One of my guinea pigs has died suddenly and I'm devastated. She would have been 2 in November and she lived with her sister. I'm now questioning if it's anything I could have done for her. She was fine up until 8am then when I went in to see them she wasn't moving. So cuddled her until she passed away just before midday. Now I'm worried about her sister, is it something catching? Will she pine for her sister? Any advice would be appreciated
Hi and welcome!
I am very sorry for your loss. Sudden deaths from heart attacks or sudden acute heart failure as well as strokes can happen at any age right out of the blue. if in doubt, please have her sister vet checked. The problem is that unless you commission an expensive post mortem, you will never know what your girl has died from. As you haven't mentioned any distinctive symptoms, I doubt that it is anything infectious.
You are welcome to post a tribute to her in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels right for you.
Here are tips on what you can do for your bereaved girl:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
How well your surviving girl is coping in the next few days depends on how cose they were and how self-reliant a character your she is.
It would be good if you found her a new friend, as she is only about third through her life. This can be another sow or a neutered boar of any age. The crucial bit is that they like each other when they meet. We strongly recommend dating at a good rescue under expert supervision, so it is your girl that can make her choice, and you have the peace of mind that any new guinea pig is already quarantined and healthy, as well as not pregnant etc., so you do not have to worry about all that while you yourself are still coming to terms with your loss.
As we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can always tailor any advice and recommendations to what is possible and available for you; especially working out what is the best way forward for you, based on your local options right now. Please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!
