Elderly pig not feeling well.

[Ali-Ramsay08]

Hi there, am new to forums but am just so confused about my piggies situation and none of my family or friends seem to know how to advise.
My piggy Charlie is 6 years old and was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a URI . He was given Baytryl but didn’t seem to clean it and gave him diarrhoea. He has since had doxycycline which has cleared up his chest and has fibreplex for his bowels. He has very little appetite and has very few poos.

However the vet has since found a mass in his abdomen and believes it is causing him pain. He has meloxicam for the pain, however he is lying in the same position all day and is not himself. My vet said to think about his quality of life and to think about euthanising. We agreed to give him a few more days to see if he rally’s . I just don’t know what to do and when does holding on become cruel for him.

I have been I’ll myself with my mental health and he was a big support for me. I feel conflicted and am looking for any advice or opinions about how to decide what’s best for him.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there, am new to forums but am just so confused about my piggies situation and none of my family or friends seem to know how to advise.
My piggy Charlie is 6 years old and was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a URI . He was given Baytryl but didn’t seem to clean it and gave him diarrhoea. He has since had doxycycline which has cleared up his chest and has fibreplex for his bowels. He has very little appetite and has very few poos.

However the vet has since found a mass in his abdomen and believes it is causing him pain. He has meloxicam for the pain, however he is lying in the same position all day and is not himself. My vet said to think about his quality of life and to think about euthanising. We agreed to give him a few more days to see if he rally’s . I just don’t know what to do and when does holding on become cruel for him.

I have been I’ll myself with my mental health and he was a big support for me. I feel conflicted and am looking for any advice or opinions about how to decide what’s best for him.

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry; it sounds like Charlie is sadly coming to the end of his life - but only you as the owner can say when.
It is a very awkward time as you need to make a decision pretty quickly in view of the upcoming holidays when vet access won't be all that easy as the emergency vet services are usually pretty snowed under.

Please take the time to read this guide here, in which I am discussing all the questions that play into your decision in detail so you can hopefully do whatever you are doing not necessarily with a less bleeding heart but with a clearer mind.
Here is the link: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

HUGS

 

[dhill_cb7]

I’m so sorry to hear about your boy. The not eating is concerning. Sounds like his body might be beginning to shut down.

Other members will be along with more advice.

 

[WobblyPiggy]

Hi,

Unfortunately it is up to you as an owner, however you could ask your vet for advice on other options such as if there is a chance the mass could be removed...but it is a hard decision... if he is not himself it is difficult to witness and also him being elderly will affect different options. If you belive there is a chance that something else could be done so he can pull round then if you're willing then go for it but make sure to ask about different risks and potential survival rates...I know myself I have recently had to make that decision for a piggy it is possibly the worst decision I had to make but for my situation it was the right decision...

 

[Ali-Ramsay08]

Thank you for your advice. I have made an appointment for Charlie to be pts today. Overnight her has been jerking and squealing which I think is due to pain. He was very vocal when I picked him up to give him his pain killer and has not eat or pooed overnight. I can’t leave him in pain in the hope of a miracle recovery. He is a lovely big who has had a great 6 years and that’s how I should remember him.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your advice. I have made an appointment for Charlie to be pts today. Overnight her has been jerking and squealing which I think is due to pain. He was very vocal when I picked him up to give him his pain killer and has not eat or pooed overnight. I can’t leave him in pain in the hope of a miracle recovery. He is a lovely big who has had a great 6 years and that’s how I should remember him.

Thinking of you at this sad time. It is always so gutting, but especially so close to Christmas. Be kind with yourself over the coming days as you grieve and take time out to grieve if and whenever you need it. You are making absolutely the right decision and are doing absolutely the kindest thing for him.

If you have children, mark the passing in some way; perhaps with a light over the Christmas festivities to symbolise that he is in your thoughts but also to give you the freedom to enjoy the happy bits of the holiday as much as you are able to because he is there with you all and is not just the unspoken white elephant in the room. It's helped us as a family with the loss of my dad not long before Christmas some years ago; we always go and light a candle in a lantern on his grave on Christmas and on New Year's Eve before we celebrate.

Here is more help for what to do with Charlie's companion and to help you make sense of your own strong emotions, which are not necessarily what you expect over the coming days:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

BIG HUGS

 

[Two_Wheeks]

Charlie will know any decision you make for him will be made out of love. You have given him a great 6 years, and in return, he has been there for you and with you. He will always be with you in one way or another

 

[weepweeps]

You have made the right decision for Charlie. So hard for you though. He’s had an amazing life. 6 is a very good age. He is a very much loved piggy. Take care