Sudden Death And Other Pig Coping

[CailinJ]

I brought two male Peruvians just over a year ago and unfortunately one of them died very suddenly last week. They only turned one last December so I’ve no idea what caused the death, he lost a lot of weight very quickly and just went very weak. However he was the runt of his litter and was always dominated by his brother, as well as this he had a funny look to him where he kind of looked like he wasn’t properly all there. I have attached a picture of him if anyone has any ideas if he might’ve died from a disease he was born with which would’ve given him this “look” any other info would be helpful. As well as this I’m concerned for his brother, although they didn’t always get along, they always slept together and he didn’t want to budge when I went to remove his brother from his side after he died. I’ve been giving him a hot water bottle every night but I’m worried he’s going to get lonely and bored as he is only 1 and seems very healthy. Any help would be appreciated on how to help him and if anyone has any ideas on what might’ve caused his brother to die. thank you in advance!

 

[Wiebke]

I brought two male Peruvians just over a year ago and unfortunately one of them died very suddenly last week. They only turned one last December so I’ve no idea what caused the death, he lost a lot of weight very quickly and just went very weak. However he was the runt of his litter and was always dominated by his brother, as well as this he had a funny look to him where he kind of looked like he wasn’t properly all there. I have attached a picture of him if anyone has any ideas if he might’ve died from a disease he was born with which would’ve given him this “look” any other info would be helpful. As well as this I’m concerned for his brother, although they didn’t always get along, they always slept together and he didn’t want to budge when I went to remove his brother from his side after he died. I’ve been giving him a hot water bottle every night but I’m worried he’s going to get lonely and bored as he is only 1 and seems very healthy. Any help would be appreciated on how to help him and if anyone has any ideas on what might’ve caused his brother to die. thank you in advance!

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Hi and welcome!

It is unfortunately impossible to say what your piggy has died of. They can go downhill very quickly, especially when they stop eating, but only a post-mortem at the vets can tell you the exact cause.

Here are our detailed tips on what you can do for your bereaved boy, from the short term to the long term and how you best go about finding a character compatible boarmate of his choice provided you can have access to a good standard rescue. You will find links for recommended rescues in several countries as well as alternative options included in the guide: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig