Please help? Bereaved pig suddenly gone downhill

[Chloe B]

Hi,

I recently lost one of my boys Chester on Tuesday. My other pig was shown his body, didn't seem upset, and has literally thrived for the next 3 days...

He was really bright last night, but this morning he was hunched, depressed, wont eat anything at all, isn't drinking, not moving.

His health hasn't been brilliant for a few months but he's recently seemed better and he never had a great bond with Chester. I know the general advice is to find a younger friend for a boar, but I never planned to get anymore pigs at the moment because I dont want to be in a constant cycle of owning piggys at this moment in time - I can't be the only one in this situation?

Is there anything I can do to help him? Does this situation sound familiar with anyone else? I've got the critical care out. The pain from my recent loss is unbearable, the thought of losing this one too is terrifying.

Thanks in advance to anyone reading x

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

I recently lost one of my boys Chester on Tuesday. My other pig was shown his body, didn't seem upset, and has literally thrived for the next 3 days...

He was really bright last night, but this morning he was hunched, depressed, wont eat anything at all, isn't drinking, not moving.

His health hasn't been brilliant for a few months but he's recently seemed better and he never had a great bond with Chester. I know the general advice is to find a younger friend for a boar, but I never planned to get anymore pigs at the moment because I dont want to be in a constant cycle of owning piggys at this moment in time - I can't be the only one in this situation?

Is there anything I can do to help him? Does this situation sound familiar with anyone else? I've got the critical care out. The pain from my recent loss is unbearable, the thought of losing this one too is terrifying.

Thanks in advance to anyone reading x

Please see a vet ASAP!

While your boy may not be acutely pining, he is still at a much higher risk of falling ill/having an underlying issue come to the fore because of a lowered immune system due to the stress of the loss. Today's massive heat spike has not helped and added to the stress.

Please take the time to read these helpful links:
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

All the best!

 

[Chloe B]

Please see a vet ASAP!

While your boy may not be acutely pining, he is still at a much higher risk of falling ill/having an underlying issue come to the fore because of a lowered immune system due to the stress of the loss. Today's massive heat spike has not helped and added to the stress.

Please take the time to read these helpful links:
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

All the best!

Thanks Wiekbe. I have had a good look at these threads previously. Logan was seen by a vet on Monday as we wanted him checked over too. We already know he has an unknown mass from months ago which has seemed benign. I know the vets will most likely not help and advise PTS if he doesn't pick up. Can it take time for a lone piggy to adapt/accept? It's weird that he was fine and now on day 4 he is giving up.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks Wiekbe. I have had a good look at these threads previously. Logan was seen by a vet on Monday as we wanted him checked over too. We already know he has an unknown mass from months ago which has seemed benign. I know the vets will most likely not help and advise PTS if he doesn't pick up. Can it take time for a lone piggy to adapt/accept? It's weird that he was fine and now on day 4 he is giving up.

I don't think it has anything to do with acceptance, but everything to do with the extra stress from the loss of his mate flipping an already delicate balance. True acute pining (i.e. giving up because of the loss) is very rare; but falling ill in the wake of a loss is unfortunately not, especially not in older piggies with pre-existing problems.

I have been there with piggies of mine, so I am very sorry for your situation. All you can do is hope that he picks up again and do your best.

The one thing that you will find is the necessary strength, I promise you. You will have to pay harder for it afterwards, but you will always be strong for beloved one in your care when it really counts!

 

[Chloe B]

I don't think it has anything to do with acceptance, but everything to do with the extra stress from the loss of his mate flipping an already delicate balance. True acute pining (i.e. giving up because of the loss) is very rare; but falling ill in the wake of a loss is unfortunately not, especially not in older piggies with pre-existing problems.

I have been there with piggies of mine, so I am very sorry for your situation. All you can do is hope that he picks up again and do your best.

The one thing that you will find is the necessary strength, I promise you. You will have to pay harder for it afterwards, but you will always be strong for beloved one in your care when it really counts!

Thank you so much. I will cross my fingers that he picks up soon and do what I can to help him in the mean time. Your above threads are fantastic.

I appreciate the support on this forum - much friendlier than another one I've turned to where I'm generally made to feel guilty, and berated for my decision to not own any more piggys at this time, as I would keep facing the same situation of a bereaved boar over and over again

 

[Sophie B]

If you’re finding you don’t want to own more piggies it may very in his best interests to surrender him to a rescue (not a shop, or to be sold), being by himself will only make him worse x
I’m very sorry for your loss, I do hope your piggy recovers fully and quickly x

 

[Chloe B]

If you’re finding you don’t want to own more piggies it may very in his best interests to surrender him to a rescue (not a shop, or to be sold), being by himself will only make him worse x
I’m very sorry for your loss, I do hope your piggy recovers fully and quickly x

Thank you Sophie B. It isn't that I don't want to, I adore my boys, and wouldn't hesitate to take on new piggys in the future, but now is not the time for me. I mentioned rehoming to my partner, he is totally against this idea and feels we would be giving up on him. I am honestly feeling like I don't know what to do for the best.

 

[Sophie B]

Thank you Sophie B. It isn't that I don't want to, I adore my boys, and wouldn't hesitate to take on new piggys in the future, but now is not the time for me. I mentioned rehoming to my partner, he is totally against this idea and feels we would be giving up on him. I am honestly feeling like I don't know what to do for the best.

Could you explain to your partner that it would be in his best interests, and he would find a lovely home, it would also prevent loneliness x
Other than that, I’m not sure what you could do, do you have a friend of family member who would be able to keep him, with another pig?

 

[Chloe B]

Could you explain to your partner that it would be in his best interests, and he would find a lovely home, it would also prevent loneliness x
Other than that, I’m not sure what you could do, do you have a friend of family member who would be able to keep him, with another pig?

Thank you. We started considering a new friend for him, even though it's not what I want. He seems too poorly to just be depressed, he won't take critical care, and he has started with soft poo stuck inside with stringy/bubbly mucous which is exactly what has just happened to my deceased Guinea pig.

I am only just beginning to grieve for my other pig. I'm going to lose this one too. This is literally a living hell.

 

[Merab]

So sorry that you are going through such a difficult time.
I can’t add anything to the advice already given but wanted you to know that I am holding you in my thoughts and my heart at this difficult time

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. We started considering a new friend for him, even though it's not what I want. He seems too poorly to just be depressed, he won't take critical care, and he has started with soft poo stuck inside with stringy/bubbly mucous which is exactly what has just happened to my deceased Guinea pig.

I am only just beginning to grieve for my other pig. I'm going to lose this one too. This is literally a living hell.

Hi!

Your boy is severely dehydrated (stringy/mucussy poo).
Please have him seen as an emergency; he will need sub-q fluids, but you may have to brace for the fact that his body has started to close down if the refuses any food with more force than he has.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[Chloe B]

My boy was in a really bad way he has crossed the rainbow bridge. Completely heartbroken. Thank you everyone.

 

[Merab]

So very sorry to hear this.
It sounds as if there was possibly an underlying health issue which was exacerbated by the loss of his cage mate
Holding you in my heart

 

[Wiebke]

I am so sorry; I have been afraid of this.

 

[helen105281]

I'm so sorry.

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Sadness for you.
Me and my girl piggies one Chloe (who is poorly) send you lots love