Thoughts On Frankie

[JRS1990]

Hi, I know this may seem pointless but I was just looking round for thoughts on what may have caused my little Frankie to pass. He was only 15 months. If this post isn't allowed then please remove.

Christmas Day night we topped up food hay water and put his covers over the hutch for the night. Both him and his friend were fine. After that there were some huge fireworks a few houses away
Boxing Day I uncovered everyone ready for a clean and Frankie was just lay on his side, unable to get up but he was alive. His friend was completely fine. Frankie's head was arched back at such an angle to his body bug he was breathing very slowly. He just seemed completely paralysed. We wrapped him in a towel and got him inside but he didn't make it

Apologies if this post isn't allowed and I will remove but just wondering what thoughts are? Was it the fireworks? Could it have been a stroke? Or was it just his time

 

[Flutterby]

My first thoughts would be that the fireworks have scared him, which could have caused a stroke or something similar. Or that they had scared him in a fashion that's caused him to injure himself.

I'm sorry for your loss, it's always harder when it's sudden and seemingly unexplained.

 

[JRS1990]

Thank you for your thoughts, when we took him out the cage I gave him a quick check over and could see no visible injuries. He was such a lovely piggy :-(

I'm worried for his cage mate now. I think we will have to buy him a friend.

 

[helen105281]

I too think it may have been the fireworks or even the cold weather. There could have been an underlying heart issue that you weren't aware of.

If you are in the UK you could take your remaining boar to a rescue to choose his own friend but I would get him a vet check first to be sure it wasn't something that was contagious.

I'm really sorry.

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry. It can well be that the fire works can brought on a stroke or a heart attack, which can both hit at nay time of the life if there is an underlying, hidden issue. There is not much you can do or prepare for, unfortunately.

Please bring the companion indoors, especially as there are likely more fireworks, he will feel very lonely and exposed right now. We do not recommend to keep piggies outdoors at this time of the year in the UK. Weigh him daily at the same time to make sure that he is OK and eating well.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.109674/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/ (good standard piggy savvy rescues reopen again after the turn of the year, we may be able to provide contacts in other countries)
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/importance-of-quarantine.108034/ (Strongly recommended if not using a rescue with mandatory quarantine, all our recommended rescues do have one and will rehome only healthy piggies)

 

[Abi_nurse]

The arching back and paralysis to me would suggest something neurological like a seizure, meningitis or tetanus. But to be honest most of everyone else's ideas are also feesable. You will only know if a post mortem were performed.

x

 

[sport_billy]

I am really sorry for your loss.

RIP Frankie
x x

 

[AuntyC]

Aw, so sorry to hear your news. Fireworks are just so scary for most animals, our last dog was totally freaked out every time. I would also say to bring your other piggy indoors and give him some cuddles and reassurance. I am sure a new piggy friend would be much appreciated. Take care, sending cyber hugs x

 

[JRS1990]

Thank you everyone. It means a lot. We will be bringing his cage mate inside tonight and taking him along to a local rescue soon to pick his own boar-friend. He was such a little darling

 

[JRS1990]

We have brought his cage mate (hercules ) inside now and are taking him down to an adoption centre tonight for him to decide who he wants to live with :-)

Edit: I mean to bring one home - not leave him