Heartbroken After Death Of Guinea-pigs

[ZadokThePig92]

First of all we lost a very special adopted piggy called Fred - he just got an upper-respiratory infection and suddenly died before there was chance to get him to the vet... His female companion, Ginger also got the same infection, but survived - only just. Later on, we discovered that she was pregnant, to our absolute delight. She and the babies were completely healthy throughout the pregnancy, but she gave birth to four stillborn babies... they were absolutely beautiful, but never got the chance to live. After the birth, Ginger developed early-onset arthritis (she was only 7 months old at the time of birth), we took her to the vet and she got painkillers, steroids, the vet even suggested swimming lessons to try strengthen her muscles and reduce swelling, but in the end, she was suffering, other joints were seizing up and she couldn't move at all, despite her good appetite and appreciation for cuddles. We had to put her down. I am heartbroken about it - why did they all have to die? What was the point in all of this suffering? Ginger should be alive now, with her little babies running around with her.

 

[Julesie]

Aww. I'm so sorry you lost all of your piggies. *huggles* Just know you did all you could.

When I lose my boys I try to think that there must be a reason I have lost them. It still hurts a lot but it gives me a bit of happiness when I take on a new guinea pig.

It really did sound like you did everything for Ginger. If you'd like to post a section in the rainbow bridge part of the forum with some photos it might make you feel better.

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forums/rainbow-bridge-pets.16/

 

[sport_billy]

Hi there, welcome to the forum sorry it is in such sad circumstances, I am very sorry to hear of all your losses. Losing a piggie is hard but to lose so many is really painful. Unfortunately pregnancies are not often straight forward and as a forum we are anti breeding. It sounded like you and your vet tried everything for Ginger and you made the brave choice to let her go as she was suffering, it is often the biggest act of love we can do for them and you were there for her when she needed you.

We have a rainbow bridge section were you can post memorials to those piggies that you have lost http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forums/rainbow-bridge-pets.16/

Sorry once again for your losses.

RIP Ginger, Fred & Babies
x x

 

[madguinealady]

what a horrendous time you have had. It was sheer bad luck and you tried your best. Please dont let it put you off keeping piggies in the future as you sound like a fab piggy owner and there are more piggies out there that will benefit from being cared for by you. Take all the time you need. Am so sorry and a tribute on rainbow bridge when you are ready does help, I have just put one on for my fizz that i lost a few months ago.

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Firstly, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies, and sincere condolences for the loss of Fred, Ginger, and their four pups!

However, I am intrigued by Ginger's arthritis diagnosis - Could you tell us more about Ginger, and her diagnosis/condition?!

 

[ZadokThePig92]

We think it was some kind of rare auto-immuno response that triggered the swellings on her back left knee, back right knee and around her front right paw... after the birth she was hopping, rather than putting weight on her legs, it got worse very quickly, until she couldn't put any weight on her back legs at all, so she curled up into a crescent instead an ate whatever was near her... she could swim very well, as the warm water and painkillers soothed the pain, and she was weightless in the water - but after gently stretching her legs out underwater you could feel how stiff her knees were... I'm not sure what else it could have been, or what else we could have done for her

But in happier news, we've just adopted two lovely boy piggies called Gus and Teddy, both of whom really enjoy cuddles

 

[madguinealady]

So sorry for your loss but congrats on your new babies

 

[Briony_S]

So sorry for your loss. Loosing a pig is such a terrible thing to go through but that many at once must have been so heart breaking for you.

It's fantastic to hear that you have got back on the horse so to speak. I'm sure you'll have many happy times with your new boys. Also remember that you haven't replaced your piggies, the result of a horrendous time meant you were able to offer your home to two new boys & they will benefit and blossom in your care!

Hoping to see you around the forum and some pigtures of the lovely boys. Also if you want to post a picture in the rainbow bridge thread that may help with the grieving process.

Big hugs x

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Thank you for your reply, ZadokThePig92!

Regrettably, as many as one in five guinea pig pregnancies encounter complications, and it is not uncommon to lose a sow, and/or pups. . . One common complication is that of a calcium deficiency (Hpyocalcemia) - I do wonder whether Ginger suffered from this condition?!

Regardless, I believe that you have simply been unlucky - I do not believe that there was anything more that you could have done!

I am pleased to hear that you have not allowed previous experiences to deter you from keeping guinea pigs!

And that you have felt able to welcome two more guinea pigs into your home - Welcome Gus, and Teddy!

 

[Fredginge]

What a sad story. Poor piggies. It sounds like you did an amazing job trying to help Ginger. You can't do any more than your best!
They will be at the rainbow bridge together!
Enjoy your new piggies.