Help My 1 Year Old Guinea Pig Died Suddenly And I Don't Know Why

[Maryjames]

My 1 year old little baby died today and I have no idea what happened. I clean their cage out daily. I clean all bowls, and cage with a special safe disinfectant spray. They eat kale twice daily in addition to their Timothy hay (natures own with dandy lion) as well as the pellets. I change their water daily. Last night I noticed my pig was outside of her log home that she likes to stay in. Her eyes were closing like she was sleeping. She never does this so I picked her up. Her eyes were crusty and had som in her nose. I called the vet and he told me to separate her so I can see if she's eating and going to the bathroom and how much. She didn't eat or poo or pee. I tried to give her her food crushed in a dropper but she spit it out. I gave her some water that she drank. I watched her through the night then packed her up to take to the vet. I noticed she wasn't standing but laying flat out and panting. By the time I got there she passed away. I'm heartbroken. What did I do wrong?

 

[Freela]

I'm really sorry for your loss. If she had crusty eyes and nose, I would suspect a respiratory infection of some kind. Unfortunately guinea pigs are prone to them and they can become severe very quickly. Guinea pigs naturally hide illness until they are far advanced, so sometimes by the time you see signs they are already quite ill. ((HUGS)) to you.

 

[VickiA]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Piggies are prey animals so are good at hiding their symptoms until they are far advanced. Have you had the surviving piggy checked out?
Here is a useful thread about caring for a bereaved piggy. Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Swissgreys]

I have nothing helpful to add, but just wanted to say I was sorry for your loss.
Big hugs to you and your other piggy.

 

[TheCavySlave]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs xoxo

 

[Maryjames]

I'm really sorry for your loss. If she had crusty eyes and nose, I would suspect a respiratory infection of some kind. Unfortunately guinea pigs are prone to them and they can become severe very quickly. Guinea pigs naturally hide illness until they are far advanced, so sometimes by the time you see signs they are already quite ill. ((HUGS)) to you.

Thank you so much. The other piggy was taken to the vets today and is fine. I suspect a uri. As a precaution I put the other guinea pig on a 5 day course of antibiotics. Baytril. Not sure if I'm spelling it right. I got another piggy today and introduced them briefly. She was a bit nervous but I was supervising. I then took the new piggy and put in an adjoining cage. I will put them together for longer supervised periods each day until they are comfortable with each other. Thanks for the link that was helpful.