dieing guinea pig

Question
hello, my guinea pig has been very sick for the last few days, it has gotten to a point were he's private parts are bleeding and he cant go to the toilet properly, he is very weak and cant move around much and is falling over so he cant get to he's food or water bowl, he is now the skinniest guinea pig iv seen! and you can feel all of he's bones, so iv been hand feeding him and watering him, but he just keeps on getting weaker and weaker. Its gotten to a point were i kinder want him to die because he looks like he is in so much pain but everyday when i come home from school he is laying on the ground half dead but still breathing!!! this isn't the first guinea pig this has happened to, i also had a girl one and she died around 2 weeks ago, in total iv had 5 guinea pigs this has happened to and i don't know why? can you please help me? my dad says that jack (the guinea pig) will be dead by tomorrow morning... is jack going to die or is there something that can be done?

thanks heaps  

Answer
Hi Tierah,

I'm afraid it sounds like your guinea pig is in a very bad way. It could well be a stomach or urine infection that is treatable, but as you say your piggy is getting weaker and weaker, it may be too late. I think the best thing to do will be to take him to a vet; they will be able to diagnose the problem, and if necessary, will put your guinea pig to sleep if he in a lot of pain. If it comes to this, please ask them to use gas, as injections are very painful for guinea pigs as they have such thick skin. Try to find a specialist small animal or exotic vet as they are experienced in treating guinea pigs and will be more likely to be able to save your pet.

It seems very strange that this has happened to so many of your guinea pigs. What bedding do you use, and what do you feed them?

Good luck with Jack; I hope he pulls through. If he doesn't, I am very sorry for your loss. It's always hard to lose a pet.

Jenny.