Lily misses Lou... :-(

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camelias2009

camelias2009

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My 6yr old sow, Lou, died a couple weeks ago of old age and health problems that were not fixable... Although I had been seperating the two gradually for the last month of Lou's life, Lily has still been very depressed since she died. I have tried just giving her time and lots of extra attention, but this doesn't seem to be helping.

Lily is still eating, but has lost weight. She has never been a super active piggy, but she is even less active now. When I give her floor time and spread small piles of hay and treats out, she usually picks at one pile of hay, but then just streches out and doesn't move. I am holding her and giving her lots of attention daily. I have tried putting a teddy bear in her cage, and while she does snuggle with it, she is still very sad and not gaining weight. Basically, I am just really worried about my little girl.

Right now I am starting to look into getting another senior female as a companion for her. Is this a good idea? What are some other things people here have done in this (or similar) situations?
 
I definitely think a friend may be in order. I know when our piggie Frenzy passed away, her 'sister' Linney was very subdued. She would trundle out of the cage, snack a little bit, and then wander back in. She didn't get sick or lose weight, but she was very subdued and obviously sad. We did get a friend for her, and the first time she saw us holding the other guinea pig she was so excited that she was popcorning at the bars of the cage. We tried to do an introduction and then separate them again, but they were both attacking the bars to get out to play some more! It made me realize how social they really are. HTH, and hope that Lily finds a new friend soon!
 
It's a good idea to be going to a rescue and see if she can be paired up with another girl or perhaps, a neutered boy?

If you're planning to keep more Guineapigs down the road, I'd suggest bringing home at least 2 more not-so-old rescues?
 
Thank you for the feedback. Right now I know that I do not have adequate space for two additional piggies. I will also be living in dorms next year and my parents don't want to care for more than two piggies. Good idea for matching her up with a neutered male though! That sounds promising as well.

In addition to being sad, I think there might be something else up with Lily. She has been stretching out a lot and her breathing has been quicker than usual. I will be calling my vet first thing in the morning to get an appt scheduled.
 
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