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We Are On Lock Down - Sudden Deaths

I really thought you were over the worst of this horrible time. I am so sorry to read that 2 more have died.

Been racking my brains for something to help or to work out what it could be. Could it be something airborne in the room or something sinister lurking in the house maybe a pathogen from outside? Had you change hay supplies recently? I really don't want anymore to leave you at this time.

I will keep absolutely everything crossed that nothing else happens now. Massive hugs to you as well x
 
Thank you Hannah! We have searched through everything, for mould etc, checked all their tunnels and f10'd everything they are in contact with. We haven't changed anything at all food/hay wise its all the same stuff they usually have. We even got the carbon monoxide meter out again to check if any levels were up.
 
I'm like you just trying to think of anything that it could be, I can't even imagine how awful it must be to not know what has happened to them all. I am so heartbroken for you and your family. I just wish that we could help. If there is anything you need me for just shout as I am only round the corner. Wishing you all the very best with everything xx
 
Oh God What an awful time you are having. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through have just read the poem on this thread

www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/flutterby-ruth-support-thread.151713/

and it made me cry thinking of all those piggies you have lost in so short a time. Nobody could do more for your piggies than you have. I know it's easier said than done but don't blame yourself. You have done nothing wrong. You love your piggies as much as anyone on here and you couldn't have done anymore.

Hugs at this dreadfully awful time xx
 
Just a thought.:hmm:

I'm not an expert, but I feel whatever is causing this, it must be resistant to Zithromax and f10 disinfectant.

Perhaps worth trying another antibiotics and disinfectant? They may cover different bacteria/viruses.
 
I am just so sorry, I'm desperately trying to think of things it could be but you're so thorough that I can't think of anything extra. Did you ask the vet about water? I don't know how PMs work but can he check for everything? :( x
 
I am going to ask the vet about alternative antibiotics. I did mention water, but as i filter water she didn't think there could be anything in it. She believe it is viral, in which case the antibiotics wouldn't be doing anything to help. The post mortem on two of the pigs showed congestion in the lungs which fits with some kind of viral infection/pneumonia. f10 is one the best disinfectants but I will have a look at others so see if they can offer anything different.
 
Oh, I hadn't seen this update.. I'm at a loss for words.. I'm so beyond sorry for all the heartbreak you're going through. Your pigs were all so beautiful and well-loved. I will grieve for lovely "big knickers" Bridget and fluffy Delores and the whole gang, and send all my best energy to Trudie and her friends. Your lost pigs will be remembered forever by so many people
 
I know it would be horrible to separate them but would it help to quarantine them individually in different rooms? I know it's not ideal and I don't know if that would be more stressful than helpful for them and you.

Still sending everything I have :hug:
 
Just read through all of this. Absolutely speechless at what you've been though.

I know it would be so easy to blame yourself and think there must be something you could have done, but it really isn't the case at all. What's happened is horrific but completely out of your control, you really are doing everything that you possibly could. I'm so sorry I can't even imagine how stressful this must be to lose so many pigs. I really hope you're coping okay and your remaining pigs are managing x
 
I've been away working and not on the forum a great deal Ruth, so I've only just picked up on the further loss you've suffered. My heart truly breaks for you.
There is no rule book in a situation like this as to what to do or not do. You just have to trust your instinct and that of your vet. For what it's worth I believe you are doing everything right. I also think you're right not to separate them as it will only cause more stress. Hugest hugs x
 
Would it help to keep them all separated to avoid cross contamination? Really hope you're through the worst x
 
I've only just caught up again and I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of another two! I agree with everyone else - there's got to be something going on here, it can't just be a regular virus. It could have happened to any single one of us!

You're an amazing owner - you've done and continue to do absolutely everything in your power to keep the remaining pigs healthy, comfortable and well cared for! I really know it's easy to say this, but please, try and not blame yourself! You've done absolutely everything you can, from the initial response to this, the treatment, and how much daily care and love you're putting into each little piggy at this point. They seriously couldn't ask for a better owner!

Please, please, make sure you're being kind and looking after yourself, too. Make sure you're getting some good meals in and most certainly getting enough sleep. You're doing everything you can with the piggies, but they need you to look after yourself, too! I really, really hope that this is the last of it!
 
DoragonHinansho said:
I've only just caught up again and I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of another two! I agree with everyone else - there's got to be something going on here, it can't just be a regular virus. It could have happened to any single one of us!

You're an amazing owner - you've done and continue to do absolutely everything in your power to keep the remaining pigs healthy, comfortable and well cared for! I really know it's easy to say this, but please, try and not blame yourself! You've done absolutely everything you can, from the initial response to this, the treatment, and how much daily care and love you're putting into each little piggy at this point. They seriously couldn't ask for a better owner!

Please, please, make sure you're being kind and looking after yourself, too. Make sure you're getting some good meals in and most certainly getting enough sleep. You're doing everything you can with the piggies, but they need you to look after yourself, too! I really, really hope that this is the last of it!
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Thank you so much. I really am trying to stay positive, which at the moment is hard, but the support of everyone here really does help x
 
Oh it is just somheart breaking. You and your guinea pigs are in my prayers. Bye bye little fuzzy adorable Delores x Rest in peace sweet piggies.
 
