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Guinea Pig In Shock After Dog Attack

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dollydaydream

dollydaydream

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Hello,
I was wondering if I could have some advice please.
I'm currently looking after a friend's spaniel, today my piglets were out in their run as usual enjoying the sun, I was in the garden too with the dog but went to the shed to look for something. Seconds later I heard squeaking and found one of the guinea pigs in the dogs mouth. I immediately rescued him. He didn't appear to be injured, I put him and his brother back in their hutch and rang the emergency vet who said there wasn't much they could do and that the shock of taking him to the vets would kill him. It's now a waiting game to see if he survives. He's in a quiet, safe place with his brother.
What can I do to help him? I'm heartbroken.
Before anyone thinks I was careless, he was in a heavy wooden run with the door locked. I have no idea how the dog got him.
 
Oh dear. What a terrible thing to happen. all you can really do is keep him quiet (and together with your other piggies) and watch and wait and keep everything tightly crossed. That's basically what your vet is saying isn't it?

There are many people on the forum far more knowledgeable than me who might have better answers for you.

I hope so. And i hope your poor piggy is ok.
 
Thank you, there were no obvious signs of broken bones. He seems to be able to move ok, he moved from one end of his hutch to the other but he's been in the same position for a few hours now. I check his breathing as instructed by the vet and it seems normal, it's the same as my other guineas.
I will without a doubt take him to the vets if he gets worse.
 
I recently was contacted by someone whose piggy had been got by the dog. She only got in touch once he was dragging his back leg. I told her she needed to get him to a vet and when the vet turned him over his body was turning purple because of all the internal bleeding. Please check this isn't happening with your piggy.
 
I will, do you think I should check him now? I don't want to leave him in pain but I don't want to add to his shock.
Thank you for your help
 
I put a bit of cucumber in there but he hasn't touched it. We don't have any metacam, typically we had some left over after my cat died but I threw it away because it upset me to look at it...
 
If he isn't eating and isn't moving then my view is that he needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. He may just be bruised but it sounds like he needs pain relief to me.
 
I've just phoned the emergency vet again, I'm waiting for them to call me back so I can hopefully take him in.
 
What a shock for you both. Often animals can hide their injuries after trauma, due to the adrenaline going through their system. Once this starts to deplete, they will show signs of pain, which it seems your piggy is now doing.

As @furryfriends (TEAS) mentioned, internal bleeding would be a major worry and i would advise you get him seen by a vet. He will probably need pain relief, fluids for the shock and possibly an xray or scan to check for any internal damage. I am suprised your vet didnt want to see him straight away- if you aren't happy with the treatment, be prepared with another emergency vets contact details incase you want a second opinion.

Hope he doesnt have any serious injuries, please keep us updated xx
 
Yes please keep us updated. I am thinking of the little lad and wishing you both all the best.
 
Thank you everyone for your advice and concern. Sadly he died on the way to the vets this afternoon. The vet said it was internal bleeding. I can't tell you how heartbroken I am. I wish I'd left them in their hutch today and I wouldn't be here now.
 
I am so sorry to hear this tragic outcome. Very very sad. I bet you feel absolutely gutted. Thinking of you xx
 
HUGS! I am so sorry for your loss; what a nightmare for you!

We lost some of my childhood piggies when a neighbour's dog managed to wiggle under their badly maintained fence and break into a supposedly safe run with a firm lid on our lawn while we were at school and my mum was busy in the house. It is so easy to underestimate the determination and cleverness of dogs, and it can take deceptively little time.

Here is what you can do for his companion: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

You are welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you. Your boy was obviously well loved and cared for.
 
Aww sorry to hear this...... I once (a few years back) had an incident with one of my piggies and my dog but I had a much better outcome and was hoping my situation would give you hope but not now..... really sorry for your loss xx
 
Thanks everyone. And thank you for the bereaved guinea link. I'm so worried about our remaining pig. He's only 10 months old :(
 
HUGS - you poor thing, such a terrible shock for you. I am so very sorry for your loss xx
 
I am so sorry. Massive hugs.
 
How is the remaining piggy doing?
 
He looks sad. I've given him extra cuddles and will be keeping a close eye on him.
 
So sorry for your loss. It was a horrible accident.
 
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