My guinea pig died a sudden death

[alicat478]

2 weeks ago on a Wednesday I was staying home sick to get out of school. I was really attached to my white guinea pig piggie that I had for 3 years. I brought her everywhere with me and she was always with me 24/7. I was on the couch with her for at least an hour and she showed no signs of sickness and was just relaxing in my arms when all of a sudden she starts breathing weird as if she had the hiccups. I brushed it off because I thought it would go away eventually. It ended up getting worse and she looked as if she couldn’t breath so she had to open her mouth. I was freaking out and called my mom saying we needed to bring her to the vet ASAP she refused saying she was in a very important meeting. I ended up just watching my beloved pet piggie suffer getting weaker and having more trouble breathing with hiccup like movements. I tried to hold her to comfort her but she just jumped off the couch like she wanted to get away from me but she was starting to wobble and it had looked like she was becoming more immobile. I put her in her playpen so she wouldn’t harm herself and jump. Eventually she couldn’t stand and I tried to hold her up but then I had realized that she was dying and I called my mom wailing and screaming for help I didn’t want to loose her I held her in my arms my mom told me to try and revive her but I didn’t know how so I just cried hysterically telling her not to die but that didn’t stop her. I had realized she was gone. I was so heart broken. My mom came finally and I had piggie in her travel box and she drove to the vet but I knew what they were gonna say. It was just so random and it literally haunts me and every time I think about her all I can think about is how she died in my arms. The vet couldn’t even tell what was wrong and it makes me so upset. My mom bought me 2 new baby guinea pigs to try to take my mind off piggie but 2 days later one of the babies died from disease at the pet store and the other one had conjunctivitis and is currently in recovery. I feel as though I’m being punished. My best friend was taken from me and my baby died I can’t take much more of this emotional pain. Someone please explain what happened to piggie my best friend 😭💔

[Bean]

I'm really sorry to hear that you've lost your little piggy friend, and also that it was so upsetting for you. A lot of us here have been through similar situations and know how devastating it is.

What you describe sounds like your little friend's body had shut down. I doubt that if you'd gone to the vet immediately, it would have made any difference except for your piggy would have died somewhere unfamiliar and more stressful, instead of at home, in your arms as reassured and relaxed as she could be. An autopsy might give a clue to why she died, but they're expensive and unless you are worried it's something any others may be affected by, it's not always worthwhile.

Some pigs just don't live as long, often due to their genetic make up. Breeding any animal for how it looks rather than health over many generations often results in much weaker immune systems and genetic faults with various organs and part of their body. All we can do is look after them well - make sure they have a great diet, plenty of exercise, companionship and a clean environment - and then allow them to live the best life they can with us. We can't get rid of genetic problems with that approach though, and it doesn't sound like the pet shop have great practises if they're selling poorly pigs.

I really don't think you should feel you're being punished, just be glad for the years you had with your little friend and accept that the closer we are to our pets, the more it hurts when they leave us. But hopefully in time you will be able to think of your little guinea pig with a smile at how much happiness she brought you, rather than just thinking of the sadness of losing her.

[3piggles]

I'm so sorry for your loss It's never easy to lose your best friend, especially when you have to sit by helplessly. I had that when my best guinea pig friend died. I think what you experienced are what are called death throws. I doubt getting her to a vet would have helped. It was just a horrible experience Don't expect to get over the loss right away. It could take a long time. Not everyone understands what it's like for animals lovers to lose an animal friend, and think it's silly to be so upset. We understand completely. Huge hugs

[jolovespiggies]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss lovey, it is so hard losing a much-loved pet. We all know what you are going through. Lots of virtual cuddles are on the way.

Hugs
Jo xx

[butterfly88]

So sorry for your loss!