Wobbling and Subdued

[Abbie Brooks]

Hello,
Hazel is nearly two years old.
This morning she was acting really strange, she didn’t really greet me in the usual way when I bought their veg in. When she was eating she was very slow and only seemed to nibble small bits of the veg before moving onto the next piece - I’m not sure how much she actually ate but less than usual. When she moves she seems very wobbly and she practically fell over - it’s very hard to describe but she stays in a ball shape almost and doesn’t move right.
the only thing that seemed off before this was she would squeak more when acorn went near her but I checked her over and she seemed fine.
i took acorn out of the cage since she was hassling her and now Hazel is just burying her face in hay under her tunnel she occasionally shuffled around but generally seems very off.
I’ve had a google and can’t find anything so I wondered if anyone had an experience or knowledge on this. We are currently calling a vet but with current circumstances I’m not sure how accessible a vet will be.

 

[Abbie Brooks]

She’s moved around a little bit and her movement is very strange and uncoordinated, it’s all very hard to describe and definitely not right. Although I think she is nibbling some hay.

 

[Abbie Brooks]

Update: we are waiting for the vet to give us an appointment they said most likely within the hour

 

[Wiebke]

Update: we are waiting for the vet to give us an appointment they said most likely within the hour

Hi!

I am very sorry; good that you are being seen as quickly as you vet can fit you in!

Fingers very formly crossed!

Here is our bridging and crisis support care advice and information collection link, in case you need it at any point: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[Abbie Brooks]

Thank you so much, it’s so heartbreaking because it was so sudden.

Still waiting on an appointment - the procedure is different now as well - we have to leave the carrier on the steps, they assess her and then phone us as a form of consultation due to social distancing.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much, it’s so heartbreaking because it was so sudden.

Still waiting on an appointment - the procedure is different now as well - we have to leave the carrier on the steps, they assess her and then phone us as a form of consultation due to social distancing.

HUGS

Hang in there!

We have a guide with a video about the new way of handling consultations at the top of our new coronavirus section.

Unfortunately things can hit your piggy right out of the blue or blow up out of nowhere with frightening speed. I have on occasion been left quite literally shaking like a leaf coming out of the clinic as a reaction.

That has nothing to do with your quality of care and is not in your control. All you can is try to see a vet as quickly as possible under the circumstances and make any decisions with your piggy's welfare and quality of life first in mind. You are doing exactly what any good and loving owner should do.

 

[Abbie Brooks]

Unfortunately hazel passed away a few minutes ago, she was very peaceful and comfortable. Thank you for your help, it’s very unfortunate.

 

[Wiebke]

Unfortunately hazel passed away a few minutes ago, she was very peaceful and comfortable. Thank you for your help, it’s very unfortunate.

I am very sorry. Please try to take consolation that any vet wouldn't have been able to save her, either. Once the body starts closing down, you are on a one way road.

It can happen to anybody at any time and has nothing to do with the care you give. Strokes or heart failure etc. can happen at any time and at any age right out of the blue.

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Abbie Brooks]

Thank you for your kindness. This is the second friend acorn has lost and my fourth guinea pig I have lost - it never gets any easier.

 

[VickiA]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Big hugs x

 

[Smudgeflofifi]

Unfortunately hazel passed away a few minutes ago, she was very peaceful and comfortable. Thank you for your help, it’s very unfortunate.

So sorry for your loss

 

[Merab]

So very sorry to read this news.
You gave Hazel such wonderful love and care.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve

 

[Claire W]

I am so very sorry for your loss Sleep tight Hazel xx

 

[Abbie Brooks]

I took a few days to make sure I was alright and to give Acorn lots of attention and make sure she didn't get too lonely. Thank you for all of your messages, I appreciate your kind words and support.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you have lost little Hazel, sending you big hugs x