I really hope this is a dumb question from an ignorant person ...

[GiddyUpGo]

Hello, I have what I hope is a really dumb question. My daughter’s very young (six months) old guinea pig died suddenly today. There were no signs of illness, she was eating, pooping normally, seemed totally fine. Then my daughter found her in her cage lying on her side with her eyes wide open. She picked her up, held her and cried for maybe 10 minutes, and then said she wanted to bury her. The body was still warm but totally limp. We checked for breathing and saw nothing. So we put her in a box and took her outside and buried her.

Now while looking on the internet for information on the sudden death of guinea pigs I’ve found a couple of people saying guinea pigs sometimes play dead and I am haunted by this idea that she may have not really been dead when we buried her. Is that really possible? I just need to know we haven’t inadvertently done something awful to my daughter’s beloved pet.

 

[DMS260820]

@PigglePuggle has a Guinea pig who plays dead when scared. I'm sure though what you are feeling is normal, because everytime I have an animal die, I have that thought after buriel asking what if there was a pulse.

 

[GiddyUpGo]

But when they play dead, there would be some reaction or movement when you pick them up, they wouldn’t be totally still and limp would they?

 

[DMS260820]

But when they play dead, there would be some reaction or movement when you pick them up, they wouldn’t be totally still and limp would they?

Yea I'm sure they would move especially after going through being picked up and then into the cold outside, and you would see them breathing anyway

 

[Claire W]

I am so sorry that your girl died at such a young age @PigglePuggle has a guinea pig who played dead so will best to advise but I’m sure you would still see breathing in a live piggy x

 

[GiddyUpGo]

Thank you. I guess I just need to know that petting or holding her would have woken her up or at least she’d have shown some signs of life. I wish I would have waited until tomorrow to bury her just so I wouldn’t be having these doubts.

 

[Claire W]

Try not to worry. I’m sure she would have gained movement as you picked her up and moved her x

 

[DMS260820]

Thank you. I guess I just need to know that petting or holding her would have woken her up or at least she’d have shown some signs of life. I wish I would have waited until tomorrow to bury her just so I wouldn’t be having these doubts.

You wouldn't to wait if you could help it. I had to wait to Bury one of my guinea pigs, years ago, because of work. The house started to stink fast. It was upsetting, it wasn't long either, and there was no way I was leaving him outside in a box or in a freezer. He was my pride and joy I loved the lad. My profile pic

 

[DMS260820]

Try not to worry. I’m sure she would have gained movement as you picked her up and moved her x

He would have I'm sure, I'm sure the problem is stemming off of the grieving Process of wanting them back so much

 

[GiddyUpGo]

Does anyone have any idea what might cause a guinea pig to die so suddenly like that? No symptoms at all. I always thought they’d stop eating before they died, so you’d have a chance to get them to a vet.

 

[DMS260820]

Does anyone have any idea what might cause a guinea pig to die so suddenly like that? No symptoms at all. I always thought they’d stop eating before they died, so you’d have a chance to get them to a vet.

My first guess would be a heart attack, probably from a bad line of Guinea pigs bred over and over. Where did you get that guinea pig from may I ask?

I've had it happen with an ex pet rat of mine, he wasn't old and just found him dead one afternoon. No symptoms of illness.

My sister in laws cat had the same happened at only age 6. Again no symlotms and was health checked on time everytime.

I could go an look at any one of my animals now and they could be laying dead. I don't know where they were bred or what's happening inside. Scary when you think of it, but can't think like that really

 

[Piggies&buns]

Does anyone have any idea what might cause a guinea pig to die so suddenly like that? No symptoms at all. I always thought they’d stop eating before they died, so you’d have a chance to get them to a vet.

I am sorry for your loss.
It could be a heart attack or fatal stroke. Even severe bloat can kill quickly without any time to do anything.

 

[GiddyUpGo]

My first guess would be a heart attack, probably from a bad line of Guinea pigs bred over and over. Where did you get that guinea pig from may I ask?

I've had it happen with an ex pet rat of mine, he wasn't old and just found him dead one afternoon. No symptoms of illness.

My sister in laws cat had the same happened at only age 6. Again no symlotms and was health checked on time everytime.

I could go an look at any one of my animals now and they could be laying dead. I don't know where they were bred or what's happening inside. Scary when you think of it, but can't think like that really

She was from a pet store. That was my first thought when she died, that maybe it was just bad genetics from being bred for the pet market. Our other guinea came from a cavy breeder and I already told my daughter we wouldn’t get another one from a pet store. I’m glad we could give her a good life if it was destined to be a short one but my daughter is so heartbroken, I just would not want to do that again.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you lost her x
Piggies can died quite suddenly, usually a heart attack or stroke, you have been very unlucky x