death of guinea pig

Question
my guinea pig Einstein has just passed away. I placed him in his run with his companian and noticed he was acting out of sorts, bumping into the sides of his run and very lifeless. i got him out and was checking him over when my sweet Einstein died in my arms within seconds.I tried to massage his little heart but it was too late.
What i would like to know is could i have done anything to save him? He was a long haired pig and was only 2 yrs old, the guinea he lived with is now upset and im worried he might of had something contageous?
I have always had guineas but never had this sad ending. My last pig was 7 yrs old when he fell asleep.
Einstein loved his food and was alot bigger than the average pig, im so upset.


Answer
Hi Kerrie,

I'm very sorry to hear about Einstein :o( It's always hard to lose a pet, especially when it's before its time.

Guinea pigs hide their illnesses in the wild as a means of defence, as they are prey animals. So if he did have anything long-term, sadly, he probably hid it from you until it was too late. Please rest assured that there was nothing you could have done to save him, and be thankful that you got to have one last cuddle before he slipped away. From the sounds of it, Einstein had a fit or heart attack so take comfort that he would not have suffered for long.

Make sure you fully clean out the cage, in case Einstein did have anything contagious, and to remove his smell so it doesn't confuse your other piggy. If it was something contagious though, there would probably have been obvious symptoms and you would have noticed them in both guinea pigs. Make sure you get your remaining piggy out for lots of cuddles, and seriously consider getting a new young boar within the next month. Whilst nobody will ever replace Einstein, your other piggy will need a friend to grieve with and to share his life with.

Hope this helps at least a little, and if you have any other piggy questions, just ask.

Jenny.