I'm so sorry Ruth, it must be so frustrating just watching them go & not be able to stop it. Try to hang on in there, you know we are sending our love, & support. We just pray this stops, as do you. :luv:

Sleep tight little babies.
 
I really think you are doing everything correct. if it is viral it is often airbourne ,as you say antibiotics will not help,but may prevent a secondary infection.it maybe worth asking your vet to take mouth and nasal swabs.To see if any cultures grow so can target the infection.I'm speechless,so so devastating.my thoughts are with you Ruth.xx
 
Ruth, i'm sorry. I have been off forum and just managed to get time to get on... I am speechless.

for what it is worth I think you are doing everything right that you can, you have excellent hygiene, have good knowledge and a great vet behind you. You cannot guard against things like this, it is just so tragic, i really wish i could help with your pain. Just know the whole forum is with you. x x
 
sport_billy said:
Ruth, i'm sorry. I have been off forum and just managed to get time to get on... I am speechless.

for what it is worth I think you are doing everything right that you can, you have excellent hygiene, have good knowledge and a great vet behind you. You cannot guard against things like this, it is just so tragic, i really wish i could help with your pain. Just know the whole forum is with you. x x
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We certainly are! It's at times like these you need friends for support. Most of us on here have never met you but we all feel your pain. I bet I'm not the only one who has had tears pouring down my face reading about your sad losses.
 
Ruth oh lass. Rip little ones. I'm struggling to give you help and advise. what I will say is you more than most are piggie understanding and treat your herd as I hope i would if I had many. This is a horrible time and why why. I dont pray but I've ask for you to be given strength cos we and this forum need you. x
 
Betsy said:
It's at times like these you need friends for support. Most of us on here have never met you but we all feel your pain. I bet I'm not the only one who has had tears pouring down my face reading about your sad losses.
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This, again and again.

I have only just joined the Forum this weekend, but I've been following your tragic tale as a guest for the last week or so, and my heart goes out to you, Flutterby. I cannot begin to comprehend what you are going through.

It has been following this thread that persuaded me of the real value of joining the Forum. The kindness, empathy and wisdom, generosity, sympathy and compassion that has been displayed by so many people on here, most of them 'strangers' who may never meet in person, has been inspiring to me, watching from the outside. So, now I have joined, and, as Betsy said above, we all feel your pain. I too have shed tears over your losses. RIP little piggies.

Then, as if to confirm my feelings about the kindness of strangers on here, who was one of the first members to welcome me to the Forum, just an hour after joining? Flutterby. Your taking time and effort to write a warm welcoming message to me, at this incredibly difficult time for you, speaks volumes about your strength and your character, and touched me greatly. I truly hope this sorry tale comes to a positive conclusion for you and your remaining piggies very soon.
 
what to say? nothing... sorry, but in similar tragic events I have no words, because I would like to find a good explanation which of course will never come. I talked with the lady of the rescue in Bologna, where I adopted my piggies, she lost ONE piggie this way and asked for a post mortem (it was a pneumonia virus, but not the common adenovirus...); she was astonished of your story and had a talk with her vet... and now also the vet is astonished. They have an hypothesis: a virus becomes stronger when "jumps" from a body to another one and your piggies living together maybe made this virus extremely strong... It is like our flu in winter months; after some months such virus starts killing people...
We have a different school of thought, I see; here vets suggest a supplement of vit C for boosting immunitary system especially when the piggie has some issue or is living some stressful period. If this can help you, the vet of the rescue (an exotic vet) knowing this incredible tragic story suggests you a supplement of 50mg of vit C for each pig, until the risk will be over. And recommends a disinfection of the devices used for aerosol therapy because certain killer bacteria were found just in these devices.
About me, I can only send you a huge hug... I am not so good in finding good comfort words in such tragic situations.
Now think about the four piggies you have; but when it is time, think about a new family of piggies again... this series of deaths will save other poor piggies who will be allowed to come into your home for a great and lucky life. Don't make the mistake of crying on the memory of your dead piggies. There are too many piggies abandoned and this tragic event can be a blessing for them...
Hugs!
 
Malunkers said:
This, again and again.

I have only just joined the Forum this weekend, but I've been following your tragic tale as a guest for the last week or so, and my heart goes out to you, Flutterby. I cannot begin to comprehend what you are going through.

It has been following this thread that persuaded me of the real value of joining the Forum. The kindness, empathy and wisdom, generosity, sympathy and compassion that has been displayed by so many people on here, most of them 'strangers' who may never meet in person, has been inspiring to me, watching from the outside. So, now I have joined, and, as Betsy said above, we all feel your pain. I too have shed tears over your losses. RIP little piggies.

Then, as if to confirm my feelings about the kindness of strangers on here, who was one of the first members to welcome me to the Forum, just an hour after joining? Flutterby. Your taking time and effort to write a warm welcoming message to me, at this incredibly difficult time for you, speaks volumes about your strength and your character, and touched me greatly. I truly hope this sorry tale comes to a positive conclusion for you and your remaining piggies very soon.
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I as yourself are new to the forum. I joined as I sadly lost my Pedro (see thread PASSED AWAY) and I wanted answers to questions that really I knew. why how etc. This forum and people like Ruth put me under their wings and helped me. For that I'm ever so grateful. And as you have put in your message this lady is a bloody rock. Well said. x Dave.
 
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