Guinea Pigs/My Gp Bella

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Expert: Nicole Bury - 11/3/2009


Question
Thank you for answering my question. I woke up this morning and went and picked some grass for my piggy. She didn't come to the cage door like she always does, and so I lifted up her house. She had passed away in her sleep. I miss her so much and want to know if maybe the wait loss and hair loss were a sign of old age death? I feel so bad for not getting help sooner. She was eating and drinking fine, acting normal. Besides her losses, I noticed nothing else. Does this mean she died of old age and not a sickness? I appreciate the help!
-Mary Lee

Answer
Hello Mary Lee,
I am sorry for your loss. Heaven has obviously gotten another angel. I hope you feel better soon as I know just how difficult a loss of a GP can be, and the loss of there special love only us guinea pig lovers know.
It does not sound like an old age death. Old age deaths are usually long and horrifying to watch.  Perhaps she might have died of mites or a parasite. Weight loss and hair loss are very common and the problem is that they can lead to what seems like limitless diagnoses. I think that if you do some searching and look up a few possibilities, one will stick out to you. I know that as her owner and care giver, you will know.

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Nicole Bury

Expertise

I can answer every question anyone has! I am always willing to hit the books for other owners! I and my husband between me have 6 guinea pigs and one expecting, that we intend to keep 2 of. I can help with idle questions, everyday problems to serious health problems but I always suggest seeing a vet!

Experience

I have had 14 guinea pigs in my life with more to come. I have volunteered at the local shelter just to work with the small animals on a weekly basis and I have been to countless vets to soak up there advice, as well as looking in my 50 something books on guinea pigs. I know almost everything I can wrap my head around about guinea pigs! Sometimes my husband, who is an exotic bird vet/guinea pig fanatic helps me with the questions to!

Organizations
None. Unfortunately ;)

Education/Credentials
I have taken community courses for pet care, including small animals, but I have not been to school formal education (I am not a vet). Currently I am in the process of becoming a published author and I have my degree in creative writing. Someday I will have my masters. I teach local classes for advanced creative writing and literature for teens.

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