I do apologise if my above reply caused you any upset, or offence, Madguinealady!
Nevertheless, I recently adopted two sows from a local individual who, due to other commitments, has been forced to find new homes for their guinea pigs - I discovered that this individual was rehoming their guinea pigs through a good mutual friend, who also keeps guinea pigs (Of course, the mutual friend could not recommend/speak more highly of this individual)! Nevertheless, I arranged to visit this individual, and to view their available guinea pigs, and was very impressed with this individual's experience, knowledge, and set up. . . All the guinea pigs appeared to be well cared for, quite healthy, and very happy - I had absolutely no reservations about adopting a guinea pig from this individual!
However, eight days after bringing the new sows home, one of sows suddenly became very ill, and died within hours, despite prompt, and adequate veterinary care - My veterinarian, and I believe that the cause was a respiratory infection/disease, due to the symptoms that were exhibited!
Of course, I was upset, and concerned for the remaining sow. . . But she appeared quite well! However, as I quarantine any new small animal, regardless of where they have originated from, for a minimum of four weeks, I was not concerned about/for my other guinea pigs. . . Until, eight days after losing the above sow, I discovered that one of my existing/older sows had also died - Suddenly, unexpectedly, and without any noticeable symptoms!
Naturally, I became very upset, and began to panic. . . But I had to remain calm, and logical. . . I thoroughly examined the body of the second sow who had died, for any obvious signs of disease/ cause of death; I examined my remaining guinea pigs for any obvious signs of disease; I posted on the forum for reassurance; and I phoned my cavy savvy veterinarian for advice - And yet, I knew that there was no possible way that any disease could have been transmitted. . . The two new sows had been kept in quarantine; all feed/cage accessories had been kept completely separate; and I am the only one who attends to the guinea pigs (Of course, any new animals are attended to last) - As you can probably tell, I am very stringent were quarantine is concerned. . . Perhaps, because I have previously worked in quarantine catteries/kennels!
Anyhow, two weeks after the death of my existing sow, I have one sow who remains in quarantine, and will continue to do so for another two weeks, and I am continuing to observe/monitor my other guinea pigs - And I am not accepting any new small animals until I am confident that all is well (Although, this is partially because, at this moment in time, I do not have the room to quarantine any more small animals)!
Nevertheless, at this moment in time, I understand that, the guinea pigs that remain with the individual I adopted the two sows from recently, are well, and that, the guinea pigs who were rehomed elsewhere by this individual, are well too! However, at this moment in time, I am also pleased to report that all of my remaining guinea pigs appear well, including the sow that remains in quarantine - I hope, and pray that this remains the case!
Of course, these recent events have caused great upset - But I have found great comfort in knowing that I did/have done everything I possibly could/can to protect my existing guinea pigs. . . I suppose, the point that I am attempting to make is that, it is simply not worth the risk not to quarantine!
