Unexpected loss of young guinea pig

[kirab]

Hello everyone,
First time poster here looking for some advice.
I just lost my 9 month old guinea pig, I only had him for 2 months as I got him from a breeder when he was 6 months old.

He had been behaving as normal, active, constantly eating hay and squeaking at me for veggies/treats and coming up to me when i’m at the cage.

2 nights ago I did his normal night time clean and we went to give him his supper time veggies. After he sniffed them, he stood back on his legs and was rolling his head, arms and eyes around so i thought he might have been choking on hay, but then he completely lost balance and fell to his side and couldn’t regain himself to stand up so he kind of flopped around trying. I then realised he wasn’t choking it was something else. He stopped and went limp. I checked on him he definitely was still alive but really weak, he then walked a little and then stopped, I moved him to the corner so his other cage piggy didn’t disturb him and shortly after he passed it was traumatic to watch and replays in my brain.

I don’t understand what has caused this. I have tried to research guinea pig strokes but don’t have much info as to what the pigs do when they’re actually having going through one.

Does anyone have any help or advice as to what could of been the cause - I didn’t feel right getting him cut up at the vet I wanted answers but wanted him buried peacefully so they couldn’t tell me much.

 

[CTWC]

I am so very sorry for your loss
It sounds very similar to what happened to one of our beloved boys Toby he was only five months old and he too seemed perfectly fine immediately before it happened he couldn't regain his balance as you've described. I was told it was likely his heart or a stroke likely due to a genetic issue from birth as he was so young. I don't think you could have done anything to prevent this but I'm no expert.
My heart goes out to you because as you say it is extremely upsetting
How is his friend coping with his loss? You should regularly check their weight to make sure they are eating enough
Popcorn happily over The Rainbow Bridge sweet boy

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone,
First time poster here looking for some advice.
I just lost my 9 month old guinea pig, I only had him for 2 months as I got him from a breeder when he was 6 months old.

He had been behaving as normal, active, constantly eating hay and squeaking at me for veggies/treats and coming up to me when i’m at the cage.

2 nights ago I did his normal night time clean and we went to give him his supper time veggies. After he sniffed them, he stood back on his legs and was rolling his head, arms and eyes around so i thought he might have been choking on hay, but then he completely lost balance and fell to his side and couldn’t regain himself to stand up so he kind of flopped around trying. I then realised he wasn’t choking it was something else. He stopped and went limp. I checked on him he definitely was still alive but really weak, he then walked a little and then stopped, I moved him to the corner so his other cage piggy didn’t disturb him and shortly after he passed it was traumatic to watch and replays in my brain.

I don’t understand what has caused this. I have tried to research guinea pig strokes but don’t have much info as to what the pigs do when they’re actually having going through one.

Does anyone have any help or advice as to what could of been the cause - I didn’t feel right getting him cut up at the vet I wanted answers but wanted him buried peacefully so they couldn’t tell me much.

Hi and welcome

HUGE HUGS

I am so very sorry. How traumatic for you. It was either a stroke or a fatal neurological event and nothing you have caused, could have prevented or could have saved his life from.

At this young age, it is most likely a genetic fault he was born with - a kind of time bomb which could have gone off at any time without warning; but generally at a younger age. Because of the amount of inbreeding that breeders do, their piggies are unfortunately more prone to inherit a hidden fatal faulty gene from both sides of their family. Welfare standards in the breeding community are unfortunately not regulated outside shows.

Try to take comfort in that he didn't survive such a devastating and highly disabling attack and that he passed quickly without suffering for long, only to die in a later attacks.
You have given him what guinea pigs count a good life by: happy todays in loving care - however long or short a life is, it is the quality that counts.

Here is our practical Grieving Guide for owners, which you may find helpful; especially if this is your first encounter with a death. Grieving is a lot more than just feeling sad and crying your heart out. It can take you to some strange places and it is a longer, always different journey based on the loss of a unique bond and the circumstances of the loss rather than a short straightforward process.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

If you need some facts on what you have experienced, here is our information on neurological issues to assure yourself that it is nothing you who has failed your boy in any way:
Neurological Issues (Seizures, Strokes, E.cuniculi etc.) - Symptoms and Care
Here is our detailed advice for what you can do for the companion right now and over the coming weeks: Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

For new company for his mate, consider adopting from a good guinea pig rescue, like QLD Guinea Pig Refuge or Gold Coast Guinea Pig Rescue. They are two best in your wider area and well worth travelling further for.
QLD Guinea Pig Refuge Inc.
Welcome to Gold Coast Guinea Pig Rescue

I hope that this helps you? Please be kind with yourself and give yourself time to not be OK after such a traumatic event. We are here for you for as long as you need to for any questions and for moral support but we would like to ask you to please bookmark this thread as your ongoing support thread so we can keep each case together in order to make it easier for sides for longer term personalised help.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

If you need some facts on what you have experienced, here is our information on neurological issues to assure yourself that it is you who has failed your boy in any way:

IBM
Sorry, my pedantic brain, but I don't want OP to misunderstand at this sad time - That should be: to assure yourself that it is NOT you who ...

 

[Merab]

So very sorry for your loss.
I, too, lost a young piggy.
He had a neurological condition and there was nothing to be done about it.

Although you only had your boy for a short time you filled his days with love and care which is what is important.

Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
Hugs

 

[Wiebke]

IBM
Sorry, my pedantic brain, but I don't want OP to misunderstand at this sad time - That should be: to assure yourself that it is NOT you who ...

Thank you for alerting me. I am living with an inoperable brain tumour, so I jump more often over words when typing quickly and I don't always notice as they don't show up. I have corrected in the original text.

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry. From what you describe it was probably some sort of neurological event and nothing you could have predicted or prevented. Sometimes even young animals have problems we can't see and can't help. I have guinea pigs and hamsters and lost a very young hamster last summer just as suddenly- he was probably born with a congestive heart problem that we just couldn't see until it was too late.

Please don't blame yourself and remember that you gave him happy days with you. Animals don't understand longevity, they live completely in the moment and you gave him many happy moments.

When you've had some time to emotionally process everything, please consider getting a friend for your remaining pig, he will be grieving too and they really are happier with a friend. I've sometimes had to rush to get a new friend for a bereaved pig even though I didn't really feel emotionally prepared, but I always grew to love that new arrival too even though we can never replace the furry friends we lose.

((HUGS)) to you and so sorry that this happened to your piggie.