guinea pig suddenly dies- ear enlarged

Question
we have 4 guinea pigs who are wll taken care of. Last night one suddenly dies after her arms looked like they were shaken for a few seconds. She also had a swollen ear for a few weeks. The ear got better but than she suddenly died. MY 3 YAOUNG DAUGHTERS ARE HEART BROKEN. I am wondering if you have seen this before

Answer
Hi Chris, i'm sorry to hear about the loss of your guinea pig.  Sudden death is always a horrible shock.  It is difficult to say what may have happened to your guinea pig but when you said it looked like were legs her shaking, it sounds like she may fitted.  I am not a vet and therefore can not say what may cause a seizure however i do know that certain infestations/infections, like as can mange, can cause fitting.  Did you know why your guinea had a swollen ear?  It could have been due to an inner ear infection which may have affected a certain part of her brain, affecting the nervous system.
It really can be difficult guessing what takes the life of an animal as naturally guinea pigs hide illness well.  These are my thoughts though, as non technical as they are, i hope it still helps.  I also hope your girls are feeling a little better today and that they are finding it easier to console with their other guinea pigs.
Kind regards
Becky
www.cavycapers.com