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Grieving Pig?

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jeni

jeni

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Hi

I lost my male boar yesterday who was approx 6/7 yrs old due to old age. He had a friend, Matilda who I got as company for him when she was 6 months old. Since he passed away, which was by her side, both sleeping, she hasn't been the same. She has hid in the corner, barely eating and most unusual, is letting me stroke and pick her up, normally she'll waddle away. I hope I done the right thing, I went out and found her company , a lone female pig of a similar age. Annie, the new pig is extremely friendly and they both seem to like each other, however, Matilda is still lifeless in the corner of her cage. Is this grief? Anyone had this before after one half of a well bonded pair has passed away? Should I separate them? Or leave them together? there are no signs off aggression, I've seen Annie grooming Matilda so safe to say they are ok. Thanks.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I would leave them together as they do seem to be getting on and it will help in the long run. You could always gets her vet checked just in case but I do think it sounds like grief and in time and with her new friend she will come round. Does he breathing seem ok? is she eating at all?

Here is our guide for bereaved pigs in case there is anything else in there

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
 
Yes, she ate her nuggets from my hand last night, only a few though and a rose leaf. I put a lavender leaf in because I know she likes them and she nibbled on that before. Her breathing seems fine and she was her usual self up until his death yesterday. My boyfriend said she could be in shock which I suppose is possible, I've just never come across this before but then again, I've always had herds, never just two so the previous pigs had the others for company still. I hope she recovers if not I will take her the vet for a once over.
 
You could always tempt her with some mushed up pellets?
 
Could she be eating when you are not looking? Is she still doing plenty of poo's? x
It does sound like the death of her partner has hit her hard, but the new piggy is treating her kindly and this will hopefully help her, and hopefully soon. x
 
Hi. Thanks for the comments. I don't think she is pooing, i held her last night and she felt wet underneath so I know she passing urine but I didn't notice any poo's. Also, she was acting strange last night, like she was trying to lay down but kept getting back up, she was constantly doing this but this morning it has stopped. I am concerned about her now and I am going to take her to the vet tonight after work but I wonder... what can they do for her?
 
She might have a urinary tract infection brought on because of stress. I am no expert but I do think taking her to see the vet is a good thing. It's bad enough when you lose a guinea pig but then being worried about grieving guinea pigs makes the situation so much worse. I hope things improve.
 
It sounds like she is in pain, so pain killers at least may be of help. It's hard to eat when you're in pain. Also recovery food can be good for getting a pig who isn't eating to eat again. The vet may be able to find the cause, or may not, but a pig who stops eating can find it difficult to get their guts going properly again. This is where recovery food really can help. I really feel the lack of appetite must be addressed no matter what the cause. Does she appear bloated? Does her belly feel hard, or does it sound hollow when you tap it? What ever it may be, the vet may be able to treat the cause. If the cause is unknown he/she may be able to treat the symptoms and the cause may right itself or be revealed later, if that makes sense?
All the very best of luck xx
 
jeni said:
Yes, she ate her nuggets from my hand last night, only a few though and a rose leaf. I put a lavender leaf in because I know she likes them and she nibbled on that before. Her breathing seems fine and she was her usual self up until his death yesterday. My boyfriend said she could be in shock which I suppose is possible, I've just never come across this before but then again, I've always had herds, never just two so the previous pigs had the others for company still. I hope she recovers if not I will take her the vet for a once over.
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Please have Matilda checked by a vet and start syringe feeding her; it doesn't sound like she is eating enough. Weigh her daily at the same time to keep an eye on her weight.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Some guinea pigs are so closely bonded that even a companion is not enough to prevent them from giving up, but there is also a good chance that the shock of the loss has brought to the fore an underlying condition, especially in an elderly guinea pig. it can take a few days for a guinea pig to come out of deep mourning, and it is always a very anxious time.

Please keep Matilda with her new companion; it is likely that it is simply too soon for her, but any company is better than none as long as there is no aggression.

You are welcome to post a tribute to your boy in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels right for you!
 
Thanks for the advice. She seems how she was prior to his death, no dramatic weight loss, bloating. I rang the vet and they felt that because she is nibbling its best to observe her because it'll stress her more bringing her in. They did say if she stops passing anything then bring her in ASAP. I mentioned the strange laying down but they didn't seemed concerned about that. I have taken my pigs to this vet in the past and have confidence in them. I am going to have a good look at her tonight and if I think she needs the vet I will take her down.
 
Wiebke said:
Please have Matilda checked by a vet and start syringe feeding her; it doesn't sound like she is eating enough. Weigh her daily at the same time to keep an eye on her weight.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Some guinea pigs are so closely bonded that even a companion is not enough to prevent them from giving up, but there is also a good chance that the shock of the loss has brought to the fore an underlying condition, especially in an elderly guinea pig. it can take a few days for a guinea pig to come out of deep mourning, and it is always a very anxious time.

Please keep Matilda with her new companion; it is likely that it is simply too soon for her, but any company is better than none as long as there is no aggression.

You are welcome to post a tribute to your boy in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels right for you!
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. I have syringes at home so I will syringe feed her tonight. I have also kept her new mate in with her who is a little darling, couldnt have gotten her a nicer pig for company.
 
jeni said:
Thanks for this. I have syringes at home so I will syringe feed her tonight. I have also kept her new mate in with her who is a little darling, couldnt have gotten her a nicer pig for company.
Click to expand...

I know how you feel - I found one of my three temporary elderly piggies which I am currently looking after for a friend of mine unexpectedly in her forever sleep coming home from a trip to a specialist vet with two of my own oldies three weeks ago - and she had been the fittest of the three 7 year olds! Especially Bling's husboar took it really badly and wouldn't leave the hidey she'd died in for several days, so I placed hay, pellets and fresh veg right next to the door and refreshed it regularly. I also syringe fed him until he started coming out to eat again - and that was despite him still having his other wife with him. :(
 
Just to update. Matilda is virtually back to her normal self! I took the advice from here and syringe fed her mushed up nuggets and water. Since then it seems like her appetite is back with a vengeance and she roaming around her cage rather than sitting pitiful in the corner. Thank you so much for the advice, I feel I could've lost her without it! It is a great forum :-)
 
Having had a recent bereavement of one of mine, I found a nice paper bag (Cut off the handles) from a well known store filled with soft hay & a few pellets & a few pieces of veggies in enticement one of my bereaved piggies to eat :) Like us, they can become morose & sad. Hope she perks up soon x
 
jeni said:
Just to update. Matilda is virtually back to her normal self! I took the advice from here and syringe fed her mushed up nuggets and water. Since then it seems like her appetite is back with a vengeance and she roaming around her cage rather than sitting pitiful in the corner. Thank you so much for the advice, I feel I could've lost her without it! It is a great forum :-)
Click to expand...

That is great news! She is hopefully going to settle well with her new friend now that she has found the will to live again.
 
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