Update On Cookie

[Amysguineapigs]

Hi everyone.
Some of you may have read my last thread regarding Cookie and his 'mystery illness'. Cookie was on medication back in December just after Dougie passed away suddenly, he was on antibiotics, which unfortunately didn't work, we then brought him inside and removed him off sawdust in case it was a allergy causing his continuously runny eyes, but nothing has worked, two months on and he is the same, his eyes are still teary and runny.

The other week I was on work experience at my vets and I told my vet about Cookie and she said I could bring him in, she looked at his eyes and agreed they are no better, we did speak about doing bloods on him but I don't want to because of the stress of getting blood from a guinea pig, she also said she could speak to an exotics specialist in a zoo about him. I asked her if it would be okay to get Cookie a friend and she said yes possibly, because Cookies welfare needs to come first too, as he is living on his own and he is only almost three and the thought of him being on his own for the rest of his life breaks my heart.

I am starting to think that it could be a horrible coincidence about Snowball and Dougie dying at both a similar age. When Snowball passed away the vet thought he may have had a brain tumor due to him been deaf and him never been right, although he passed away from a respiratory infection which was secondary. In Dougies case he was very sudden which may have been a heart condition. But all of this is guess work.

So now we are in a dilemma, do we get Cookie a friend for his welfare and happiness and knowing there maybe a slight percentage that Cookie is carrying something and it could be passed onto another pig or do we leave Cookie on his own and not take the risk? I just want to do what's best for Cookie.

Amy

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Hello, Amy!

Firstly, may I offer my deepest sympathies, and sincere condolences for the loss of Dougie!

However, I am sorry to hear that Cookie continues to cause you such concern!

Personally, I would not be happy adopting Cookie a new companion until I had some explanation for his symptoms!

Regrettably, as I do not visit the forum on a regular basis, I am completely unaware of your situation. . . Therefore, any information you could provide about Cookie's background, and care would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Claire W]

I am very sorry that Cookie is still causing you concern and his problems are still ongoing.

I guess that really only you can answer this question.

It's a difficult one but it all comes down to the fact on if you are prepared to risk having another guinea pig(s) die young and if that would be fair?

But then there is no evidence to suggest that Snowball and Dougies deaths were connected to Cookies condition (and that's even if he has one).

It's a hard decision to make

 

[Stewybus]

Only way to see if these mystery illnesses are something to do with Cookie is to see your vet and get blood sample taken & checked for possible diseases. It may be just a big coincidence though.

 

[LeahsPiggies]

I agree. Blood tests and urine samples are probably the way forward now. I am very sorry over the loss of Dougie and it's a shame that Cookie is concerning you but I personally would not be prepared to introduce a new guinea pig at this stage until you get answers as to what is causing the runny eyes etc. Blood tests can be stressful but over in a matter of seconds and you can reward him with lots of yummy veg

I hope all goes well xx

 

[madguinealady]

i agree i wouldnt bring in another piggy. If cokie is unwell he might not take to it anyway.

 

[Amysguineapigs]

i agree i wouldnt bring in another piggy. If cokie is unwell he might not take to it anyway.

Cookie is perfectly well in himself, no signs of ill health at all, apart from runny eyes. He seems happy too, just been popcorning! His always had runny eyes from the day we had him and it has never affected relationships with other pigs.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

I am so pleased to hear that Cookie appears well otherwise, Amy!

However, any information you could provide about Cookie's care/ your setup would be most helpful - I understand that you have other animals?!

Regrettably, despite reading through your other threads, I have not been able to establish where Cookie originated from?!

Lastly, I understand that Cookie is a smooth-haired guinea pig?!

 

[Amysguineapigs]

I am so pleased to hear that Cookie appears well otherwise, Amy!

However, any information you could provide about Cookie's care/ your setup would be most helpful - I understand that you have other animals?!

Regrettably, despite reading through your other threads, I have not been able to establish where Cookie originated from?!

Lastly, I understand that Cookie is a smooth-haired guinea pig?!

Cookie was an outdoor pig but since Dougie died I brought him inside. He is living in a nice warm room, and is living on soft straw and is fed on burgess excel food, all his welfare needs are been met. Yes I do have other animals.

Sorry, I don't want to get into where I had him from as this has caused me upset in the past, and is irrelevant in this situation now, as that is in the past now.

Yes he is a smooth coat, what does that have to do with Cookies eyes?
Amy