I Think Beans Is Coming To The End Of Her Time

[Beans&Toast]

I've been trying not to think about this for a while now but it's got to the point where I can't ignore it.

I'm absolutely devastated but I think she's a lot older than I thought she was, and coming to the end of her time..

In the past few months I've noticed a gradual difference in her as time goes on; she's been sleeping more and more, she's been gradually losing weight (even taking into consideration her spay) and in the last two weeks she's lost 70g.
She's gradually been getting bonnier to the point that tonight when I pet her it's like petting a bag of bones - despite the fact that she's still eating as usual.

She's very sleepy most of the time, although she does sill have her fighting attitude and she does do the occasional zoomies (much slower zoomies).

Her dew lap is quite large and saggy now and her nails are curly and thick.

Is there anything I can do to make things easier for her? Should I take her to the vet to get her checked? There's nothing wrong with her, she's just getting old... but is there anything they can do/give? I don't know.. It's horrible to see it happening and I'm heartbroken.

 

[Swissgreys]

So sorry to hear this, and I really am devastated for you.
You know that we are huge fans of your wonderful piggies here in Switzerland.

I am afraid I don't have anything useful to add, except that although it must be extremely difficult to watch, how wonderful to see a piggie age gracefully, and know she has every comfort and all her needs are met.
How beautiful that she can still do zoomies, yet also sleep as much as she needs.
What a blessing that she has good food, a huge cage, companionship, and continual love and attention.
I am sure this is absolutely no consolation to you at all, but Beans is a very lucky piggie to have come to live in such a wonderful home.

Huge hugs to you and your girls tonight.

 

[Beans&Toast]

So sorry to hear this, and I really am devastated for you.
You know that we are huge fans of your wonderful piggies here in Switzerland.

I am afraid I don't have anything useful to add, except that although it must be extremely difficult to watch, how wonderful to see a piggie age gracefully, and know she has every comfort and all her needs are met.
How beautiful that she can still do zoomies, yet also sleep as much as she needs.
What a blessing that she has good food, a huge cage, companionship, and continual love and attention.
I am sure this is absolutely no consolation to you at all, but Beans is a very lucky piggie to have come to live in such a wonderful home.

Huge hugs to you and your girls tonight.

Thank you that means a lot. I'm completely heartbroken. It's obviously something we know will happen one day but it's so different now when I can actually see her deteriorating in front of my eyes.

 

[Kiara]

Maybe just give her a little more treats and cuddles it sounds so sad but you have to have this sadness to have the good times.

 

[*kate*]

It's such a horrible thought that we will, obviously, lose them some day

My Tilly is about 5 and she too has a noticeable dewlap and has lost weight post spay. I weighed her yesterday and am pleased that she is currently maintaining at 1kg, even though she feel quite bony to me. She eats far more than Hettie yet Hettie is the porky one!

 

[Claire W]

As bless you.

I know exactly how you feel as I am going through the same thing with my Emma. Emma is at least 4.5 years old but can be anything up to age 6ish. Although she hasn't lost weight, she is starting to feel boney around her shoulders which is typical as piggies start to age. She also has cataracts.

Emma has always been my top sow and leader but she has recently stepped down allowing Ellen to run the roost whilst she spends the majority of her days sleeping.

However, I went through exactly the same thing with Eliza who enjoyed another 12 months of life until she left for the bridge at 6.5 years old after I first noticed she was showing signs of old age.

Just enjoy everyday you have with Beans and let her enjoy her retirement. That's what I'm doing with Emma.

 

[sport_billy]

Try not to think of it, them aging and getting poorly does make you understandably fearful of the future.
Enjoy all the time you spend with her. Life has taught me a lot the past year, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Enjoy the present and try not to worry about the future because all we really have for certain is the moment a second in front of us. You'll make it count because you love her x

You may have little beans for some time yet, piggies are fighters.... Cookie taught me this.

 

[Beans&Toast]

As bless you.

