ive had 6 piggies over the last 8 years. All have now gone over rainbow bridge. my kasy ones were only young but died from a chest infection 6 days apart. I miss having piggies. I have room in my heart for more but its so painful when we lose them I don't know if I can do it again
Hi
HUGE HUGS
I am so very sorry. It is very tough when you are dealing with multiple losses in a very short space of time, as I know myself. Even when you know that you haven't done anything wrong, it can still really know your self-confidence badly. What has your vet said?
Most respiratory infections are bacterial which require antibiotics; they don't get viral colds, unlike humans. If the bacterial URI goes on the lungs, then you are dealing with pneumonia.
There are however some nastier respiratory bugs around that can be transmitted from other species and that are fatal for guinea pigs.
Do you have rabbits or have your piggies in contact with a dog with kennel cough or a fresh jab against it? Bordetella can cause symptoms that sound like a bit like a chest infection.
Contagion - Inter-species Transmission and Pet Care During Owner Illness/Pregnancy (incl. Covid)
However, since your two gorgeous little ones have died from what is obviously a highly infectious disease, I would recommend that you take a few weeks' break anyway and deep clean/disinfect all your piggy stuff, ideally with F10 (or virkon, if F10 is not available) so you can prevent any transmission if or when you want to start again because you have become addicted.
Please use that period to grieve. Be kind with yourself and look after yourself. You will find that you'll know eventually what is in your heart and whether you want to continue with piggies when you stop putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Right now, you are not ready yet, in terms of quarantine as well as in your heart.
Be open if an opportunity happens, whether that is about piggies or is leading into a totally new direction. The ability to love deeply doesn't stop to flow in you and to seek an outlet.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
