A sad day...

[Pinster56]

Yesterday one of my daughter's two beloved guinea pigs just suddenly dropped dead while she was holding her! It was a very upsetting and traumatic experience for her. She was only about 9 months old, too... Now she is afraid that our other piggie, Elvira, will be lonely without Brownie. She wants to get another one to keep her company. Is this a good idea? Would a new female introduced to the cage present a problem? I don't want to have to make another cage. Elvira's 4x2 c&c is plenty big for two. Thanks for any advice!

[twenty909]

So sorry for your loss! How upsetting for your daughter too. I'm a newbie and can't advise re the addition just now, but I understand the pain of a lost pet.

[ittybitty98577]

That is a scary thing. I wonder what happend? Thats really odd. When my other piggy died I didnt waist anytime, I started to look for a new pig for nick, we brought home two! She did fine with introductions and now they are a happy tio.

[Amelioratione]

I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

I have heard stories of guinea pigs having heart attacks while being held, usually in this case the guinea pig is very frightened or being held inappropriately. In all the cases I've read, the guinea pig was being held away from the person's body. I'm not sure if this helps or not, but it's the only thing I could really think off as to why your poor piggy passed away.

and i think that yes, another pig straight away would be good. Sometimes guinea pigs mourn the loss of their friend which can be dangerous. Make sure you keep an eye on your other one.

[salana]

If Brownie was showing no signs, it may have been a heart attack caused by congenital heart problems (that happens sometimes). If Elvira and Brownie were related, you should get Elvira in to a cavy-savvy vet to get an X-ray of her heart and see if she has any obvious problems that would warrant putting her on heart medication.

Elvira will mourn her friend. A good option would be to find a rescue in your area and adopt another sow to keep her company. Females are usually easy to introduce and a 4x2 is plenty big enough for two girls.

[Jitterbug]

I'm no expert, but I have always heard that guinea pigs should be given a little time to mourn before introducing a new friend, although getting her another friend pretty soon would be a very good idea. I have always given my piggies a couple weeks to a month to mourn before introducing a new friend.

It might also be a good idea to take Elvira to the vet to make sure she doesn't have any diseases she could pass on to the new pig. You could also have an autopsy for Brownie to find out the actual cause of death so you know it's nothing transmittable.

Again I'm not an expert, those are just the thoughts I had.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

I'm sorry.

Have you read Guinea Lynx :: Living Alone ?

You wouldn't need to get a new cage .. just clean it out so it is neutral and rearrange their cage items. Adopting from a rescue would not require quarantine.

[Pinster56]

Originally Posted by Amelioratione

In all the cases I've read, the guinea pig was being held away from the person's body. I'm not sure if this helps or not, but it's the only thing I could really think off as to why your poor piggy passed away.

Could you tell me more about how holding could have caused her death? Now that I think of it, I have seeen my daughter holding her away from her body. But I can't imagine that could KILL a guinea pig. She certainly didn't drop her or squeeze her in any way.

[Amelioratione]

Originally Posted by Pinster56

Could you tell me more about how holding could have caused her death? Now that I think of it, I have seeen my daughter holding her away from her body. But I can't imagine that could KILL a guinea pig. She certainly didn't drop her or squeeze her in any way.

Honestly, guinea pigs can get scared to death, sadly. I've heard of it happening before. When a guinea pig is held away from your body, it's very frightening to them. They're much more comfortable being closer to your body, it makes them feel safe and protected. It is always best to minimize the time in which the guinea pig is held away from your body.

[salana]

No, rabbits can get scared to death. I have not heard of any case of a guinea pig being scared to death.

[Amelioratione]

Originally Posted by salana

No, rabbits can get scared to death. I have not heard of any case of a guinea pig being scared to death.

really? I've read that guinea's can have heart attacks from being frightened. I'll have to research this more I think. On the plus side, I didn't know rabbits were capable of being scared to death. Thanks for the info.

[salana]

A pig with heart problems could have a heart attack from the physical side of being fearful, but I have never heard of a healthy pig dying of fright.