Odd String Of Deaths - 3 Guinea Pigs Passing Within A Few Weeks Of Each Other

[Mediamixerj]

The issue that we have been having is that over the past month or so with the most recent passing today, all of the three that has passed within weeks of each other did not show any obvious signs of illness or weight loss, eating and drinking perfectly fine until within an hour or two of death. Each of these guinea pigs are from different sources (Humane Society and other adoptive services) and non are known to be related and different breeds of guinea pigs. Any ideas of what to watch out for or adjust to ensure the remaining guinea pigs are safe or is it possibly genetic and all 3 were unfortunately affected by heart attacks/strokes/other unforeseen similar disease.

Edit: All guinea pigs eat from the same food/hay source so as it appears to be happening to those that are older and one that was younger and has shown any change in appetite/weight for the other guinea pigs.
Different rooms and custom c and c designed cages each guinea was paired in so its not specific to the cage environment.

 

[Deleted member 114675]

I'm so sorry you have experienced so many losses recently. If I were you, I'd get your remaining guinea health checked by vet - to make sure this is nothing contagious.

 

[Wiebke]

The issue that we have been having is that over the past month or so with the most recent passing today, all of the three that has passed within weeks of each other did not show any obvious signs of illness or weight loss, eating and drinking perfectly fine until within an hour or two of death. Each of these guinea pigs are from different sources (Humane Society and other adoptive services) and non are known to be related and different breeds of guinea pigs. Any ideas of what to watch out for or adjust to ensure the remaining guinea pigs are safe or is it possibly genetic and all 3 were unfortunately affected by heart attacks/strokes/other unforeseen similar disease.

Edit: All guinea pigs eat from the same food/hay source so as it appears to be happening to those that are older and one that was younger and has shown any change in appetite/weight for the other guinea pigs.
Different rooms and custom c and c designed cages each guinea was paired in so its not specific to the cage environment.

Hi and welcome

Please be careful in your hygiene, including handling. Always wash your hands carefully before and after you handle your guinea pigs (ideally you get a hand gel that is also effective with viruses, fungal and microbes). If they do not live together, don't wash their bedding and cosies together and don't use the same clothes when cuddling them in order to minimise any potential transmission.

If you are lucky, it is just one of those coincidences that can unfortunately happen. If not, then please have the next guinea pig that dies in the same examined by a vet (post mortem) as to whether there is an underlying transmittable cause. Post mortems by a piggy savvy vet are not cheap, but if you have a string of mystery deaths and still more piggies that could be affected, it is your only option to hopefully get to the bottom if it.
Viruses etc. are rare, but they can happen and they can be devastating.

I am very sorry; these times are always very anxious ones. Only time will tell if you are dealing with a coincidential or a transmittable/environmental issue.

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[Flutterby]

I'm so sorry for your string of losses. I know how you feel, having lost 12 in the past 3 weeks. I hope that things get better for you and a vet visit is a definite must xx