How Do I Know When It's Time?

[UDFlyer]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting so sorry to start this off on a sad note. I have an 8 year old guinea pig named Piggy and she's recently started having some serious health issues. I noticed last week that she suddenly lost use of her back legs and shes also having issues with one of her front legs as well. It came out of nowhere, and I've taken her to two vets who said it may be vitamin issues but I have her on supplements and there's been no improvement. She's eating and drinking but only if the stuff is directly in front of her, as she can no longer walk.

How do I know if it's time to have her put to sleep? I don't want her to suffer and it's hard to tell how she's feeling since guinea pigs hide pain so well. But she can't walk at all and it's heartbreaking to see her like this. Any advice from anyone who's had to put an animal to sleep before would be appreciated.

 

[helen105281]

I'm so sorry, I had a very similar situation with my Ellie and no amount of supplements helped either and the vet suggested we PTS. I always say though that when a pig can't do all things piggy it is time to make a decision. It has taken me a good few years to come to terms with this though. I would say if she is unable to walk at all it will be affecting her quality of life. You can ask for her to have a whiff of gas first which makes them sleepy before they give the injection. Some vets even let you stay while this is done but it does depend on the vet.