Guinea pig grieving and not eating.

[SqueekEek]

Recently my guinea pig (Pip)'s cage mate (Squeak) crossed the rainbow bridge due to a URI. We took Pip to the vet after Squeak had died and she had a much more minor case of URI and has been given medicine. After the medicine she came home and ate some cucumber before going into shelter and not coming out, it has been 24 hours and from what I can tell she hasn't eaten/drank anything since then (nor has she pooped!). I've replaced her cucumber with some fresh slices and she also has a new supply of hay, pellets and water, along with some new toys.

Pip seems to be doing better health wise since yesterday, squeaking more loudly and has more energy when she does move. However, she chooses to sit in one corner and not move. I am planning to get her a younger guinea pig on Saturday so she can have social interactions which I suspect is what is keeping her from eating, drinking and moving.

I have a few questions regrading Pip;
1. How can I make sure she stays healthy and eats/drinks?
2. Pip is a female so I will be getting a young female piggy, Pip being a shy and reclusive type I feel she needs a roomie! Any advice?
3. How should I approach the bonding of the two on Saturday, I can't realistically bring her to meet the new piggy and I especially would like to avoid it due to her recent health scare.
4. I've fully cleaned the cage since Squeak's death, but are there any more precautions I need to take to ensure the new piggy has no chance of getting a URI also?

Thank you

 

[VickiA]

Hello and welcome. Sorry to hear of your loss.

Here is our guide to caring for a bereaved piggy Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Not sure where your new piggy is coming from but here’s what to look for health wise if you are buying from a shop or breeder What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Please ensure you fully quarantine the new piggy for at least 2 weeks before effecting the introduction.
Importance Of Quarantine.

Here is a link to all the bonding and behavioural guides Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides

Please have a good read of all the relevant guides before attempting any bonding. Ensure that any introduction is conducted in entirely neutral ground (bonding pen, bathroom floor etc) and ensure acceptance takes place before putting the piggies into a completely neutralised and rearranged cage so that Pip doesn’t claim it all as her own and defend it against the newcomer.

Good luck.

 

[SqueekEek]

Regarding the quarantining, I can do this but wouldn't the baby / my bereaving guinea pig both need company? I am unfortunately buying from a shop, I looked at many different breeders and none within a few hours drive have new sows I can 'date' Pip with. Due to this, I understand the importance of quarantine I just worry for Pip's social needs, especially as she isn't eating currently.

 

[VickiA]

When you have an acutely grieving piggy all normal rules go out of the window! You have to do what’s in their best interests. So if you can’t do the quarantine don’t panic.

 

[SqueekEek]

Okay thank you If she is acting normally on Saturday I will quarantine, otherwise I'll introduce them quickly.

 

[eileen]

if your remaining piggie is not eating,it maybe best to start syringe feeding.pellets mushed up can be used if you do not have critical care.I'm sorry you have lost a piggie.you are having a hard time.i hope you are able to find a new mate soon.

 

[sport_billy]

So sorry for your loss, cant add anymore advice to the great advice above

 

[SqueekEek]

Thank you very much everyone. I've been syringe feeding since yesterday and Pip started to take an interest in hay again this morning, still having to syringe feed but she seems to be doing a lot better