mom to cujo said:
Well, Raisin passed away at the vets office this evening. I had made and appt. just to have him checked out for the usual and when I came home from work to get him he couldn't stand up and had a crusty nose. I got him to the vet right away, but he must have been really sick when I got him and I just didn't know it. The vet was going to try to nurse him back over the weekend to the tune of almost 500$ but I just wanted to save him. Anyway, she called an hour or so ago and told me he didn't make it. I am so sad but I won't get another. Cujo was so unhappy just knowing he was here. I just can't take the chance and expose Cujo to any illness. I just have to hope the germs didn't spread via the air. They were completely and totally separated, but now I will worry. What is the incubation period for URI's? Please, if anyone knows, please let me know.
Thanks.
Holy crap! You seem to have been completely blindsided. I am sorry. You did the right thing by attempting to save him. You had the little guy for only two days, so you didn't have too much information to go by. They are
masters at hiding illness, especially in an unfamiliar situation.
You also seem to have followed proper quarantine procedure, so unless the illness was bordetella (kennel cough) it is highly unlikely that Cujo will be affected at all. Are you having the little one necropsied? A necropsy will determine the cause of death and may be well worth it for the peace of mind. As always, keep a close eye on Cujo.
I couldn't help but notice that you acquired Cujo from a pet store. Did you also get Raisin from a pet store? Pet store pigs are VERY prone to illnesses since they're transported in small containers and are in close quarters to many other guinea pigs. Often, diseases run rampant in such "piggie mills" where the pet stores get their pigs from. I'd raise a fuss at the pet store and demand that they pay the vet bill for the heartbreak you've just endured. Whatever you do, do not accept a "replacement pig"!
For Cujo's sake, I hope you reconsider getting a buddy for him when you are ready. And do consider a reputable rescue this time. Rescues rehabilitate guinea pigs before they are adopted. Rescues often have volume discounts with comptetent vets in order to provide the medical care. Even though a rescue may be "out of the way", chances would be
very slim for a repeat of the heartbreak you just went through. And you'd have the satisfaction of helping an animal in need. The new adoptee would win, Cujo would win, since he'd have a buddy and you'd win because Cujo will be happier and yes, healthier.
