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Guinea Pig's Friend Died - Now His Wheeking Sounds Odd

H

hannahpiglets

New Born Pup
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Hi everyone,

One of my gorgeous piggies sadly died last Thursday. He was only about 8 months old. I have no idea what happened to him - he was fine when I went to bed, then the next morning he was lying on his side motionless. He died on the way to the vet, who said that there were no obvious signs of sickness (no tumours, no bloating, etc.) and she couldn't say for sure what he had died from, but that once guinea pigs get noticeably unwell there is usually not much that can be done for them.

His cage mate (and brother) is still with us and has been fine so far, but today I've noticed his wheek sounds a bit hoarse. Otherwise he seems fine - he's eating and drinking normally, he looks healthy, and when I hold him up to listen to his breathing I can't hear any wheezing or anything that sounds bad. He still gets excited and tries to wheek loudly when he hears the fridge opening or the hay bag rustling.

Does anyone know what this could be? I am scared that he has caught whatever his brother had. I don't think I could cope with losing both of them.
 
hannahpiglets said:
Hi everyone,

One of my gorgeous piggies sadly died last Thursday. He was only about 8 months old. I have no idea what happened to him - he was fine when I went to bed, then the next morning he was lying on his side motionless. He died on the way to the vet, who said that there were no obvious signs of sickness (no tumours, no bloating, etc.) and she couldn't say for sure what he had died from, but that once guinea pigs get noticeably unwell there is usually not much that can be done for them.

His cage mate (and brother) is still with us and has been fine so far, but today I've noticed his wheek sounds a bit hoarse. Otherwise he seems fine - he's eating and drinking normally, he looks healthy, and when I hold him up to listen to his breathing I can't hear any wheezing or anything that sounds bad. He still gets excited and tries to wheek loudly when he hears the fridge opening or the hay bag rustling.

Does anyone know what this could be? I am scared that he has caught whatever his brother had. I don't think I could cope with losing both of them.
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Hi

I am ever so sorry for your loss.

If in doubt, please see a vet. It is very normal to be a lot more jittery after a loss.

Keep in mind that increased heating due to the current very low temperatures and frstly nights can dry out indoors air. See whether a bowl of steaming water will do the trick.

However, some piggies can lose their big food wheek and go hoarse as adults.
 
:agr: I would arrange a vet visit for him to be checked over and for your peace of mind.
 
Hi everyone. Thanks very much for your advice and kind words.

Unfortunately the guinea pig's cage mate has since passed away. The vets were unsure of the cause but it may be something to do with a different type of hay we started feeding them a couple of weeks ago.

We now have one lone piggy remaining who has been given the all clear by the vet and prescribed some probiotic paste to help support his gut in case it was something gut-related, and we've completely disinfected the cage (again) and bought all new hay, treats etc. Hopefully he'll be okay and in a week or so we will start looking for a buddy for him.

I'm devastated that both of my babies have passed away at such an early age and feel very guilty that maybe if I'd done something differently, they would still be with me.
 
hannahpiglets said:
Hi everyone. Thanks very much for your advice and kind words.

Unfortunately the guinea pig's cage mate has since passed away. The vets were unsure of the cause but it may be something to do with a different type of hay we started feeding them a couple of weeks ago.

We now have one lone piggy remaining who has been given the all clear by the vet and prescribed some probiotic paste to help support his gut in case it was something gut-related, and we've completely disinfected the cage (again) and bought all new hay, treats etc. Hopefully he'll be okay and in a week or so we will start looking for a buddy for him.

I'm devastated that both of my babies have passed away at such an early age and feel very guilty that maybe if I'd done something differently, they would still be with me.
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BIG HUGS

Hi!

I am very sorry. It could be a genetic defect and the stress from the loss that has come into play; especially if your vet is convinced that it is not something infectious.

I highly doubt that it is your good normal care - however we are wired to always seek the fault with ourselves first and foremost; that is very typical for the onset of the grieving process. It has very little to do with what is actually happening but everything to do with how loving and responsible an owner you are. The feelings of guilt and failure are the other side of the same coin called 'loving tender care'.

You may want to contact a good welfare standard rescue asap (they close over the holiday period to prevent impulse adoptions) in order to find your remaining boy a new friend of his liking - ideally by rescue dating if that is an option.

More helpful and practical information in these links here:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs
 
Thank you :hug:It's mad how attached I was to the little critters after only 8-9 months of having them. Not hearing their wheeking when I come downstairs is taking some getting used to.
 
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