I know exactly how you feel as I am going through the same thing with my Emma. Emma is at least 4.5 years old but can be anything up to age 6ish. Although she hasn't lost weight, she is starting to feel boney around her shoulders which is typical as piggies start to age. She also has cataracts.

Emma has always been my top sow and leader but she has now stepped down allowing Ellen to run the roost whilst she spends the majority of her days sleeping.

However, I went through exactly the same thing with Eliza who enjoyed another 18 months of life until she left for the bridge at 6.5 years old after I first noticed she was showing signs of old age.

Just enjoy everyday you have with Beans and let her enjoy her retirement. That's what I'm doing with Emma.

It's such a sickening feeling isn't it. Beans has cataracts too and lately she keeps walking onto things..

Is there anything I could be doing to help her at all? And how do you know when it's time. I'm so worried that she'll be in pain? How do I know if she'll go peacefully in her sleep or if I'll need to help her along the way? I have so many questions about this I think I'll speak to my vet. I know there's nothing they can do about old age but I'm so worried I'll miss a sign or something.. if that makes sense?

 

[Wiebke]

I've been trying not to think about this for a while now but it's got to the point where I can't ignore it.

I'm absolutely devastated but I think she's a lot older than I thought she was, and coming to the end of her time..

In the past few months I've noticed a gradual difference in her as time goes on; she's been sleeping more and more, she's been gradually losing weight (even taking into consideration her spay) and in the last two weeks she's lost 70g.
She's gradually been getting bonnier to the point that tonight when I pet her it's like petting a bag of bones - despite the fact that she's still eating as usual.

She's very sleepy most of the time, although she does sill have her fighting attitude and she does do the occasional zoomies (much slower zoomies).

Her dew lap is quite large and saggy now and her nails are curly and thick.

Is there anything I can do to make things easier for her? Should I take her to the vet to get her checked? There's nothing wrong with her, she's just getting old... but is there anything they can do/give? I don't know.. It's horrible to see it happening and I'm heartbroken.

It is always very heart-breaking when you come to the realisation that an old piggy is becoming very frail and there is nothing you can really do to stop it. Enjoy every moment with her and enjoy her still enjoying her life and having a zest for it - it is up to you to make sure that it is not just a bitter time, but a sweet one, too! You can pack an amazing amount of love in a short space of time. Share the little joys of life, little special treats, pets and snuggles etc.

Make sure that she is warm and cosy - not by providing hot snuggle-safes, but by making sure that she has got warmth whenever she needs it and by not heating the snuggle-safes fully, but changing more often if that is possible.

See a vet if you feel that it would help you.

I have just been through it with my old lady Nerys, so I understand.

 

[helloitsbecca]

I'm so sorry!

 

[Beans&Toast]

Try not to think of it, them aging and getting poorly does make you understandably fearful of the future.
Enjoy all the time you spend with her. Life has taught me a lot the past year, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Enjoy the present and try not to worry about the future because all we really have for certain is the moment a second in front of us. You'll make it count because you love her x

You may have little beans for some time yet, piggies are fighters.... Cookie taught me this.

Thank you. You're right and I've been trying not to think of it for ages but the thought of it is making me sick.

They both already live a life of luxury but I'm really going to start pampering Beans now. She loves nothing more than to dive into a massive pile of hay so I'm going to do that for her everyday now.

She is a fighter and she's got such an attitude on her so I'm really hoping she'll still be around for a while yet.

 

[helloitsbecca]

Thank you. You're right and I've been trying not to think of it for ages but the thought of it is making me sick.

They both already live a life of luxury but I'm really going to start pampering Beans now. She loves nothing more than to dive into a massive pile of hay so I'm going to do that for her everyday now.

She is a fighter and she's got such an attitude on her so I'm really hoping she'll still be around for a while yet.

Wee Beans is lucky to have you

 

[Beans&Toast]

Wee Beans is lucky to have you

Thank you, I'm lucky to have her

 

[sport_billy]

It's such a sickening feeling isn't it. Beans has cataracts too and lately she keeps walking onto things..

