Lethal Guinea Pigs

[Tabybim]

I would just like to raise the issue of lethal guinea pigs and their plight. I cared for my own lethal , Patrick for 4 wonderful years and would be happy to advise on the extra care these pigs need. In Patrick's case he was actually quite a high functioning lethal, able to feed normally and get about without too much problem. He was however, completely blind and deaf with a pronounced head tilt . So many lethal pigs aren't as lucky as Patrick , so many are born blind or without eyes , some have missing or no teeth at all and many have other unseen internal deformities and digestive problems . The plight of the lethal pig should be well documented , Patrick was a wonderful chap and one in a million . He brought me so much joy and I would not have given up those 4 years I had with him for anything , but it just isn't fair to bring pigs like this into the world when so many face so much suffering.

 

[Veggies Galore]

You're absolutely right to raise this . Well done for looking after Patrick.

 

[karonus]

You should look at the work that TEAS has done over the last few years. A sanctuary fro lethals.

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

I couldn't agree more.. Though if I had the opportunity to look after one, I would!

 

[Kerrie74]

Hi, I don't mean to sound stupid or ignorant but can someone explain what a lethal guinea pig is please? I've heard of lethal guinea pigs.

 

[Wiebke]

I would just like to raise the issue of lethal guinea pigs and their plight. I cared for my own lethal , Patrick for 4 wonderful years and would be happy to advise on the extra care these pigs need. In Patrick's case he was actually quite a high functioning lethal, able to feed normally and get about without too much problem. He was however, completely blind and deaf with a pronounced head tilt . So many lethal pigs aren't as lucky as Patrick , so many are born blind or without eyes , some have missing or no teeth at all and many have other unseen internal deformities and digestive problems . The plight of the lethal pig should be well documented , Patrick was a wonderful chap and one in a million . He brought me so much joy and I would not have given up those 4 years I had with him for anything , but it just isn't fair to bring pigs like this into the world when so many face so much suffering.

Well done for looking after Patrick! @furryfriends (TEAS), who is a member on here and our expert when it comes to dental issues and lethals, runs a pioneering sanctuary (in conjunction with a vet who has been specialising in this area) that is dedicated specifically to guinea pigs with dental issues. She has a number of lethal residents that are living to a great age on good care. We always put any piggy owner with a lethal coming onto the forum in contact with her.
http://www.teasnorthampton.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/teasnorthampton where you can often find little videos of her resident lethals.

You can find our forum information on lethals in this thread here: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/roans-dalmatians-and-lethals-explained.51194/

The Guinea Pig Magazine, to which several forum members are contributors, has also been running a feature about lethal guinea pigs and is currently running a series about a lethal called Fairy. It is available online, in pets@home shops in the UK and has just been taken on by two pet shop chains in the US. This will also help to make a lot more people aware that lethals can have a happy, active and fulfilled life with appropriate care.
https://www.facebook.com/GuineaPigMagazine
@Dindypig

 

[Tabybim]

Thank you for you're replies. Patrick was a gift and I wouldn't have changed a minute with him. I will check out those threads, it's so important that people realise the plight of the lethal guinea pig. Although they can be a lot of work they are well worth all the effort and the expense even if you only get a short time with them! But people must be so careful when breeding pigs and the lethal highlights this. I'm happy this forum understands the dangers of breeding your own pigs.

 

[Kerrie74]

Thanks @Wiebke and well done @Tabybim for looking after Patrick