mind to rest.

Give her lots of cuddles and attention too, she will be sad to lose her friend :(

[guineapiglet]

Sorry to hear about your guinea, may be worth having a complete cage clean etc but sadly it is quite common, if they stop eating and 'go quiet' they simply are designed to eat non stop - just a thought, might be worth checking with local guinea rescue to see if there are any other girly singletons who you may be able to integrate over a period of time - our local animal rescue has some, and helping to choose a new girl might help your daughter. It is horrible for her, and the one left alone, as they pine and get terribly lonely. Good luck!

[lazyfish]

Thanks guineapiglet, that's a really good idea about the rescue home - will investigate.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

news .
Sometimes there's no warning and no real reason.

My childhood guineas tended to have a 'cold' ,get little lumps behind their ears (?glands) and go all floppy in the space of 12-24 hours, they were gone.
But one died sprawled on her side in the dining room, in the middle of the floor.
One was curled up at the bottom of the ramp with her mum on the upper level.Again, she hadn't been ill.
One was 3ish, the other was 5 yo.

Poor other GP, (and your DD).

[guineapiglet]

Good luck with finding a rescue guinea, not sure where you live, but there is a national guineapig rescue, and local animal sanctuary may be able to help. It will take time and patience if you are able to find a partner, as both will be distressed at losing their respective companions - but it can be done, I have done it several times, sometimes much easier than others, you really need 2 cages, 2 runs etc, and gradually introduce them to each other. Am happy to help you remotely if you decide this is a good course of action! Hope your daughter is OK and not too upset.

[lazyfish]

We're in Maidstone and I know someone who rehomed some guineapigs from a rescue centre so must be one locally, will start to look once DD feels ready. Thanks for all your replies!

[KRITIQ]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sometimes things like this just happen, but all good advice above about getting other pig checked and cleaning cage, etc. Good luck with finding a new companion.

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

Sorry to hear about your piglet . Unfortunately it's not uncommon for GPs to die suddenly. They don't tend to show illness, and don't seem to have a great threshold for pain, or much resource agaist illlness. Often pain or illness can lead to them stopping eating, which can go unnoticed if in with other pigs. This in turn leads to gut stasis and shock, which is usually fatal

At this age, I would be considering ovarian cysts, dental problems, metabolic problems, even heart problems, most of which have few (if any) outward symptoms until it is too late. It is worth getting your other GP checked to make sure (and for peace of mind), but it probably was "just one of those things". Upsetting, though.