• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Devastated

Status
Not open for further replies.
Taffer22

Taffer22

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 19, 2015
Messages
18
Reaction score
8
Points
85
Location
Bristol/ South Gloucestershire
Hi all,
I am knew to piggies and have been reading lots of the conversations so thought I would post today and ask for some help. My poor baby Arthur sadly passed away this morning, I'm absolutely gutted. Bruce is currently still undergoing medical treatment but fingers crossed I should be able to pick him up tonight. I bought the two boys on Sunday (15th) from pets at home. I went to pets at home as being new to owning piggies I wanted advice, I now know the true reality of a pet shop. My poor boys had/have URI's and Arthur being so small and was not strong enough to fight it. Bruce is trying hard to. I knew there was something wrong I just wished I had recognised the symptoms earlier. I now have the difficultly of looking after one piggy, I know they need to be in pairs or more and I honestly don't no where or how to introduce another piggy. Please, if anyone has advice or suggestions I would greatly appreciate hearing them. I feel completely overwhelmed and so sad for my boys.
 
so sorry you have had to go thru this Get bruce right first then think about introducing another piggy. There is a rescue locator on here so you can find the nearest to you. YOu wil get help bonding them and a healthy piggy.Fingers and paws crossed here for you
 
Taffer22 said:
Hi all,
I am knew to piggies and have been reading lots of the conversations so thought I would post today and ask for some help. My poor baby Arthur sadly passed away this morning, I'm absolutely gutted. Bruce is currently still undergoing medical treatment but fingers crossed I should be able to pick him up tonight. I bought the two boys on Sunday (15th) from pets at home. I went to pets at home as being new to owning piggies I wanted advice, I now know the true reality of a pet shop. My poor boys had/have URI's and Arthur being so small and was not strong enough to fight it. Bruce is trying hard to. I knew there was something wrong I just wished I had recognised the symptoms earlier. I now have the difficultly of looking after one piggy, I know they need to be in pairs or more and I honestly don't no where or how to introduce another piggy. Please, if anyone has advice or suggestions I would greatly appreciate hearing them. I feel completely overwhelmed and so sad for my boys.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome!

I am ever so sorry for your bad start! Sadly at that young age, the immune system is often not yet fully developed and that - combined with the stress from having their lives upturned a few times in very quick order - makes shop and often breeder piggies too very susceptible to URI bacteria, ringworm or mange mites. :(

You are welcome to post a tribute to little Arthur in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels tight for you.

What you can do for Bruce when he comes home:
- keep him indoors where he is warm, comfy and well out of any draft.
- place a bowl of steaming water next to the cage, to help ease his breathing.
- please ask the vet additionally for bisolvon powder if his airways are full of mucus (bisolvon thins the mucus, so it can come out more easily) and a diuretic to help drain the airways and especially the lungs. Please do this before you take your boy home and do not let yourself be fobbed off! Also ask them for some recovery formula.
The most important issue with a URI is to clear the airways as quickly as possible, as the need to breathe comes before the need to drink and thirdly the need to eat.
The second most vital part when dealing with a URI is to keep the guts going and to make sure that he keeps up the strength to fight the illness as much as possible.
- you need to weigh Bruce at least once daily and if necessary, you need to syringe feed him so he keeps going. Here is our step-by-step guide with all the tricks and tips on what to feed, how, how often and how much: Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
- get some probiotic (in a pinch the p@h one will do); give one pinch 1-2 daily either in his syringe feed or on a bit of veg if he has stil got his appetite. This counters the effect of the antibiotic you will be given, which not only kills off the bad bacteria, but also the good ones in the guts that crucial for the digestion.
- you can also give 1/8 - 1/4 of a human vitamin C tablet from the supermarket to help boost his immune system. If necessary, dissolve in 0.5 -1 ml of water and syringe.