Is there anything I could be doing to help her at all? And how do you know when it's time. I'm so worried that she'll be in pain? How do I know if she'll go peacefully in her sleep or if I'll need to help her along the way? I have so many questions about this I think I'll speak to my vet. I know there's nothing they can do about old age but I'm so worried I'll miss a sign or something.. if that makes sense?

Just make each day a good day. You'll know when it is time, it is hard to describe but believe me you always know.... Pain normally makes them stop eating and sit huffed up... Even with Cookie who had terminal cancer we kept her pain free with painkillers of two types until it was time.... We found her in distress and had to get her to the vets to help her on the way as nature can take a long time

You won't miss a sign, you have experience a good vet and a forum full of friends to help

 

[Claire W]

It's such a sickening feeling isn't it. Beans has cataracts too and lately she keeps walking onto things..

Is there anything I could be doing to help her at all? And how do you know when it's time. I'm so worried that she'll be in pain? How do I know if she'll go peacefully in her sleep or if I'll need to help her along the way? I have so many questions about this I think I'll speak to my vet. I know there's nothing they can do about old age but I'm so worried I'll miss a sign or something.. if that makes sense?

It really is

Unfortunately unless a guinea pig is showing serious signs of illness, there is no way to predict when their time will come.

On the morning that Eliza died, I new straight away there was something wrong as when I went in to feed them, she was facing the corner and didn't want her breakfast. She also kept wanting to lie down but couldn't get comfortable. It all happened so quickly and I just new her time was coming and she died at home surrounded by her friends within a couple of hours.

Please try not to worry. If Beans was in any pain, she would let you know and it doesn't sound like she's in pain to me.

I know it's hard but try not to think about it and enjoy her whilst you can. She could have a long time left with you yet despite showing signs of old age xx

 

[Beans&Toast]

Thanks everyone. I really am greatful for your help and advice.

This may sound ridiculous or over the top but my pigs really are like my best friends.
I have such severe anxiety that I don't really go out (apart from work) and find socialising stressful and difficult so I spent most of my free time with them and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've developed such a close bond with them both. Apart from being worried about Beans, I'm so worried for Toast. Although Toast is the boss (she's not really, Beans just let's her think she is) she follows Beans around like a shadow, she needs her a bit more than Beans needs her so I'm quite anxious for when Beans' time does come.. I know Toast will take it badly.

 

[Eriathwen]

Sorry to hear its always hard, theyre such character filled little foodbags, when they go it leaves such a hole. I still miss each and every one of our past piggies..

I totally get where youre coming from with the anxiety too, I rarely go out because of it, I'm here by myself most days but the piggies always want to talk or have a cuddle xD
Beans knows shes got it good with you, she will stay as long as she can, I'm sure. Just make sure you cram as many memories as possible in while you can and when the time comes, we'll all be here for you, as will toast.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Sorry to hear its always hard, theyre such character filled little foodbags, when they go it leaves such a hole. I still miss each and every one of our past piggies..

I totally get where youre coming from with the anxiety too, I rarely go out because of it, I'm here by myself most days but the piggies always want to talk or have a cuddle xD
Beans knows shes got it good with you, she will stay as long as she can, I'm sure. Just make sure you cram as many memories as possible in while you can and when the time comes, we'll all be here for you, as will toast.

Thank you so much that's lovely

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks everyone. I really am greatful for your help and advice.

This may sound ridiculous or over the top but my pigs really are like my best friends.
I have such severe anxiety that I don't really go out (apart from work) and find socialising stressful and difficult so I spent most of my free time with them and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've developed such a close bond with them both. Apart from being worried about Beans, I'm so worried for Toast. Although Toast is the boss (she's not really, Beans just let's her think she is) she follows Beans around like a shadow, she needs her a bit more than Beans needs her so I'm quite anxious for when Beans' time does come.. I know Toast will take it badly.

Please try to not focus just on the negatives and spoil what is in many ways a special and very precious time that is to be treasured. I am sure that you will look after Toast well; she is also aware that Bean is frail. Concentrate on all the little joys as much as you can, so you have as many wonderful memories to warm your heart on in years to come. it is so much easier to let go when you do not have regrets but know that you couldn't have done anything more for Beans and that she will rest in your heart and thoughts that way.

You cannot choose the time and the way a piggy is dying, but the one blessing when you know that you will have to say goodbye in the not far future is that you can share your love and leave nothing unsaid and undone. Don't underestimate the importance of this boon.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Please try to not focus just on the negatives and spoil what is in many ways a special and very precious time that is to be treasured. I am sure that you will look after Toast well; she is also aware that Bean is frail. Concentrate on all the little joys as much as you can, so you have as many wonderful memories to warm your heart on in years to come. it is so much easier to let go when you do not have regrets but know that you couldn't have done anything more for Beans and that she will rest in your heart and thoughts that way.

You cannot choose the time and the way a piggy is dying, but the one blessing when you know that you will have to say goodbye in the not far future is that you can share your love and leave nothing unsaid and undone. Don't underestimate the importance of this boon.

Thank you so much I really appreciate your kind words x

 

[VickiA]

Wise words there from @Wiebke.

I, like many others on here, know exactly what you are feeling. The realisation dawns in all of us at some point that our furries' time with us is limited. I remember it well with Mrs Fudge - the gradual development of bony shoulders in one who had looked like an over stuffed cushion all her life; the gradual hearing loss and reliance on movement to wake her up when she was dozing; the slowing down and dozing all the time.

We had a great last few months. I told her every day how much I loved her, and did all I could to make her comfortable and happy. She became less feisty towards the end and mellowed with us. When the time came I had no regrets at all about the life I had given her and she had enjoyed the best of care.

The same applies to your Beans. Make each day count. Show her the love you have always shown her and do not worry about the inevitable day you will have to say goodbye. Time with our piggies is short and precious. Just treasure your time together xx

 

[Beans&Toast]

Wise words there from @Wiebke.

I, like many others on here, know exactly what you are feeling. The realisation dawns in all of us at some point that our furries' time with us is limited. I remember it well with Mrs Fudge - the gradual development of bony shoulders in one who had looked like an over stuffed cushion all her life; the gradual hearing loss and reliance on movement to wake her up when she was dozing; the slowing down and dozing all the time.

We had a great last few months. I told her every day how much I loved her, and did all I could to make her comfortable and happy. She became less feisty towards the end and mellowed with us. When the time came I had no regrets at all about the life I had given her and she had enjoyed the best of care.

The same applies to your Beans. Make each day count. Show her the love you have always shown her and do not worry about the inevitable day you will have to say goodbye. Time with our piggies is short and precious. Just treasure your time together xx

Thank you. I knew you would all understand. I've had a lot of "but it's just a guinea pig" from people. She's not just a guinea pig, she's not just a pet she's a part of my family and she's the most loving, grumpy, beautiful soul I've came across and I'm going to spend every possible minute with her and make sure she knows how loved she is.

 

[Gem789]

Thanks everyone. I really am greatful for your help and advice.

This may sound ridiculous or over the top but my pigs really are like my best friends.
I have such severe anxiety that I don't really go out (apart from work) and find socialising stressful and difficult so I spent most of my free time with them and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've developed such a close bond with them both. Apart from being worried about Beans, I'm so worried for Toast. Although Toast is the boss (she's not really, Beans just let's her think she is) she follows Beans around like a shadow, she needs her a bit more than Beans needs her so I'm quite anxious for when Beans' time does come.. I know Toast will take it badly.

