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Advice? Blood.

I’m waiting for him to come round. They removed I think they said 120ml of gas and air from his stomach. Anyway, they said that because the other organs weren’t receiving as much blood, they could’ve started dying meaning that they’ll continue dying over the next few days and Peanut will die :( obviously they were still receiving some blood or else he’d already have died.
I just wish I had done something more sooner as he literally could die over the next few days because of this :( I was doing my best and he had appointments booked and we were weighing him often and syringe feeding him but I know I’ll blame myself if something happens to him.
 
I’m glad he’s been seen and is being sorted out. Hopefully that will be the turnaround point and he starts improving. Fingers crossed for you both.
 
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please ignore the laugh emoji reaction, silly phone. Hugs.
 
Thanks all. When we left the vets, it all seemed fairly positive. When I got in the car, I put him on my knee where he sat for a few minutes before deciding he’d prefer to go in the cage, bundled under some fleece. When we got home, we got him out of the carrier and he was floppy. It seemed to me his lungs were failing as he was laid there gasping for breath for about 25 minutes before he passed.
I’m so devastated. I’m thinking of everything i could’ve done differently but I was just doing what i thought was best at the time. But still there’s things I wish I could go back and change. To start with we’d thought bladder stone after Simon said his teeth were good so in our mind, we were waiting and syringe feeding until that could be sorted by Simon. It’s only today that we thought it was something else. I really thought he was going to live after the vet had seen him today. He didn’t deserve to die.
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I blame myself like crazy, couldn’t sleep and haven’t stopped crying. I just wish I would’ve taken him for an X-ray and blood test at a local exotic vet earlier in the week rather than waiting until the 3rd to see Simon for it. I just didn’t have the trust in the other vets to do an operation if it was necessary and I didn’t want him to die. But in reality, waiting to see Simon is what has cost him his life. I hate myself so much, I loved him to death :( I know hindsight is a wonderful thing but what’s hurting me so much is that his death might have been preventable if he’d had an X-ray on Monday

If his sides felt hollow then I’d have taken him ASAP for bloat, even the vet didn’t think it was something like that because his sides were squishy but then the X-ray showed his stomach was so full of air that the other organs were barely even visible they were so pushed out of the way :( it’s all so awful
 
Well to try and ease my mind, I’ve been doing research.
When Simon saw him on the 20th, Peanut was skinny as can be, we’d been syringe feeding him for a few days at that point so he’d put on a bit of weight but he was tiny still. At that point, he was loving his syringe food and water. Simon had a good feel of everything because of the unexplainable weight loss, there was nothing that could suggest anything was going on. His stomach felt fine, his bladder felt really good, teeth were decent enough.
The 24th, Peanut started eating hay again. But his tummy was slightly rounder, however all of Peanut’s weight has always gone straight to his tummy (why we didn’t realise anything was wrong when it was rounder as it didn’t feel like typical bloat and he’s always been a round boy). The 26th we’d realised he wasn’t eating anything again and this time he was rejecting his syringe food and syringe water. I’ve read that when they fight the syringe food to the extent Peanut was, it can be because their organs are already beginning to shut down, but I’m not sure if that’s what was going on.
I’ve been doing reading and I’m thinking Peanut May have a GI or gut infection or disease. It seems to me that what was happening inside his stomach was gastric dilation which is more often than not fatal. I think Peanut likely had something going on that was potentially untreatable that only a blood test would’ve revealed and the gastric dilation was a secondary condition aside from that. He was still producing normal poos as when we arrived at the vets yesterday, the carrier was full of them which meant his guts were still working well.
I’m trying to figure out what’s going on aside from the dilation so that I can forgive myself. I don’t think I’d want an autopsy done on him because I hate the thought of him being cut up like that. The vet I had seen on last Saturday (I wrote Friday on an earlier post but it was Saturday) also couldn’t feel anything strange going on with his stomach and his gut sounds weren’t concerning then either.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ll have anything else to add on this.
 
I think it’s easy to look back and think what you could or should have done. You will have to keep telling yourself that you did the best you could at the time, and what was right at the time. Sometimes whatever you do can’t change the course of events.

Please try not to overthink it and just take time to grieve him. You’ll have to work through your feelings and they will be like a rollercoaster. 💕
 
Siikibam said:
I think it’s easy to look back and think what you could or should have done. You will have to keep telling yourself that you did the best you could at the time, and what was right at the time. Sometimes whatever you do can’t change the course of events.

