Unexplained Death

Question
My 3 month old Guinea Pig mysteriously died. I asked the farmer who I bought him from. There were no
visible sign that caused it. I had another uinea with him
The only unusual action was he was lethargic.

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Guinea pigs have a striking similarity to humans in their illnesses etc - hence their history as laboratory test subjects - so the first thing to think when a piggy falls ill or passes away, is of the equivalent situation in a human.

As such, your piggy probably suffered from a heart attack or stroke. Unfortunately, just like humans, some piggies are less fit than others, and some are genetically predisposed to fatal conditions. Please rest assured that it is unlikely you could have done anything to save him, and that he probably did not experience pain for long.

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's always hard to lose a pet, especially when it's unexpected. I lost one of my first piggies very suddenly with no symptoms, and it was very disheartening and confusing.

If you now have a lone piggy please consider finding a new cagemate for him ASAP. I know it will seem too soon for you, but your piggy's friend needs a piggy companion to grieve with and to live with for the rest of his life.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, just ask.

Best wishes,
Jenny.