Is My Guineapig Depressed ?

[sasha_22x]

Two days ago one of our Guineapigs became ill and had to be put to sleep ,now the other Guineapig Tilly (her mother) seems very upset , She dosn't want to come out of bedroom part of hutch and when put in run stays in house part all day not goin on grass even when encouraged. She seems to spend a lot of time lying quietly (normally would run around and squeak when approached) also is uninterested in treats offered to her.
I have been trying to keep her with me as much as possible , but what else should I do ?

 

[DM030819]

Do you know the cause of death for your other guinea pig? It could be possible that Tilly has the same thing if it is contagious.

I believe guinea pigs can become unhappy when their cage mate passes away. Spend more time with her, give her things to play with, make eating time more entertaining and when you're sure she's fit and healthy you can adopt a new cage mate for her.

Good luck

 

[sasha_22x]

Thanks for your advice The other Guineapig had fluid on her lungs and the vet said it was probably from a heart defect, she had always been small compared to her mother so I don't think Tilly has this. Tilly was unknowing bought pregnant from pets at home and so was usually young when she had poppy which may be explaination for Poppy's heart defect .At what stage would it be advisable to get another piggy for tilly ?

 

[DM030819]

If you're happy with it, then you can adopt another piggy as soon as you want. Sometimes it can take a little time to find the right piggy, one that she'll get on with. Then you can keep an eye on Tilly in the meantime as fluid on the lungs could be a URI. If she's ill it should show quite quickly

It'll be worth contacting a few rescues in your area to see if they have a girl, or neutered boy available. They might even help with bonding.

If you update where you live on your profile someone might be able to help with finding a rescue near to you.

Hope you find a lovely piggy soon!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

I am very sorry for your loss! it is always very upsetting when you have to cope with the shock and a pining piggy as well. you are welcome to post a tribute to the piggy that has died in our Rainbow Bridge anytime that feels right for you.

Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved piggy: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.110463/

The best way is to date Tilly at a rescue that offers dating under expert supervision. With sows, you can look at both other sows or neutered boars of any age; I have successfully gone down either way with bereaved sows of mine. Mutual liking is much more important that age or gender. Cross gender bondings can be very loving and are the most stable of them all.

We have got a rescue locator for good standard UK rescues with mandatory quarantine and pregnancy watch on the top bar; nearly all of them will bond a bereaved piggy for you. Please note that not all rescues always list all available piggies on their website, so it is well worth ringing round. I may also be able to provide rescue contacts for other countries. With members from all over the world, it would be very helpful if you added your country, state or (for the UK) your county to your details, so we can always give you the appropriate advice and local recommendations straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thanks!

Please be aware that fluid filled lungs could also be a sign of a walking/untypical pneumonia with no other symptoms, so it would be good if you waited two weeks until you took Tilly to a rescue or introduced her to another piggy (which you may have to quarantine yourself anyway if it hasn't undergone a quarantine yet), unless she is not not eating at all, in which case you need to find a companion asap.

 

[sasha_22x]

Thanks for your help