Please try not to overthink it and just take time to grieve him. You’ll have to work through your feelings and they will be like a rollercoaster. 💕
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I agree, I think it’s only natural we blame ourselves because they rely on us to help them. Everything I did, I thought was the right thing until he died now I wish I could change everything. I keep imagining his little body, cold outside and I feel like I failed him.
At the minute we’re not sure what to do with his cage mate Little. Little is an old boy who’s blind in both eyes and only had two incisors. Simon thought he may only have about six months left in him, but who knows he could go on for another year or two. He’s now outlived two of his cage mates. We’d only had Peanut about a year and three months but they thought he was either 3 or 4 at the rescue. Little was always the dominant one but as he got older, he isn’t as fussed at showing he’s in charge. He’s a real people-pig and loves a long cuddle. So I suppose I need to focus my energy on determining whether he’ll want a new companion or if he will be content with just me to keep him company. When we’ve discussed what we’d do, we always thought Peanut would outlive Little since he was younger and healthy. If it were Little who passed, we thought Peanut would do nicely with two girls. And if it were Peanut who passed, which we didn’t think would happen, then Little might like to stay on his own.
We’d just redone the entire cage yesterday too. We were going to do it at the start of the week but didn’t. But we got them all new correx, new fleece and some new blankets. Peanut only got experience it for half an hour before we took him to the vets but I bet he would’ve loved it, he loves new fleece on his little feet
 
Little Ones said:
I agree, I think it’s only natural we blame ourselves because they rely on us to help them. Everything I did, I thought was the right thing until he died now I wish I could change everything. I keep imagining his little body, cold outside and I feel like I failed him.
At the minute we’re not sure what to do with his cage mate Little. Little is an old boy who’s blind in both eyes and only had two incisors. Simon thought he may only have about six months left in him, but who knows he could go on for another year or two. He’s now outlived two of his cage mates. We’d only had Peanut about a year and three months but they thought he was either 3 or 4 at the rescue. Little was always the dominant one but as he got older, he isn’t as fussed at showing he’s in charge. He’s a real people-pig and loves a long cuddle. So I suppose I need to focus my energy on determining whether he’ll want a new companion or if he will be content with just me to keep him company. When we’ve discussed what we’d do, we always thought Peanut would outlive Little since he was younger and healthy. If it were Little who passed, we thought Peanut would do nicely with two girls. And if it were Peanut who passed, which we didn’t think would happen, then Little might like to stay on his own.
We’d just redone the entire cage yesterday too. We were going to do it at the start of the week but didn’t. But we got them all new correx, new fleece and some new blankets. Peanut only got experience it for half an hour before we took him to the vets but I bet he would’ve loved it, he loves new fleece on his little feet
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Everything you did was the right thing. I know words are useless so just work through it.

As for Little..it’s a tough one because he’s blind and fairly old. But you never know, he could have another 1-2 years in him. I don’t know if living alongside a pair of sows could work for him with his lack of sight... I’m so sorry you feel like you do ☹️
 
Siikibam said:
Everything you did was the right thing. I know words are useless so just work through it.

As for Little..it’s a tough one because he’s blind and fairly old. But you never know, he could have another 1-2 years in him. I don’t know if living alongside a pair of sows could work for him with his lack of sight... I’m so sorry you feel like you do ☹
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Thank you, I appreciate it :)
I agree, that was the plan for Peanut - I think Little is too old to have anaesthesia to be neutered. He’s not the oldest piggy in the world, only 6, but he’s been through a great deal in the way of surgeries. I would hate it if Little was by himself for two years, but if it’s only half a year and if he’s fine with it then it may be for the best. I would love to continue having guinea pigs but they’re such a financial strain and good vets are hard to find where I live - I also don’t drive so rely on getting a lift everywhere for them. I can’t tell how Little is doing though. We kept trying to show him the body, he didn’t groom it but rather he was scared by it. Yesterday he didn’t seem bothered but today I can’t tell. If he begins to show real signs of sadness then I’ll have to get in touch with cavy corner.
I really do appreciate all your words, I’m an absolute wreck today
 
I’m so sorry that you feel the way you do but please stop beating yourself up.

It’s hard to know what to do for the best for Little. Perhaps see how he goes over the next week or so and take it from there x
 
Maybe try and find an older boar, who would bond with Little. I find older boars really easy to bond and at one point I had a group of five boars (my bereaved boars group). They ranged in age from 3 - 7 years and were such great little friends.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Maybe try and find an older boar, who would bond with Little. I find older boars really easy to bond and at one point I had a group of five boars (my bereaved boars group). They ranged in age from 3 - 7 years and were such great little friends.
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Little bonded really quickly with Peanut last year when we got him so I think he’d bond easily but I definitely think a calmer pig like an old one would be best for his sight - or lack of. I know that another older boar would mean I’m more likely to lose them sooner though, which I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle emotionally as last year I lost Honey and then this year it was Peanut. I’m devastated Peanut was only with us just over a year, it feels like no time at all. I miss him a lot. Cavy Corner usually doesn’t have any single older boars (at least that’s what I was told last year), and even then Sue prefers not to show the bonding options so that people aren’t biased towards the pigs in regard to age and looks, as it’s ultimately the bereaved pigs decision - if that makes sense. I’ll have to give them a ring about it, as well as look for other rescues within maybe a 2 hour drive.

Today I’ve been considering bonding Little with a pig but disclosing to the rescue that when Little passes away, if he goes first (especially if it’s within the 6 month period), we may be in a position where we’d like to hand the other pig back to the rescue. But I’m just not sure, I feel like I’d hate to do that as you love them right from the get-go. I’d also love to carrying on having guinea pigs, but we’re so far away from any decent vet and I don’t drive. And also the 3 piggies I’ve had have taken a huge toll on me financially as well as emotionally. Of course, I’ll do whatever is best for Little though no matter what. He’s eating perfectly fine, and seems happy enough right now. He’s currently snuggled on a fleece that smells like Peanut. It’s hard to tell whether he’d want another friend or not. I suppose the main thing I’ll be looking for is a decrease in weight? And also if he becomes less active, sitting in his bed all the time?
I hope Priya is doing okay xx
 
Little Ones said:
Little bonded really quickly with Peanut last year when we got him so I think he’d bond easily but I definitely think a calmer pig like an old one would be best for his sight - or lack of. I know that another older boar would mean I’m more likely to lose them sooner though, which I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle emotionally as last year I lost Honey and then this year it was Peanut. I’m devastated Peanut was only with us just over a year, it feels like no time at all. I miss him a lot. Cavy Corner usually doesn’t have any single older boars (at least that’s what I was told last year), and even then Sue prefers not to show the bonding options so that people aren’t biased towards the pigs in regard to age and looks, as it’s ultimately the bereaved pigs decision - if that makes sense. I’ll have to give them a ring about it, as well as look for other rescues within maybe a 2 hour drive.

Today I’ve been considering bonding Little with a pig but disclosing to the rescue that when Little passes away, if he goes first (especially if it’s within the 6 month period), we may be in a position where we’d like to hand the other pig back to the rescue. But I’m just not sure, I feel like I’d hate to do that as you love them right from the get-go. I’d also love to carrying on having guinea pigs, but we’re so far away from any decent vet and I don’t drive. And also the 3 piggies I’ve had have taken a huge toll on me financially as well as emotionally. Of course, I’ll do whatever is best for Little though no matter what. He’s eating perfectly fine, and seems happy enough right now. He’s currently snuggled on a fleece that smells like Peanut. It’s hard to tell whether he’d want another friend or not. I suppose the main thing I’ll be looking for is a decrease in weight? And also if he becomes less active, sitting in his bed all the time?
I hope Priya is doing okay xx
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You may be able to find a rescue who will let you take a companion for Little, with the understanding that you would return him, if Little passed away. TEAS has previously offered that.

Priya's biopsy thankfully didn't show any cancer cells and it was in fact identified as necrotic tissue. Her bloods were normal and her chest x-ray was clear. She is booked in for surgery, on Thursday, to remove the mass. I haven't yet been able to speak to Simon about the results, but hoping to speak with him tomorrow xx
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
You may be able to find a rescue who will let you take a companion for Little, with the understanding that you would return him, if Little passed away. TEAS has previously offered that.

