Please could someone advise me where I'm going wrong with guinea pigs. 3 weeks ago today I found my male boar passed away he was 3 n a half. Phumonia. I then got given 2 girls happy running around eating playing together until last night noise which I knew was breathing problems rushed to emergency vet and yes phumonia and my baby girl was put to sleep. I can't understand how she got it and I'm blaming myself for this happening twice. They are inside lots of hay and in a big stiutable cage. My other girl is perfectly fine. Any advice would be appreciated. My heart is aching
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Advice
- Thread starter Kelly H
- Start date
Please don't blame yourself.
Respiratory illness can be fatal very quickly, and piggies are experts at hiding their illnesses, often until it is too late.
If you have only had your girls for a short time, one of them may have already had an infection brewing when they arrived.
Where did they come from and how old are they? And is there a reason that the vet felt it wasn't appropriate to treat your girl? It sounds like you did everything perfectly and got her to a vet in time, so I wonder why they didn't suggest medication as respiratory illnesses can respond well to antibiotics.
Be kind to yourself as you grieve.
Respiratory illness can be fatal very quickly, and piggies are experts at hiding their illnesses, often until it is too late.
If you have only had your girls for a short time, one of them may have already had an infection brewing when they arrived.
Where did they come from and how old are they? And is there a reason that the vet felt it wasn't appropriate to treat your girl? It sounds like you did everything perfectly and got her to a vet in time, so I wonder why they didn't suggest medication as respiratory illnesses can respond well to antibiotics.
Be kind to yourself as you grieve.
Hi thank you so much for replying. My guinea pig was nearly 4 and I took them of my friend as she was at uni and I have more time for them. When the vet examined her she found her right leg had damage and it was colder then the others. The vet said they could give her medication but she had fluid on her lungs and wouldn't survive. The best option was not to let her suffer. I couldn't let any animal suffer. I just hope her sister will be ok alone
KathT
Forum Donator 2024/25
I am sorry for your recent losses, we always tend to blame ourselves but they are so good at hiding their illness. Please don’t keep the guinea pig you have left alone, she needs a companion of her own kind, and may become depressed. Try a rescue to bond her with another sow or a neutered boar. If you don’t want to take on another pig, consider giving her up to a rescue so that they can find her a companion and a home for the last years of her life. I know it’s hard to think about anything when you are grieving but you must do what’s best for your remaining pig too.
