Back Again with Dental Questions

[Kids0519]

This is going to be a sensitive topic so I apologize in advance. For those who have had dental piggies how did you decide to go through with the process or to PTS? We’ve been down this road with our previous pig and she survived the surgery but had complications post surgery and we had to PTS not long after. Our current pig already has ovarian cysts, that we were even wondering if it was worth putting her under to do surgery, considering her age(about 5), and now I’m very suspicious that she has dental issues. Last month I noticed she was having difficulty with the seed heads in her hay and would make the same faces eating them as our other pig did. That was only here and there and mostly with those pieces, and some bigger pieces of veggies, however at the time she was in the process of both her front teeth growing back, so figured that may be why as well. Her vet checked and said her molars looked good and she hasn’t made those faces really again at all but avoids the seed heads that I’ve noticed. Still eats hay pretty well, her veggies all that. I did notice her make the face when eating her veggies the other night. Looked in and saw one of her teeth had broken off again. This is an occurrence that happens often and I cannot figure out why. She either gets an oxbow C biscuit AND peppers daily or the liquid C and the biscuit. Her right eye also started looking watery and then pretty crusty. I figured maybe hay poke or pink eye, and started using some Vetericyn Eye Wash and that has helped. Today when giving her meds I checked to see how her tooth was growing back in and I’m pretty positive that her remaining top front tooth is slanted and that made me sad because I know that means her molars aren’t good. I also know it means that once they need molar trimming they usually need it continuously and I don’t think she could handle that, and I absolutely cannot afford it with it being 200/each time. I just don’t know if we should even attempt it the once, knowing her age and her problem with her cysts or just put her down. We are also going out of town the beginning of July for a memorial for my aunt that passed away and had planned on taking her with us but now I don’t know what to do. This has all just been awful . To me the right side of her face where her cheek is almost looks different from the outside but I don’t feel anything obvious. TIA.

 

[Kids0519]

On the side where she has the lighter colored fur is the side she had the watery eye, the slightly slanted front tooth, and her cheek area looks a bit off to me. Idk. Could he the angle but her fur and everything just looks way different altogether over there generally

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

Please have her eye checked for a potential injury (hay poke or something scratchy stuck under a lid if you see watering/transparent crusts continue; they are always a sign of an irritation/pain in the eye.
Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs
Guinea pig body quirks - What is normal and what not?

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you when to euthanize a piggy; that is always a decision only an owner can make. Financial considerations, especially when several expensive operations/treatments become necessary can be one of the several factors, including your piggy's welfare and zest of life, that you need weigh up against each other. Within certain limits there is no right or wrong where you draw the line for yourself and your piggy as long as you put your piggy's interests before your own fears or convenience.
You may find this guide here helpful, as it talks you through this field in more practical detail to help you make any decisions with a clearer mind and heart: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[Kids0519]

I did look through that manual earlier and she has an appt on Thursday. I made that for her yesterday. I guess I was asking what others would do more for my comfort and if they were in my situation, knowing all this, and also to vent. I’m thinking the eye and teeth thing may be connected

 

[Kids0519]

Hi

Please have her eye checked for a potential injury (hay poke or something scratchy stuck under a lid if you see watering/transparent crusts continue; they are always a sign of an irritation/pain in the eye.
Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs
Guinea pig body quirks - What is normal and what not?

Unfortunately, we cannot tell you when to euthanize a piggy; that is always a decision only an owner can make. Financial considerations, especially when several expensive operations/treatments become necessary can be one of the several factors, including your piggy's welfare and zest of life, that you need weigh up against each other. Within certain limits there is no right or wrong where you draw the line for yourself and your piggy as long as you put your piggy's interests before your own fears or convenience.
You may find this guide here helpful, as it talks you through this field in more practical detail to help you make any decisions with a clearer mind and heart: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

I guess I already know as well I’d let her go if I knew she wasn’t going to get better and such, I’d just not want to do it too early or make such rash decisions based on my previous experiences with my other dental pig we had to put down

 

[Wiebke]

I guess I already know as well I’d let her go if I knew she wasn’t going to get better and such, I’d just not want to do it too early or make such rash decisions based on my previous experiences with my other dental pig we had to put down

That is why I would recommend to please read the link in my previous post. You should really find it helpful.

It discusses exactly those issues in more detail and depth because most owners are confronted your kind of situation where they have to decide when to call it shots sooner or later but do not want to get it wrong. There is however often not a clear cut moment; and the closer you come to the time the more difficult it gets for you as a loving owner.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this. It’s so obvious you are a wonderful caring owner. This is such a difficult decision to make. I’d also be guided by your vet. They are used to helping owners make an informed decision at this time. If you make the decision with love at the heart of it, then it will be the right decision. Take care.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Don't rush your decision, she will guide you along with a chat with your vet, as @weepweeps has said they are used to helping people make a decision, although they can't make it for you unfortunately having a good chat with them might help you make a decision.

 

[Kids0519]

Don't rush your decision, she will guide you along with a chat with your vet, as @weepweeps has said they are used to helping people make a decision, although they can't make it for you unfortunately having a good chat with them might help you make a decision.

Thank you! She is still eating well and hasn’t lost any weight and maintains and gaining well so that’s good. I just saw her slanted front tooth so maybe it means something else but my heart dropped seeing it because it meant molar problems with my other piggie. We will see what our vet says and go from there. I believe it was your post I just read through about losing your own pig very recently and I’m so sorry to hear that

 

[Wheekallweek]

@Kids0519 yes I lost my poor little man Eric yesterday morning, thank you for your kind words
It's so hard when you lose a piggy and then another shows similar symptoms. But it doesn't always mean thing will end the same!
It sounds like your piggy still has a good quality of life... especially if she's still loving her food and maintaining her weight!
Hopefully her front teeth aren't related to the molars and she'll be fine.
My bunny has terrible dental disease and has had surgery many times to burr them, remove one, the works! But as time has gone on, she goes longer and longer between needing them done. It was originally around every 4 weeks. She hasn't had a major dental for several months now
Hopefully it will be the same with your piggy too, if her molars do need anything doing.
You are doing your best for her and you clearly love her dearly, just like me and Eric. No one can ask any more