One of my two guineapigs died yesterday.
By mobyfriend
@mobyfriend (1017)
Netherlands
January 29, 2007 7:42am CST
She went downhill very fast at the age of almost five. Visiting a vet would have no effect. I feel pretty sad but i wonder how the surviving guineapig will cope. They both came to our home on the same day and were born only a few hours apart in two different nests. (we got tem from a several who had several pregant guineapigs and ours were born on the same day. So far she has been very quiet and subdued all day.
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2 responses
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Aw, I'm so sorry. I know what you mean about them sometimes just going downhill so fast that you can't even make it to the vet (if it would have even helped at all). I've had several senior piggies (5 to 8+ years), it's hard losing them.
I'd recommend a friend for the remaining piggie because they're such social animals and don't do well alone. I usually introduce a new friend within a week or two (or longer if I have to quarantine the new friend). See if there are any in shelters or rescues near you. From a rescue, they should already be quarantined. Make sure the remaining piggie is still eating. I'd recommend weighing her on a gram scale frequently and watch for losses of over 50 grams. I've had a couple pigs who became depressed enough to need handfeeding for awhile.
Sorry for your loss!
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@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
30 Jan 07
A new guineapig is an excellent idea but what age should she be. Since ours is almost five years old a young one might not be a good idea. The idea of a shelter is a good one. I may try to find her a companion.
So far she has been eating but of course I'll watch her.
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@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
30 Jan 07
If there is one of a similar age near you, that'd be preferable. Of course, you can't really time them to live until exactly the same time, but if possible it's better to have one that's not so young that it's too much for her to keep up with. I'd go with any age over 3 years old myself.
Try www.petfinder.com and www.petharbor.com to search rescues and shelters, and another place to try is www.guinealynx.info on the Cavy Placement forum. The last option is sometimes able to help work out a transport chain to get cavies to homes that are looking for one.
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@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
30 Jan 07
Thanks for the links. They sure are helpful for anyone living in your neck of the woods. Anyone reading this discussion make a note of them. A lot of pets need to be adopted.
In my own case I have to check the pet shelters in my own country.
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@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
29 Mar 07
I just found this posting. I am so sorry about your loss of your ginepig. So sad. How are you feeling now? I hope better.
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@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
1 Apr 07
Oh yes I feel better and the surviving guineapig is coping very well. In fact she will be five years old this month.
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