RIP Taylor

[Cozmo]

I lost one of my little girls yesterday.

First Guinea Pig I've ever lost, and am absolutely heart broken.

My partner went to feed the clan and found her on her side cheyne stoking. So we got her in, phoned the emergency vets and they said to wrap her in a towel and say our goodbyes basically.

Was one of the worst things I've ever had to watch. I've never watched anyone or anything die before. Every so often she would gasp for air and move her back legs. I just kept talking to her praying she would pass soon. She took about 10-15 mins, once we discovered her, to pass away.

Her friend didn't seem bothered as was more interested in eating. We changed her living accomodation which stressed her out a little but she soon was fine and still squeaks for food and is eating fine. I do think they tolerated each other to be honest as they never seemed that close. So I'm hopeful that she will be fine.

We are considering neutering our male GP and putting them together as Sway (our other female) has never lived alone, however our male Phoenix has always lived alone. So if I could have any advise on whether you think it would be a good idea, I'd be greatful. While Phoenix does amazingly on his own, I've never been happy about it. But worry that if we do get him done, would he be alright living with Sway or could he maybe fight with her? If I've been holding a female and then pick him up, he does that vibrating business and purring sort of sound. I've been told thats not agression but to me it doesn't seem very friendly.

I'm also very aware of what anesthetic does to a GP so am open to any stories or advice you guys have on that.

 

[Little Piggles]

Sorry to hear about your loss :...

Hope you (and Sway) are as okay as can be

 

[alcesterpigs]

No matter how many pigs you may own in the future I am certain that the death of your first guinea pig will be the one you never forget.
As for neutering your boar I would not advise the operation, if for no other reason that it is unnecessary, it is not as though it were a life saving procedure. There is the risk of him not making it through the op. together with a moderate risk of post op. complications, think and think again. Far better to get a rescue pig to keep your sow company.

 

[Wiebke]

I am sorry about your loss! The first death is always something that will stay in your mind; and you always feel so helpless! At least, Tailor could go the way she would have liked best: held and aided by your love and care.

As with each operation, there is a risk, so you want to do some careful research to find as experienced a vet (ask your local rescues for recommendations) to perform the op. The vast majority of boys make it without major problems, but sadly, some die or have problems with infections and abscesses afterwards.

However, cross gender pairings are usually very stable, provided that the boy has been accepted by the girl right at the beginning. It would be a good idea, if you could check whether Sway and Phoenix are getting along by putting them somewhere where they are just divided by some bars or a mesh and can interact with each other - you can then make some more informed decisions!

 

[pompypigs]

I'm so sorry for your loss xx
Sleep well Taylor xx
Good advice already given, sorry I have none to add x

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I'm so sorry Taylor has passed, I hope you can find some comfort that she was surrounded by your love, in your arms. Big hugs to you. Rest well, sweet Taylor. xx

In regards to pairing Sway with another pig, you could find a neutered boar or another sow in rescue fairly easily. While I speak very highly of the neutered boar-sow groups, I do think that if a boar is content to be on his own/content living next to other pigs, then the surgery may not be worth the risk.

 

[Cozmo]

Cheers guys...to be honest...I might get Sway another friend....I don't want to put Phoenix through anything unnecessary....and it is unnecessary to get him done as there's nothing wrong with him. Maybe I could find him a rescue neutered sow. As I would prefer he wasn't living alone. Oh well, with X-mas coming up you never know.

Thank you guys for the lovely messages. I feel alot better today (I have to really cuz today's my birthday). Its nice to know that I'm not alone in my feelings. Where most people would just say "For God sake its only a guinea pig", you guys totally get what I've been through. So thank you very much.

 

[Cozmo]

Sorry for double post.

Have taken the guinea's to the vets, all fine. Though Sways teeth are a little bit of a concern as they are growing inwards or something :{

Have decided NOT to get Phoenix neutered and think we'll pop over to the RSCPA later today to see if we can find him a neutered female.

As for Sway....Once we get a new hutch, we'll get her another friend to live with.

 

[alcesterpigs]

Neutered females are not very common, the operation is quite a major procedure.

 

[Zoekins]

i am so sorry for your loss.. i havent lost a pig yet but i am dreading the day, it must have been awful for you, i am so sorry.. taylor was a beautiful little piggie.. run free little taylor...