Mystery death, flailing limbs

[peacedove]

Long time guinea pig owner. My first guinea pig died when he was 6. He suddenly fell limp, but was pumping his legs rhythmically in the air and arcing his back painfully. It seemed to hit him in waves, like a seizure(?) hitting him. He was also whimpering, a sound I never ever hear guinea pigs make. The vet had no clue what happened, and he was put down to stop his suffering. It was a mystery, but just yesterday my current Guinea pig (5 years old) did the exact same thing and was also put to sleep. I keep my pigs in pairs, in a 6x2 cage, feed veg (mainly bell pepper), pellet, and unlimited hay. Anyone have any insight about this? I'm happy to answer questions.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

The guide below may help with information on the dying process which can be quite physical. We call the leg movements ‘running to the rainbow bridge‘.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[Freela]

I'm sorry for your losses. Unfortunately, flailing limbs isn't uncommon when guinea pigs are dying, regardless of the reason. It happens as the body is shutting down and losing oxygen. I've seen it in pigs who have passed from a variety of reasons. Guinea pigs often seem to go from seemingly fine to passing away relatively quickly... they tend to hide illnesses quite well until they are far advanced. It's probably impossible to say what happened to your piggies, but I really don't think it was anything you did or could have prevented. Again, so sorry you have gone through this. ((HUGS.))

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry you lost your piggy. Take care.

 

[Claire W]

I’m so sorry for your loss As mentioned, the flailing of the legs is what we call running to the rainbow bridge. It isn’t uncommon in pigs as they’re dying (((hugs))) x

 

[peacedove]

Thank you all so much for your kind words. I had not heard about running the rainbow bridge, and I'm thankful to know about this now! It was so sad, it looked so painful. I did take him immediately to go to sleep, so he could be at peace. I'll never forget him.

 

[weepweeps]

I think by the time they are running to the bridge they are not aware of any pain anymore. You did all you could. Don’t feel bad. Take care

 

[Claire W]

I too have heard that by the time they are running to the bridge, they are no longer aware and aren't in any pain x

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve