Hey.. this hurts to make. I made a profile for him though because I need to find out what killed him. I had him in 2020 and I believe he was around three years old. He died the same year. He had a friend too. Now 5 years later it's time to find out what happened. He randomly experienced intense weight loss, spine visible and all but he ate enough. I tried feeding him extra veggies too. I thought it was going well but no improvements and he died. I was immature and neglectful back then sadly (I've changed now) so the cage was quite frequently filthy. Stinking the house up. And days without affection or veggies sometimes.. but always had pellets and hay and water. Shortly after his friend died for no reason. Maybe it was loneliness from a dead friend, or maybe the sickness spread. They never had clipped nails either. I regret past choices but I won't rest until I know what killed them. Please. I can't put the past behind me and fully rid myself of the guilt until I do that
I'm truly sorry to hear about your loss and the pain you're feeling. It's clear you care deeply about your guinea pigs, and it's completely understandable to seek closure. Guinea pigs are sensitive creatures, and several factors could have contributed to their decline.
The intense weight loss and visible spine you described might have been due to a few potential causes. One possibility is malnutrition or an imbalance in their diet, even if they were eating. Guinea pigs require a diet rich in vitamin C, as they cannot produce it themselves. A deficiency can lead to scurvy, which causes weight loss, weakness, and other health issues.
Another possibility is an underlying illness or infection. Respiratory infections, dental problems, or parasitic infections can cause weight loss and other symptoms. The unclean environment you mentioned could have contributed to stress and made them more susceptible to illness.
Stress from loneliness or the loss of a companion can also impact a guinea pig's health, potentially leading to a decline in appetite and overall well-being.
It's important to remember that you did your best with the knowledge you had at the time. You've shown growth and a willingness to learn, which is commendable. If you ever decide to have guinea pigs again, your past experiences will guide you in providing the best care possible.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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