It would be helpful if you please added your county or wider area, so we can help you with tips re. which good standard rescues are the best for you to have your your little boy bonded under expert supervision at the rescue with a guaranteed healthy and character compatible boar once Bruce has recovered and is no longer infective i.e. able to pass URI on to other guinea pigs (two weeks after the end of his treatment). Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. We have got members from all over the world, so knowing where you are allows us to always tailor any advice and recommendations to what is possible and available where you are straightaway.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I haven't got anything to add to Wiebke's advice. I hope Bruce is feeling brighter soon.

I would wait to find a friend until Bruce is over his URI.
 
So sorry to hear this. I got my two boys from pets at home and one lived to 5.5 and the other is still alive at 6.5. They've never had any problems (except one had bladder stones) so there's a positive future after he recovers. I think it would be lovely to find him a friend.
 
Thank you for such good advice, Bruce is home, no where near out of the woods but at least he's at home with me. The vet had all of the meds etc ready for when I picked Bruce up. Still won't eat from my hand and is now currently hiding but will begin syringe feeding tonight. P@h have taken full responsibility and refunded me the vet bills. I feel very grateful to have the forums support thank you. X
 
I'm so very sorry both for the sad loss of Arthur and for the fact you have a poorly Bruce. What a stressful time for you. There is plenty of support for you on here. welcome x
 
What a really sad story, so sorry for you and for being new to piggies. They are great pets. Hope you can get Bruce fit and healthy and a fabulous new friend.
 
Taffer22 said:
Thank you for such good advice, Bruce is home, no where near out of the woods but at least he's at home with me. The vet had all of the meds etc ready for when I picked Bruce up. Still won't eat from my hand and is now currently hiding but will begin syringe feeding tonight. P@h have taken full responsibility and refunded me the vet bills. I feel very grateful to have the forums support thank you. X
Click to expand...

Please start syringe feeding; your care can be as important as the medication. As he is so little not breathing well, give him only up to 1/4 of a syringe at once, so nothing is in danger of going down the wrong way and making things worse.

All the best! Please keep us updated. You are welcome to ask any questions you may have along the way.
Here is our list of recommended piggy savvy UK vets; there are several good ones in the Bristol area: Guinea Pig Vet Locator

When Bruce has hopefully fully recovered, you can contact one of our recommended good standard rescues. Both Yate and Windwhistle Warren will allow you to bring your boy to the rescue, so he can find a character compatible friend. An age difference is of advantage, as that means that only one of the boys is hitting the big teenage hormones, which makes for a much more stable relationship and a much smaller risk of a fall-out during that time. The key to any boar bond is character compatibility and mutual liking. You will however have to conduct a quarantine period before you can introduce Bruce to other guinea pigs; but you can be assured that all of our recommended rescues have a mandatory quarantine for incoming guinea pigs and only rehome perfectly healthy guinea pigs. They will also support you during the settling phase and indeed throughout the whole life of one of their adoptees if you run into trouble with your boys. Unfortunately, as we are coming up to Christmas, most rescues are closed for a couple of weeks and it could be that you have to wait until they reopen in January. But it is still well worth the peace of mind! You can spend the time getting Bruce back to full health and making friends with him.
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Importance Of Quarantine

Here is our information guide bundle for new owners that answers the most frequently asked questions and concerns. you may find it helpful in the coming weeks.
" Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners
 
Baby Bruce is fighting the horrid infection, he is nibbling bits from my hand but won't eat in his hutch. The only veggies I can get him to eat is cucumber, spinach and some asparagus. He will only take water from a syringe. Should I be worried about this? X

image.webp
 
Taffer22 said:
Baby Bruce is fighting the horrid infection, he is nibbling bits from my hand but won't eat in his hutch. The only veggies I can get him to eat is cucumber, spinach and some asparagus. He will only take water from a syringe. Should I be worried about this? X

View attachment 39059
Click to expand...

