Sudden Death Of 3 Guineas

[Ban]

Hi.i've kept guineas for over 20 years.my current 3 all died suddenly last night after eating new straw from my normal supplier. My rabbit in adjoining run was unaffected. My vet thinks the straw must have contained a toxin.
All 3 piggies were young and in good health.
I'd be very grateful if anyone could shed light on what may have happened. It's never happened to my animals before.
Thanks

 

[*kate*]

Oh no, I have no experience of what may have happened but I'm so very sorry

Did your rabbit eat the same hay?

 

[Lady Kelly]

Really sorry for your sudden loss, I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Unfortunately the only way to be sure of the cause of death by toxin would be for an autopsy to be conducted on your piggies or testing the straw. Both of these could be costly and you might not get concrete answers if the deaths were not caused by toxins. Have you tried contacting the company involved to ask them if they treat the hay (you said straw but I'm going on the hay assumption as piggies eat hay not straw )?

 

[Wiebke]

I am ever so sorry! Losing all three at once must have come as a real shock.

The only thing I can think of is either a sudden total fright, which can kill piggies, or like you say an evironmental vector. The problem is that if you want to get answers, or at least be able to eliminate some possibilities, then you will need to have a post mortem examination done and/or have the hay (as guinea pigs should not eat straw) tested. Neither will be particularly cheap.

 

[Ban]

Thanks everyone. Yes I meant hay.not thinking straight!

 

[Doragon]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your piggies all three at once must have been such a huge shock!

 

[Betsy]

Thanks everyone. Yes I meant hay.not thinking straight!

Not surprised you're not thinking straight! Losing 1 piggy is enough of a shock but all 3? I can't begin to imagine the shock you had this morning. Poor you! sending lots of love your way xx

 

[Flutterby]

I'm so sorry I know what you are going through, I had a similar situation not so long ago and it was awful

 

[VickiA]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Was there anything obviously wrong with the hay?

 

[Queenpiggy]

Welcome,
I am sooooo sorry for your loss of 3. Wow 3! All I could think of is of sudden shock or loud noises. Hope I helped! Sorry for your loss.

 

[LeefromAus]

So sorry to hear this! Doesn't seem to add up, I hope you find answers.