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Amber Isn't Well! :(

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3Tyger

3Tyger

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi,
I'm sooooooo worried about Amber. When I got home yesterday night I noticed she is struggling to walk and holding her head to the side. Her head seems quite shaky. She dragged herself to the water bottle and then just sat under it, didn't seem able to lift up her head. She also had a tiny bit of an upset tummy, and her breathing doesn't sound great to me. So I got her out and carefully fed her some water with a bit of vitamin c powder added. Offered her food as well but she had no interest in food, not even after I mashed it up she just had a small bit and spat it out. But she took the water very eagerly. I've been up with her all night. Also keeping an eye on my new guinea pigs Poppy & Rowan. They seem alright, but of course they'll be coming vets appointment with us soon anyway. I'm really worried. Ambers sister Topaz died less than a month ago and she was depressed afterwards and was so happy when I got Poppy & Rowan, i just can't believe she is this ill after looking so happy again! She's only just over 4yrs old, i just want her to be OK :(

2016-10-25 15.43.14.webp
 
Poor girl, it may be that she has had a stroke or it could even be an ear infection. Both can cause a slight head tilt. If it has come on that sudden though I think it may be more likely a stroke. Are you off to the vets this morning? If it is a stroke in some cases it is possible for them to get through it but the first 48 hours are crucial. The vet will probably give you anti-inflammatories and you will need to syringe feed to keep her guts going.
 
Hope the vet appointment can shed some light on the problem.
We have everything crossed for your poorly girl this morning.
 
Thank you all for your advice and good wishes, you was all sounding like our vet there. We just got back from the vets who also immediately said either a stroke or ear infection. When she examined Amber she said there were some positive signs it wasn't neurological damage as her reactions varied, she could kick back all of her legs while being examined and like there was a few times she walked towards me and lifted her head up nudging my jumper (she usually does that when she wants me to pick her up for hug and then get taken back to the hutch, bless her I think she was telling me she wanted to go home <3 ). Also her lips and mouth looked normal and she examined thoroughly inside her mouth too. But there were still times she couldn't lift her head and couldn't walk and leant sometimes to one side, so they said they couldn't rule out a stroke completely. But though Amber has no temperature yet, one of her ears did look a bit mucky and she cleaned it out and said she felt that it is definitely worth trying antibiotics, treating all the guinea pigs for mites (she didn't see mites but their not always visible), and feeding her recovery. The vet said she felt that because Amber had become dehydrated yesterday, the risks of anti-inflammatory medicine outweighs the benefits in Ambers case, as it could potentially shut down her kidneys, so she didn't prescribe that. She just prescribed sulfatrim antibiotics twice a day. I really am hoping Amber starts to improve over the next 48hrs, just want her to get better. Poppy & Rowan have been laying next to her a lot, i think they want her to hurry up and get better as well <3 <3 <3
 
Hope she responds well over the next few days. If there is no improvement I would ask again about anti-inflammatories as am sure there is inflammation with an ear infection and possibly with a stroke too but I could be wrong.
 
Thank you. I'm really hoping she responds well to this, if she deteriorates though I will be taking her straight back to the vet. I know every moment is vital in these situations and her condition at the moment is critical. I was also wondering about anti-inflammatory medicine, but the vet made it clear her opinion that the risks outweighs the benefits in this situation right now, and she outlined all the options to me very clearly, it's not looking great but i'm hoping for the best. Really hoping hard. But yes, i will waste no time getting her to a vet if she deteriorates further <3
 
The concern over anti-inflammatories and kidney function is a fair point if she is dehydrated. I really hope the antibiotics do the trick. Your vet seems to know what they are doing. C'mon Amber, we're all rooting for you!
 
Thank you but bad news i'm afraid; Amber suddenly had a fit and then died in my arms. Looks like it must've been a stroke after all. I feel devastated! I feel like she never really got over the loss of her sister Topaz, though she did really seem to love little Poppy & Rowan too she just hasn't been herself since Topaz died. I guess these 2 little sisters are back together again. R.I.P Amber & Topaz, my gorgeous little girls <3 <3 10006219_10152098991846089_6944975511586220157_n.webp
 
Oh my word, I'm so sorry to see this. You did all you could for your little girl Hun and she wasn't alone at the end. Like you say, she's with her sister and reunited at the bridge. Rip amber and topaz.....run free x
 
That is absolutely terrible news, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Like you say, she could have just never totally got over losing Topaz, but I bet she did love Rowan and Poppy.
Popcorn free Amber and Topaz. Hugs to you.Xx:hug:
 
Thank you so much. Feel so gutted! Poppy & Rowan sound quiet but then I guess I haven't rustled a carrier bag or opened the fridge yet (which Poppy already knows brings out those veggies). Oh i'm so grateful for having these two - its weird because I had actually changed my annual leave at work and brought it forward 2wks earlier to get Poppy & Rowan as I was concerned Amber was so subdued. But she had seen the vet after Topaz died and there wasn't any symptoms she was ill. She hated being alone though, Topaz was the 1 in charge and Amber so laid back. If you seperated her she would look instantly to see where Topaz was. And she washed Poppy & Rowan as soon as they went in the introduction pen with her, i'm so so glad she never died alone. And to be honest as well, i'm also selfishly glad i'm not sitting here looking at an empty hutch as well cos i would feel so lost - feel awful even to think that because Amber still mattered SO much to me <3
 
I'm so sorry! I totally understand how devastated you are, especially since Kasper passed for the same reason. She has had a great life with you. Popcorn free little Amber xx
 
i am very sorry for your devastating news.one is enough but two losses is heart breaking.
cherish the memories when you are ready.
Be kind to yourself,you did your upmost for your ladies,please do not blame yourself xx
 
I am so sorry for your loss, but also happy that the 2 girls are together again, whilst leaving two behind to keep you company.
I think we sometimes can underestimate the strength of the bond between our animals (and indeed even humans).
 
I am so very sorry that she didn't make it. It's heartbreaking when they leave us suddenly. Popcorn free beautiful Amber. Hugs to you and the girls.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss :-(

Together again pretty girls x
 
Thank you all for your support, it means a lot.
 
I'm so sorry. My Barney was the same when he lost his Phoebe, he lived with other pigs as they were part of a small herd but he shut down after Phoebe died and we lost him about a month later.
 
Thanks for your support, sorry to hear about poor Barney though, he is with his Phoebe now. People who say animals don't feel grief are so wrong. I hope your other piggies are all okay.
 
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