Yes, you need to mush up pellets and syringe feed him that. Vegetables only make about 10-15% of the daily food intake. He needs more food to survive. PLEASE read the syringe feeding guide to see how to do it properly and be firm with him. Weigh him daily to make sure that he is not losing any more weight. Poor Bruce is very ill, but he is also grieving for his friend, so that is a double whammy he is dealing with right now.

Please keep him indoors where he is constantly warm and has got company; after all he is still very much a baby in need of reassurance! Syinge feed him little but often, every hour or two hours, and least once or twice throughout the night.
 
Hello everyone,
So Brucey is still fighting, took him back to vets yesterday and the vet said he was pleased with how he is doing. He's now eating and drinking from his hutch, and is also nibbling the pellets. I am still syringe feeding him some mushed up pellets just to be on the safe side. Medication is also going well. Brucey is now making cute noises and likes to sit in my lap nibbling grass. I know he's not completely out of the woods yet but I'm aware/concernd of the next step, the need to find Brucey a mate. Today he's not really been out of his house I think he's now aware that Arthur has gone. What would u advise? X
 
Taffer22 said:
Hello everyone,
So Brucey is still fighting, took him back to vets yesterday and the vet said he was pleased with how he is doing. He's now eating and drinking from his hutch, and is also nibbling the pellets. I am still syringe feeding him some mushed up pellets just to be on the safe side. Medication is also going well. Brucey is now making cute noises and likes to sit in my lap nibbling grass. I know he's not completely out of the woods yet but I'm aware/concernd of the next step, the need to find Brucey a mate. Today he's not really been out of his house I think he's now aware that Arthur has gone. What would you advise? X
Click to expand...

I would start making enquiries at the rescues we have recommended so you can which has got suitable boarmates and is prepared to bond Bruce for you.

You may still need to wait another 2-3 weeks (quarantine) until little Bruce is safe to date other guinea pigs which have passed their own quarantine at the rescue, so at least you can be sure that you won't get another illness issue.

But it is great news that Bruce is recovering and will live to find another friend! Weigh him daily at the same time to monitor his appetite and recovery instead of weekly, as with a healthy guinea pig. Has he got a microwaveable snugglesafe for the current cold spell?
 
Wiebke said:
I would start making enquiries at the rescues we have recommended so you can which has got suitable boarmates and is prepared to bond Bruce for you.

You may still need to wait another 2-3 weeks (quarantine) until little Bruce is safe to date other guinea pigs which have passed their own quarantine at the rescue, so at least you can be sure that you won't get another illness issue.

But it is great news that Bruce is recovering and will live to find another friend! Weigh him daily at the same time to monitor his appetite and recovery instead of weekly, as with a healthy guinea pig. Has he got a microwaveable snugglesafe for the current cold spell?
Click to expand...
 
Thank you, I will start to enquire. Is it normal to feel a little guilty about getting another piggy? Feel sad for Arthur :-( no I don't have a snuggle safe? Should I get one? My outdoor hutch is currently in my dining room, I have a fleece Over the roof. My piggies were orginally meant to be outside, I invested in a really good hutch and thermal/waterproof/wind proof cover, But now I don't want to put Bruce outside.
 
Taffer22 said:
Thank you, I will start to enquire. Is it normal to feel a little guilty about getting another piggy? Feel sad for Arthur :-( no I don't have a snuggle safe? Should I get one? My outdoor hutch is currently in my dining room, I have a fleece Over the roof. My piggies were orginally meant to be outside, I invested in a really good hutch and thermal/waterproof/wind proof cover, But now I don't want to put Bruce outside.
Click to expand...

No, your feelings are perfectly normal for the grieving process. They are proof that you are a loving and caring owner. We all exoerience them to some degree or other when our beloved piggies die.

Thank you that you have clarified that. You would not be the first of us whose piggies never moved outside in spring as they'd become family members by then... Indoors piggies are more fun, as you have so much more interaction, especially in winter!

