Two GPs dying within a short time.

Question
Hi Andy.

Unfortunately both our piggies died in the past 10 days.  They were separated males (because of fighting) who still had communication contact and could see each other.  Scratchy died last week.  He stopped eating, the vet couldn't find any obvious reason, but as he was getting on a bit (5) was a bit frail and had had breathing problems for a number of months (untreatable), coupled with the oppressively hot weather last week, we assumed it was just his time.

Then suddenly yesterday (8 days later) Morris stopped eating and died a few hours later in exactly the same way Scratchy had.  He'd seemed fine up to stopping eating and I honestly don't believe after over a week it was "bereavement".

As opposed to Scratchy, Morris was only 2 years old and healthy. Also the weather hasn't been all that hot this week.  

So I think something caused them both to go so quickly.  The only thing introduced prior to this happening was new straw a few days before.  We had taken him to the vets yesterday afternoon when he'd stopped eating and again no cause could be found.  His lips were blue and he had dribbled a little when he died.

Any ideas on what could have caused them both to die like this?

Additionally, both our cats have been under the weather on and off for 2-3 weeks although neither of them have been unwell enough to take to the vets but I'm wondering if this is linked?  The cats have always had contact with the piggies (and all got on very well).

Thanks for any ideas you can give.
Regards
Sue  

Answer
Hi Sue

Firstly I am sorry for your losses.

In honesty there are a lot of different things that could have caused both pigs to die so quickly, too numerous to mention. However, I dont think you should discount the possibility of morris being sad at scratchy's death.

It is unlikely that the cats illness could be linked although I dont know much about cats.

I am sorry I cant give any definate ideas. If you think of any other factors, please let me know and I will do my best to help.

andy