Hello friends. I’ve been following this forum for quite some time now but never had the courage to post anything. I have always found this place to be incredibly resourceful for Guinea pig care and support. I adopted a pair of boars about 2 years ago- they were my first pet guinea pigs and I have been in love ever since adopting them.
About a day ago I lost one of them to GDV. It was very unexpected and really crushed me. I’m no stranger to loss, my father and sister died due to COVID, my close friend Jon was killed in a car accident last year, and I’ve had many different pets prior to my guinea pigs. But these things never prepare you for future losses.
I monitor my pigs very closely, and the day Bub died there were absolutely no signs of illness or discomfort until the very last minute. The GDV escalated very quickly and it was a matter of an hour before I realized something was wrong and we rushed him to the nearest MSPCA Angell medical center.
The staff and vet were incredibly kind and supportive. But as soon as the X-rays were taken it was very clear that the only option was to euthanize him. It was an awful image of gas built up and twisted/crushed organs. I couldn’t believe (and still can’t comprehend) how this happened. As I held him in my arms we discussed what to do with his remains, which was torture.
We were allowed lots of time in a private room to decide on what to do. I really didn’t think I could give him up- though I knew the humane thing to do was end his pain. He was very active and happy all day, eating and pooping plenty, zooming around and popcorning.
I was really caught off guard. Him and his brother have been an like emotional support animals to me. I thought we had more time together….he was only three. I know very well that pets never last as long as we want, but again I wasn’t prepared for this kind of blow. We considered the surgery, but the mortality rate is very high and it’s likely he wouldn’t have survived the trip to the hospital.
Him and his brother were a great source of comfort and joy especially during this time of tumultuous political turmoil. We had a safe haven together, and I really cherished every moment of it. They were going to be the ring bearers for my wedding this fall-certainly one of my worst or best ideas. The sense of loss is great and profound. I can’t bear to clean up his pen or throw away his chew toys.
Him and his brother lived separately as they had a falling out which resulted in an injury about a year ago. Since then, their pens were divided by plexiglass so they could see and smell each other so they didn’t get lonely. They have a huge setup (7x3 feet for each pig) on each floor of our house designed the same way so they could play in different spaces.
I wanted spoil them and give them the best quality of life I could provide. They are a species of animal that need all the help they can get, and if I could have my way I would adopt them by the dozens. Bubs brother Raz had to get surgery for bladder stones so I kept them on a very strict diet and kept a record of what I would feed them each day. We have a large enclosed yard and every day I would get fresh grass for them.
When the temperature was right, we’d take them outside to romp around. I really thrived in this responsibility and was utterly devoted to them. I thought that by being hyper-vigilant there would be no more problems…..but as we all know, guinea pigs and very fragile creatures.
I haven’t been able to overcome Bubs death, and sometimes I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt that I killed him. I haven’t been able to eat properly or sleep comfortably. I don’t have the stamina to work, do household chores or my exercise regiments.
I didn’t anticipate this would have affected me the way it has. I’m still a good parent to Raz, but since I got them as a pair I still feel Bubs absence strongly. My closets are filled with cardboard I use to make them mazes and tunnels….I have two of everything….now just empty reminders of my loss.
My routines of feeding and cleaning have obviously changed and it’s devastating. I can’t bear to clean up Bubs pellet poops…I miss him tremendously. While we are planning on adopting another boar, I feel like I can’t just replace him. There was only one Bub in this world, and he’s gone. It just hurts too much now. My husband is trying to help me as best he can, but he’s not as sensitive or invested as me…..more like Data from Star Trek (not as bad) which can be infuriating. Though I have a good support system of friends and family, and their intentions are well meaning, they regard it as a minimal loss….just a guinea pig, they die all the time…blah blah blah.
I feel great pressure to just “get over it”, and shame for being so emotional. And since I can’t, I feel worse. This is why I’ve decided to make a post, to reach out to people that understand and can provide some kind of closure. Any advice or story sharing would be much appreciated and helpful during this time of grief. I am grateful for this community of people. Thank you all for your time.
Coping with loss of guinea pig GRIEF
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Lynx
- Resist!!!
I am so sorry you lost your guinea pig. I can tell from reading your post, you treasured him greatly. I do not know if this page (which I believe mainly has some ideas for children but a few for adults) will be helpful but you might want to read it:
https://www.guinealynx.info/petloss.html
p.s. I was unable to read your post since there were no line breaks and it was one giant paragraph. I had to edit it and break it up into multiple posts so I could read it.
