Dealing With Aging Guinea Pig

[TrisFrayPotter]

Hi! Because I'm new to this forum, I'm not sure that I put this in the right spot.
I have 2 female pigs, both 6 years old. My alpha pig, Cheers, has become very sick over the past few days. I took her to the vet just then, and the vet said that it was probably because of old age, and there's not much we can do for her, except keep her comfortable and make sure she's able to eat, and does eat.
I'm more worried about my other pig, Flash. We think she's half blind, and she has relied on Cheers since they were very young. They are very close, and they love each other more than anything. When I got back from the vet with Cheers, Flash was sitting there crying. She knows that something is wrong, and, because Cheers has always been the most resilient of the two, I'm not sure how to help Flash cope, especially if Cheers has to leave us, which, I have a feeling, is coming closer to happening, and we can't get a new pig if it does happen.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved companion. The best thing is another companion, even if it is just next door cage interaction. This is absolutely vital if your guinea pig is acutely pining and stopping to eat/being very depressed or becoming increasingly withdrawn/depressed.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

There are actually several good guinea pig rescues in the wider Brisbane area that you could contact to talk about your situation so you can find a solution for Flash that takes both her needs and your possibilities into account.
This could be either by getting a temporary companion on a fostering basis that reverts to the rescue upon Flash's death or by Flash coming into rescue to live with another permanent resident or group there (especially if you offer to keep paying the same amount towards her living cost for the remainder of her life as if she was living with you since all the rescues have to rely entirely on fundraising). The advantage of speaking to a good rescue is that in any case, you would still be in contact and could visit Flash, but know that she is in experienced hands and not left alone.
The Fox Residence Guinea Pig Sanctuary | Facebook
New BeGUINEAings | Facebook
Gold Coast Guinea Pig Rescue Inc | Facebook
QLD Guinea Pig Refuge | Facebook

 

[Adelle]

Is your vet cavvy savvy? I think your main priority should be a second opinion. Yes old age brings its health issues, but just necause she is 6 doesn't mean these aren't treatable. A vet shouldn't write an animal off because of age x