After the death of any pig I always try to see what can be learnt. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it provides some consolation in knowing that I have done my best. Secondly, I try to learn what I can, for future pigs in a similar condition. You, without any shadow of a doubt, did your very best for Iris.
You will have added to your knowledge about guinea pig ailments.
Hopefully, others reading this thread also will have learnt something.
Whilst e-mails, which are what any forum consists of, are of benefit, they are not real-time. Similarly, photos are very useful but cannot provide the amount of detail and information that can be gained from moving images.. I can understand why many people are reluctant to provide their phone numbers over the forum!
I am sure that there must be many of us on this forum that have web-cams and access to Skype.
I would like to suggest that we make use of Skype to see guinea pigs as they are and to be able to talk to the owner “as it happensâ€.
I believe this would, in many cases, lead to a more accurate and rapid assessment of any problems.
Maybe it could be called the “IRIS†help-line.
The double meaning is appropriate, as not only would it remember Iris but also it would mean eye to eye contact.