2 old pigs with ovarian cysts

[MooMooChewie]

I have a 6.5 year old and a 5 year old guinea pig. They have both had bladder issues since I got them. They both have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts. The exotic vet I saw for surgery consultation in Feb 2020 said that he didn't think they would survive the anesthesia and advised against surgery. Then everything shut down with the pandemic. I'm honestly shocked and blessed that they are still here.
Now, the older one will not let me clip her nails (it was never an issue in the past) and she is having issues eating because of her teeth and is looking very old. And the younger one has another bladder infection and an open sore on her bottom as well as losing half of her fur.
We have another vet appointment this afternoon and I'm worried they will both have to be put to sleep.
I'm not sure what to do. Am I being selfish for wanting to keep them alive longer?

 

[Swissgreys]

You are not being selfish if you can offer them a good quality of life and keep them comfortable.

You know your own piggies best and if you feel that they aren't suffering and their issues may be treatable then you should make this clear to your vet.
Things like bladder infections can be treated, and for older piggies long term pain relief can buy them some time if they are struggling with things like arthritis.
It is important to have them seen and given a full check up so the vet can tell you honestly about their issues and treatments and prognosis.

Good luck at the vet - it is clear you are a very loving owner and I hope there are some good options for both of your girls.

 

[Wiebke]

I have a 6.5 year old and a 5 year old guinea pig. They have both had bladder issues since I got them. They both have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts. The exotic vet I saw for surgery consultation in Feb 2020 said that he didn't think they would survive the anesthesia and advised against surgery. Then everything shut down with the pandemic. I'm honestly shocked and blessed that they are still here.
Now, the older one will not let me clip her nails (it was never an issue in the past) and she is having issues eating because of her teeth and is looking very old. And the younger one has another bladder infection and an open sore on her bottom as well as losing half of her fur.
We have another vet appointment this afternoon and I'm worried they will both have to be put to sleep.
I'm not sure what to do. Am I being selfish for wanting to keep them alive longer?

Hi and welcome

We all wish to keep our piggies for as long as possible; there is nothing wrong with that as long as your pets' quality of life and welfare comes before before your own desires or fear of loss.

It very much depends on your vet's findings and on whether the problem is treatable or whether your piggy can be kept comfortable or not. Have you been support feeding your older lady and monitoring any weight loss in either sow?
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Weight - Monitoring and Management

All the best! It is a very anxious time when you have two very ill piggies.

 

[Merab]

Sorry for the situation you are in.
Holding you in my thoughts

 

[Fluffbabies]

It is not selfish for wanting to keep them for longer. As someone who is in the throes of grief right now having lost Leia a few months ago to a very short cancer fight and now Ginger just four days ago after a long cancer fight (they were diagnosed as end of life on the same day), I know we would do anything to have more time. It's because we love them so much! It's only natural and normal so I don't want you to feel bad for feeling that way. Unfortunately it could never be enough. Leia and Ginger were about 4-4.5. I'm so happy you've had 6.5 and 5 years with your piggies.

As the others said.. you know them better than anyone and clearly are a very loving piggy owner who will do the best for them. I wish you and your piggy babies all the best