I also have anxiety and am on antidepressants which are also supposed to help with anxiety but they make little difference and I find it hard to go out and socialise so I know how you feel there.I get so attached to my piggies too and hate thinking of them getting older and not being here one day but as others have said cherish each day and give them a great life till their time comes like you are doing now xx

 

[TAN]

I am so sorry - I am going through this with Truffles at the moment - she and her dearly departed sister noodles were our first ever pigs - I posted on here a few months ago that I thought that Truffles would go soon - but she is still here - only today her coat seems in poor condition and her weight is stable at 840gs - which is no where near her prime of life weight which was over 1100gms - she too eats and sleeps and moves very little - perhaps ask your vet if you can give a little metacam daily just to ease any aches and pains - as she may have arthritis - as many pigs seem to develop it in their spine and knees (Bumble had it in his knees because it showed up on a CT scan ) Reg had it quite badly in his spine (we only found this out when he was x rayed for bladder stones ) and Truffles has it in her hip - (one of the reasons she was loosing weight - because she wasn't moving around so much to get to food ) - if Truffles lasts until 14th December she will be 7 - she is my daughters pig and my daughter comes home from university on 8th December - I m hoping my daughter gets to give her a final cuddle.

Your piggy is very lucky to have such a wonderful piggy mum xx

 

[Beans&Toast]

I am so sorry - I am going through this with Truffles at the moment - she and her dearly departed sister noodles were our first ever pigs - I posted on here a few months ago that I thought that Truffles would go soon - but she is still here - only today her coat seems in poor condition and her weight is stable at 840gs - which is no where near her prime of life weight which was over 1100gms - she too eats and sleeps and moves very little - perhaps ask your vet if you can give a little metacam daily just to ease any aches and pains - as she may have arthritis - as many pigs seem to develop it in their spine and knees (Bumble had it in his knees because it showed up on a CT scan ) Reg had it quite badly in his spine (we only found this out when he was x rayed for bladder stones ) and Truffles has it in her hip - (one of the reasons she was loosing weight - because she wasn't moving around so much to get to food ) - if Truffles lasts until 14th December she will be 7 - she is my daughters pig and my daughter comes home from university on 8th December - I m hoping my daughter gets to give her a final cuddle.

Your piggy is very lucky to have such a wonderful piggy mum xx

I'm sorry about your Truffles. It's so horrible being so helpless isn't it.
Beans was always around 1160g, never really changed from the apart from the past couple months it's been a gradual decline down to what she is now at 1020g.

I hope she makes it to her 7th Birthday, what a great age

 

[Poppy'sMum]

I'm going through the same thing with Ziggy my 5 1/2 year old & the last of my original trio I took her to the vet's on Friday & seems she is a heart pig, the only symptoms were recent changes in her breathing, no other symptoms at all She is now on heart meds but it could be just days before I lose her forever. Treasure each precious day & if you feel something is wrong but can't pinpoint it get her checked for heart etc x

 

[Beans&Toast]

I'm going through the same thing with Ziggy my 5 1/2 year old & the last of my original trio I took her to the vet's on Friday & seems she is a heart pig, the only symptoms were recent changes in her breathing, no other symptoms at all She is now on heart meds but it could be just days before I lose her forever. Treasure each precious day & if you feel something is wrong but can't pinpoint it get her checked for heart etc x

I'm so sorry that's horrible news. However long she's got left I hope she's as comfortable as possible, she'll know she's loved.

Beans has been seen quite a lot lately due to her spay and then pulling her stitches out so I'm confident there's nothing like that wrong with her. She has cataracts and she could very well have arthritis, but I don't think I'd be willing to put her through an x-ray to find out. She is otherwise healthy, just aging now. I'm going to take her and talk about what I can do to keep her comfortable, a dose of pain relief once a day maybe. X

 

[Beckybex]

I'm sooo sorry to read this. Sending u big hugs hunny x

 

[Poppy'sMum]

I wouldn't be nervous of the vet suggesting a small daily dose of Metacam for her if she has arthritis, my Petal was on 0.1 ml twice a day for almost 3 years with no problems. She had arthritis in her stifles/hocks. My vet did a conscious x ray on Ziggy on Friday, she has a large shadow in her chest which is either the heart very enlarged or a tumour growing so we are on 6 lots of meds to see if anything helps. She isn't a cuddly pig but it still hurts to see them deteriorate, you have my sympathy x

 

[Beans&Toast]

I'm sooo sorry to read this. Sending you big hugs hunny x

Thank you. We all know it's going to happen but it's so heartbreaking when it does. I'm going to make the most of however long I've got left with her x