Priya's biopsy thankfully didn't show any cancer cells and it was in fact identified as necrotic tissue. Her bloods were normal and her chest x-ray was clear. She is booked in for surgery, on Thursday, to remove the mass. I haven't yet been able to speak to Simon about the results, but hoping to speak with him tomorrow xx
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We rang cavy corner earlier today but Sue was busy, we’ve been told to ring back in the evening to discuss everything such as fostering. I think Little definitely needs it, it doesn’t seem like he’s eating as much as he should be, but when we weigh him later on we’ll see how it matches up to yesterday. I don’t quite feel ready for another piggy just because Peanut’s death happened so fast and sort of out of nowhere. We knew he was unwell but nothing life threatening started happening until Friday and then obviously he ended up dying. It’s a lot to process. But I know that Little needs another friend, someone to encourage him to move and someone to talk to.

I’m so glad Priya is doing somewhat okay and it wasn’t a death sentence like cancer is. I have everything crossed that they’re able to remove the mass okay and that she makes a full recovery :) I bet you’ve been so so worried about her xx
 
Little Ones said:
We rang cavy corner earlier today but Sue was busy, we’ve been told to ring back in the evening to discuss everything such as fostering. I think Little definitely needs it, it doesn’t seem like he’s eating as much as he should be, but when we weigh him later on we’ll see how it matches up to yesterday. I don’t quite feel ready for another piggy just because Peanut’s death happened so fast and sort of out of nowhere. We knew he was unwell but nothing life threatening started happening until Friday and then obviously he ended up dying. It’s a lot to process. But I know that Little needs another friend, someone to encourage him to move and someone to talk to.

I’m so glad Priya is doing somewhat okay and it wasn’t a death sentence like cancer is. I have everything crossed that they’re able to remove the mass okay and that she makes a full recovery :) I bet you’ve been so so worried about her xx
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I've been worried sick, but Simon is an excellent surgeon and I fully trust him! I will just be so glad when Thursday is over!

I am sure Little will benefit from a new little friend to love xx
 
Thought I’d just give a final sort of update.
We’ve been in contact with the vet who said that it was gastric dilation that Peanut had which is almost always fatal to every animal regardless of species. They said that gastric/stomach dilation is sort of a silent killer as it gets really bad really quickly but is easily disguised as it simply looks like body weight until it is at its most severe. It was only on Friday when we put in the brand new cage liner that we noticed his stomach looked big and he was walking funny (Peanut was always very excited about new cage liners, even on his final day alive he mustered up enough energy to prance about on it). Maybe something could’ve been done sooner, who knows, but I can’t blame myself for missing an illness which kills purely because it is undetectable. We miss Peanut a lot over here, and we love him so much.

Little has a bonding session on Friday at Lancashire Guinea pig rescue. My only concern is that the guinea pigs he’s being bonded with won’t have had a quarantine period as they’re coming into the rescue either today or tomorrow. I believe there’s 3 coming in, around 2 years old. So he’ll be tried with them and see who he likes the best.

We have also been in contact with Avalon guinea pig rescue. They were closed yesterday but they were my first choice and they also told us today they have an old boar which is what we were after :yahoo: . The older boar is apparently very dominant whereas Little has always been the dominant pig but cooled off in the last year or two. Most of the time, Little and Peanut were at quite an even balance with each other when it came to who was in charge so who knows, it might go well! If not, they have other younger boars they can try him with. We’ve been waiting for a text back for a couple of hours in regard to what day we can get the bonding sorted. I’m hoping either today or tomorrow so that if all goes well we can cancel the bonding at Lancashire or if it doesn’t go well, we can still go to Lancashire to see if Little likes any of the pigs there. Anyway, hopefully Little will have a new friend by the end of the week!
 
So sorry you lost Peanut, you did everything you could have done for him and he will have known how much you loved and cared for him x
Fingers crossed that Little find a new companion very soon 🤞
 
Bill & Ted said:
So sorry you lost Peanut, you did everything you could have done for him and he will have known how much you loved and cared for him x
Fingers crossed that Little find a new companion very soon 🤞
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Thank you, it’s just hard isn’t it. They have such big personalities but their bodies are so fragile.

Hopefully! He’s been seeming quite lonely since Tuesday. He keeps sitting at the front of the cage looking up for me to get him out a lot which he’s never done except to ask for veg so I think it’s getting to him. He’s maintaining his weight which is the main thing though!
 
I’m so sorry for your loss. You really did do everything you could for him. Huge hugs. And I hope that your date will be successful.
 
Final update on this thread.
The Cat and rabbit clinic sent us a card in the post which we thought was lovely. We only told them of Peanut’s passing as we had to cancel his appointment. It was a really nice gesture and it meant a lot
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In other news, Little has found a new companion today :)
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