Guinea Pig Suddenly Died, Will My Other Be Okay?

[Joelm95]

Hi it's a shame this has to be my first thread, I've had them for three months now but sadly I found my smooth hair guinea pig dead today upon coming home from the farm. They live indoors in my bedroom and I'm always careful about what I spray and the temperature etc and they are always fed and watered with good hay, vitamin C guinea pig pellets and vegetables daily.

I noticed the other night that one of my guinea pigs started sneezing (it sounded like a sneeze anyway) but before I left today I had both the piggies out and and was playing as usual, all seemed fine.

Of course when I got home I found one of my piggies dead at the edge of her nest. I noticed a couple of days ago that her ears went really dry so, after some research I put a little vasaline(?spelling) on her ears to try help out.

I'm really upset I keep questioning if it's my fault but I didn't see any weight loss or loss of energy at all even earlier today before I found her dead

These are my first pigs I just got in from burying her

Is my other pig safe? Or should I go to the vets?

*forgot to mention and it's important
She has always had a twitch or a shake about every two seconds, even When we were playing or she was eating etc

 

[helen105281]

I'm so sorry, please don't blame yourself, it sounds like it was some kind of respiratory infection and they really can hit out of the blue and kill very quickly. Your other pig will need to be checked in case as respiratory infections can be contagious.

Welcome to the forum, please could you confirm your location?

 

[Joelm95]

I live in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. I'm not sure if I should/can put it on my profile somehow.

I'll take my other piggie to the vet tomorrow morning. As she is young, can I introduce another female guinea pig for company? She looks so sad

 

[helen105281]

Yes you can, your best option would be to take her to a rescue to choose a friend once she has the all clear from the vet. Have a look at our rescue locator which is at the top of the main page.

You can put it on your profile, I think you just need to select the option to edit it.

 

[helen105281]

Here it is.

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/

This thread may help too

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.110463/

 

[Joelm95]

Thank you for your help

 

[Joelm95]

I took my other guinea pig to the vets today and they examined her, she's perfectly healthy but I need to wait a couple of week before the introduction of another piggie as a precautionary quarantine just incase.

They seem to think ginger (who died) had the symptoms of a genetic respiratory problem with the information I could tell them

Plus they didn't charge me for the check up

 

[helen105281]

Glad you have had her checked, the quarantine is sensible.

That's really good of them not to charge you.

Poor Ginger

 

[Julie M]

Poor ginger. So sorry for your loss. Good luck in your search for a friend for your remaining guineapig.

 

[Joelm95]

Poor ginger. So sorry for your loss. Good luck in your search for a friend for your remaining guineapig.

Thanks I'll be going to Barnsley animal rescue to try and find her a companion in two weeks time hopefully

 

[Gizi]

Sorry for your loss Don't blame yourself, she probably had URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) Heres the link from where I got this info from http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html Good luck in introducing

URIs are deadly bacterial infections that can result in death if untreated.
Bacterial respiratory infections are a common problem among pet store pigs (a good reason to adopt your pet instead of purchasing one from a pet store). New pet owners are often unaware of how quickly guinea pigs can go downhill and how vital prompt veterinary care is to the health of your new pet.

Untreated URIs are almost always fatal. Cavies do not get cold viruses.
Allergies/asthma is very rare, though they may produce similar signs.

Signs of a URI:

Refusal to eat or drink (anorexia)

No feces (as a result of not eating)

Labored breathing, wheezing

Sneezing, coughing

Crusty eyes, eyes that are almost sealed shut

Discharge from eyes or nose (read about normal Eyes)

Dull and/or receding eyes

Rough or puffed-up coat

Lethargy, hunched posture

See a vet immediately if you see any of these signs. Because URIs are so deadly and fast moving, it is imperative that the vet rules out a URI before considering the possibility of an allergy.