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Guinea pig dying?

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beccalovar

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi all, So a lot of you know about my guinea chuck

At around 6pm he was begging for peaflakes, his usual self. At 7 he got his emeprid. He seemed a bit odd, very quiet but I did wake him from a big nap so I assumed that's why.
Checked on him at 8, his face was cold and his feet. His brother is warm so I know their cage area isn't why they're cold.

I've had him wrapped in a blanket on me with a heat pad since then. I think he's dying. I don't think he's in pain. His face is still cold. He took some syringe water. Won't take veggies, I tried grapes which are his favourite. He took a little bit then spat it out. His eyes don't look right. Slanted and tired.

His lips seem a little blue tinged. I know this could be heart failure or the fact his face is cold. I think it's more that the cold is due to heart failure.

My question is, should I let him pass naturally or take him to a vet? He doesn't seem in pain or anything. Just tired. Very tired. Not much movement at all, I sat him down on the floor and he ran back to me and wouldn't move anymore. If I thought he was in pain he'd be straight at the vet. He's due his 2nd dose of Metacam in half an hour too.

Thanks for your caring replies through his lovely journey. I hope this isn't the end, but this is the worst I've seen him. He really seems like he's dying.
 
Coldness isn't a good sign - if I remember correctly it's a symptom of the body beginning to shut down. It was the first clue I had that OG Poggle was leaving.

More people should be waking up in the next few hours. In the meantime, this guide may help.

I hope it's something else and I've got it all wrong 🤞🏻 For me, facing that decision, I would be guided by how the pig seemed and how easy/stressful getting them to the vets was. It's tricky and I don't think there's a right answer.

All the best
 
((HUGS.)) It sounds like he may be. Some of my pigs have been seemingly fine all day, only to stop holding onto body heat and pass rather quickly. It's such a shock because it's out of nowhere, but at the same time I guess good for them, as they are fine right up until the very last few hours.

If he seems to be suffering or uncomfortable I would try to see a vet, if only to help him to pass more quickly if he seems uncomfortable. If he seems comfortable, I would just hold him and pat him and let him go on his own if that's what's happening. For what it's worth, so far most of my pigs have passed in our arms and have passed peacefully. It's emotionally so hard, but it made us feel better to be with them the whole time.

Thinking of you, and so sorry this is happening. ((HUGS)) to you and Chuck.
 
Thank you guys for your response. He passed away an hour ago in my arms and with his big brother. I'm numb right now but it really hurts. He's been sick since January, nearly died twice but fought so, so hard. I'm so glad I had that extra time, and I'm glad I chose to let him pass in my arms. I'm very sad
 
He went into a coma. Which I'm glad for because he did start making distressing sounds, I'm glad my mum was here because she kept reminding me he cant feel anything in a coma and a body does make those noises. He looked so peaceful and handsome.



i knew it was soon when I offered him more water and he coughed it up, as he couldn't swallow at all anymore.
I'm going to miss him so much. Saw his cheeky face every day for six years and now it's just gone.
 
I’m so sorry Chuck has passed. He would have felt your love for him and that will have been a comfort to him. Your mums right. Near the end he wouldn’t have felt any pain. Popcorn pain free over the bridge Chuck. Take care ❤️
 
beccalovar said:
Thank you guys for your response. He passed away an hour ago in my arms and with his big brother. I'm numb right now but it really hurts. He's been sick since January, nearly died twice but fought so, so hard. I'm so glad I had that extra time, and I'm glad I chose to let him pass in my arms. I'm very sad
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((HUGS.)) I'm so sorry for your loss. It's always so hard to lose them. I'm sure that he felt safe and comfortable in your arms the whole time, it's so hard on you but so peaceful and loving for him. Thinking of you.
 
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