All the best for your search. If you have issues with your feelings, you may find this link here helpful: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
 
Hello all, so little Brucey is doing well :-) he has finished all medication and is eating and drinking! :-) still very nervous around people but once sat in my lap is happy and content. And I have a found him a buddy once he has had the all clear from the vet. Probably a daft question but, can a human catch an URI? I'm full of cold! Also I'm worried that now Bruce is finally on the mend, I'm going to end up passing an infection back to him?
 
Glad to hear he is on th mend. No, Guinea pigs can't pass uri's onto humans and vice versa. The only main risk of infection is ring worm fungal infections.

Everyone's given great advice already but I just wanted to add please don't consider getting another Guinea pig from pets at home. The Guinea pigs they sell come from huge warehouse breeders were many of the animals are sick and harbouring disease before they even make it to the store. There has been a huge outbreak recently of uri's in many of the pets at home Guinea pigs, many are probably from the same massive breeding sheds. Please consider a rescue, there is one quite close by to you and they should be able to help with bonding too if your unsure.

Welcome | Windwhistle Warren

Good luck and I hope little Bruce only continues to get better, he's a cutie.

x
 
Taffer22 said:
Hello all, so little Brucey is doing well :-) he has finished all medication and is eating and drinking! :-) still very nervous around people but once sat in my lap is happy and content. And I have a found him a buddy once he has had the all clear from the vet. Probably a daft question but, can a human catch an URI? I'm full of cold! Also I'm worried that now Bruce is finally on the mend, I'm going to end up passing an infection back to him?
Click to expand...

There are very few things that cross between humans and guinea pigs. There is only episodal evidence of human cold/flu viruses crossing over and none for (bacterial) guinea pig URIs, but in any case, we recommend to please always use good hygiene (including hand washing before and after) and refrain from any unnecessary contact while you are ill with cold/flu and tummy upsets etc.

It is great that Bruce is doing well, and I hope that you are soon feeling better, too!
 
Finally settled! Hello everyone, So Brucey is fit and well and is becoming quite a porker! He has a new baby brother called 'Treacle' and so far so good! Treacle came from a respectable breeder and they had a few piggy dates before bringing them home together! P@H have payed for everything and I had a written apology with regards to both Bruce and Arthur's poor poor health. Onwards and upwards! So I have a few more questions if that's OK!?

1. Please could somebody give me a rough idea of your piggies weekly veggie diet? I split the veggies into two sitting am/pm. how much should i be giving? and what veggies can I give on a regular basis? So much info on the net and I am finding it very confusing? I could do with a piggy menu!

2. I have been reading so much controversy over wood shavings. I am hoping for some clarification. So this is my hutch set up. Two tiered hutch with a run attached. Up stairs i have a separate bedroom department which i line with newspaper, wood shavings and loads of hay. It also has a hay house which they love sleeping inside. The other part of upstairs is what i call the kitchen! its layered with newspaper and wood shavings. Down stairs is again layered with news paper and wood shavings and i have a hay rack on the wall. it also has tunnels etc. Does this sound ok? My piggies seem to be munching on the woods shavings? and seem to be a bit scratchy? Any suggestions or improvements that you think I could make? I have seen lots of pictures with just newspaper and fleece?

Thank you!
Katherine x
 
I'm so pleased to hear Bruce is OK and has a companion.

To answer your questions about diet , this is a good thread ...

Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet

As you can see, this thread lists the vegetables that can be given daily ...
1 slice of bell or sweet pepper/capsicum of any colour; 1 slice of cucumber; 1-2 chunks of celery; 1 French bean; 1 sprig of coriander/cilantro; 1 one inch strip of spring greens

..as well as advice on other vegetables which are safe to give.


For advice about bedding, this is a good thread ..


Bedding For Guinea Pigs - Overview

My hutch has a wipe clean base so I don't use newspaper any more - I found it made a soggy mess and I am better using bedding only.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top