Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs

Re: Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs

Sarah Bolt — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:08:22 GMT

Thank you for all the input. I suspected PME would probably be the best way forward. Unfortunately when I researched into places to get a PME done, the closest lab was at least an hour away which was a further factor in the owner not going for it. Fingers crossed things will settle down but if there are any more deaths I will try again to get him to send it for PME.

Thanks very much for everyones help :-)

Re: Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs

Marie Kubiak — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:50:17 GMT

I third the PM recommendation! Much less stressful to dissect an already deceased GP than try and anaesthetise and work up several of unknown health and naturally suicidal tendencies.

The seizure activity is often a non-specific terminal GP symptom for many causes, and low grade resp disease is common in larger groups of GPs, especially as they age so both symptoms may be either significant factors in death or completely unrelated!

Marie

Re: Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs

Daniel Furey — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 18:17:36 GMT

[quote user="Sarah Jervis"]

I discussed PME with the owner but he declined and said he would prefer to spend the money on looking after the guinea pigs that are alive - i.e. blood tests etc. I suggested maybe a course of panacur wouldn't go amiss as I had it in mind E.cuniculi could affect guinea pigs and cause neurological signs etc.

[/quote]

I would suggest to him that a PM would be the best way to look after the surviving Guinea Pigs, as you would need an exact diagnosis to be in the best position to prevent it in the others, or at least predict the risk of it affecting them.

Re: Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs

james herriot lied — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 18:16:41 GMT

[quote user="Sarah Jervis"]

dry or management that I can identify.

I did look over the deceased guinea pig and couldn't fnd very much grossly abnormal from external exam. I discussed PME with the owner but he declined and said he would prefer to spend the money on looking after the guinea pigs that are alive - i.e. blood tests etc.

[/quote]

I suspect that the bods with greater guinea pig experience will be along shortly, but I'd make the point that often, the best way to protect the surviving cohorts IS to get a PM done. The answer is probably in there somewhere, although for small furries, I'm generally tempted to get them to a proper pathologist if funds allow. All the blood tests in the world will struggle to pick up management or nutrition problems.

In the meantime, my sympathies. My experiences with guinea pigs have often been disappointing, and it's only the fact that I'm properly allergic to them that saves me from further desperation.