For other readers, GDV appears to be Gastric dilatation volvulus, aka bloat.
https://www.guinealynx.info/petloss.html
p.s. I was unable to read your post since there were no line breaks and it was one giant paragraph. I had to edit it and break it up into multiple posts so I could read it.
For other readers, GDV appears to be Gastric dilatation volvulus, aka bloat.
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ItsaZoo
- Supporter in 2026
I’m so sorry you lost your beloved guinea pig, especially after having so many losses during the last few years. It’s so difficult when they are younger, but no matter what age there is never enough time with them.
I have to say, it sounds like Bub had a really wonderful life with you. Lots of enrichment, fresh air and outside time, you really put a lot into caring for your pigs.
It’s understandable to feel like you don’t want to move forward and change anything with the cage. There is no rush, everyone takes a different amount of time. When it feels right, clean everything up, then rearrange so it’s a fresh new space.
You already know that another pig is not a replacement for Bub, just another lucky pig who needs a good home and the love you have to offer.
Take care of yourself.
I have to say, it sounds like Bub had a really wonderful life with you. Lots of enrichment, fresh air and outside time, you really put a lot into caring for your pigs.
It’s understandable to feel like you don’t want to move forward and change anything with the cage. There is no rush, everyone takes a different amount of time. When it feels right, clean everything up, then rearrange so it’s a fresh new space.
You already know that another pig is not a replacement for Bub, just another lucky pig who needs a good home and the love you have to offer.
Take care of yourself.
Firstly, I'm very sorry for your loss. I fully understand what you're going through. Perhaps better than a lot of people. I have a sizeable herd. I keep them because they helped me transition from 53 years of military life as a dependent and active duty, and continue to do so. Since December 2019, I've lost 11 guinea pigs. I have kept as many as a dozen at any given time. With the recent loss of Kahlua, I currently have 7. Some of them reached 6+ years of age and lived out their lives. It was just their time. Others died who didn't have to because of poor vet care or misdiagnosis. Some went quickly and unexpectedly as yours did. Believe me; guinea pig losses combined with family and friends losses, I totally get it.
Secondly, you don't just "get over it". Anyone who tells you to do that is giving you bad advice. You have to process your loss before you can move on, but you never fully get over it. I think it’s because they're so loveable and precious. You should do whatever you feel that you have to in order to deal with this loss. Nothing you do is too much if it helps you. Some guinea pig parents plant flowers, some set up memorials such as a bench, bricks or stones with their names on them for their lost piggies, others like me have them cremated and keep their remains in a little urn with their name engraved on it or on a name plate. I frame a picture and a short poem or haiku for mine. I call my shelves with the urns and pictures my guinea pig wall of fame. Here's what it looks like:
https://imgur.com/a/dHWSgnC#Vqg97Gt
Bottom line is do whatever you feel you need to.
Lastly, don't feel bad if you go right out and get another guinea pig. You're not "replacing" your lost pet. You're filling the void with a new friend. Also, don't feel bad if you don't ever get another one. Everyone is different and must do their own thing. Nobody here will judge you for your decision. Take care of yourself and your furry friend. If you need to vent, this is the place to do it. You're among people who know what you're going through with your guinea pigs.
Secondly, you don't just "get over it". Anyone who tells you to do that is giving you bad advice. You have to process your loss before you can move on, but you never fully get over it. I think it’s because they're so loveable and precious. You should do whatever you feel that you have to in order to deal with this loss. Nothing you do is too much if it helps you. Some guinea pig parents plant flowers, some set up memorials such as a bench, bricks or stones with their names on them for their lost piggies, others like me have them cremated and keep their remains in a little urn with their name engraved on it or on a name plate. I frame a picture and a short poem or haiku for mine. I call my shelves with the urns and pictures my guinea pig wall of fame. Here's what it looks like:
https://imgur.com/a/dHWSgnC#Vqg97Gt
Bottom line is do whatever you feel you need to.
Lastly, don't feel bad if you go right out and get another guinea pig. You're not "replacing" your lost pet. You're filling the void with a new friend. Also, don't feel bad if you don't ever get another one. Everyone is different and must do their own thing. Nobody here will judge you for your decision. Take care of yourself and your furry friend. If you need to vent, this is the place to do it. You're among people who know what you're going through with your guinea pigs.
I'm so sorry for your loss, it's clear how much Bub meant to you and how deeply loved and cared for he was. The bond you shared, the effort you put into their care, and the joy they brought you are something many of us here truly understand. Losing him so suddenly after everything else you’ve been through is heartbreaking. Your grief is valid, and there’s no timeline for healing. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re overreacting.
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