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I think my piggy is dying

Two_Wheeks

Two_Wheeks

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Hi all.

Well, all was well yesterday. Today, Higgins was all hunched and old looking. He is still awake, and responsive, but is refusing food, water, and critical care. He looks old, his fur doesn't look right, if you know what I mean?
He was out yesterday for floor time and was Ok, his usual self. He ate his dinner (that he was keen for) and was chatty this morning. I've come back from work this afternoon and he's just gone downhill.
He's nearly 5. Not super old but not young either. My partner and I have sat with him tucked into jackets and on his hot pad since about 2.30pm. He's now in a little cage with Gibson. I don't know if I should be holding him or let him pass with Gibson?
The nearest cavy vet I trust is in Northampton, I'm in Oxford. I don't know if the drive would do him any good?
I am at a total loss as to know what to do for the best - any help or advice? Anything at all - shall I just cuddle him?
He doesn't seem in pain or discomfort.

Thanks xx
 
I’m so sorry to hear that.
Please do have him seen by a vet though. A local vet is fine in a an emergency situation and it could be something which can be treated
 
Thank you.
When I last saw the local vet they wanted to do dental surgery for spurs and overgrown teeth. It turned out to be food stuck between the back teeth. I have no faith in the local vet anymore and fear they would just say PTS. Would that maybe be kinder?
He's not interested in anything. Should I try syringing water again?
I'm at a total loss
 
Gibson said:
Thank you.
When I last saw the local vet they wanted to do dental surgery for spurs and overgrown teeth. It turned out to be food stuck between the back teeth. I have no faith in the local vet anymore and fear they would just say PTS. Would that maybe be kinder?
He's not interested in anything. Should I try syringing water again?
I'm at a total loss
Click to expand...

It’s impossible for us to say if that would be the outcome as we don’t know what is actually wrong.
is he able to swallow If you get food in his mouth? Syringing critical care would be a good thing to do if he will take it.
 
Piggies&buns said:
It’s impossible for us to say if that would be the outcome as we don’t know what is actually wrong.
is he able to swallow If you get food in his mouth? Syringing critical care would be a good thing to do if he will take it.
Click to expand...
Thanks, sorry, yes I know.
He won't take critical care, that's the first thing I did - he usually wolfs it down. Should I just try and get it into him (obviously not by force or too much) and see if he swallows it?
 
Thank you ❤
He's just taken (with lots of persuasion) 12ml of water and 4ml critical care.
I'm ever hopeful but he doesn't look good. Tried to get an appointment in Northampton tomorrow but Simon and Kim are both away..
 
I would really have him seen by a vet if at all possible.Your nearest cavy savvy vet is in Abbingdon

Ginny Greenwod
94 High Street
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 4AX
01235 814991
Welcome to Larkmead Veterinary Group | Larkmead Veterinary Group

If nothing else they could at least check he isn't in pain and give you peace of mind.
 
Thanks all. Yes, that's the vets I took them both to previously. I will call them, and see what they say. I just don't trust them after the last visit.. Nonetheless, he's booked in for 6.35pm today.

My next question.. If they say PTS, and you've already had a bad experience, what would you do? I don't want to make the wrong decision for him. I have to try and shelve my emotion here to do what's right, I know that!
 
Sorry, I realise I am probably coming across a little abrupt and short - I'm really not, I am so grateful to all of you for replying.

Please just keep your fingers crossed for Higgins, and thank you all again x
 
You’re really not, don’t worry. We all understand what a worrying time it is for you.

See what the vet says first. As long as he isnt immediately suffering then you can ask the vet to keep hold of him in the consult room, step back to your car and gather your thoughts before making any decisions if they do say PTS.

fingers crossed he can be helped
 
We are at the vet now. I have brought him to the one who treats our cat, rather than the other one.
he’s just been taken in. Because of COVID I can’t go in with him but they’ve promised not to do anything other than look him over, then they will speak with me before any treatment is decided on..
Poor little bean. His ‘brother’ Gibson is with him, too.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words x
 
Hope whatever the vet finds is treatable. Let us know. My thoughts are with you . My three girlies send healing wheaks to Higgins.
 
Thank you all, so much.
The vet checked his teeth, top all seem fine and his tongue was moving normally which she said would indicate bottom are fine, too. No obvious lumps or bumps, no bloating or signs of bladder stones. He stood quite tall so she thinks it may be arthritis of the spine. She’s given him an opioid pain killer by injection, and sent us home with emeprid, 0.3mls every 8-12 hours to keep his gut moving until he eats again. No pain killers/anti inflammatory yet as she said they would upset his tummy and might put him off food for longer.
He still won’t eat or drink and seems listless. He’s taken another 3ml water by syringe and I’ll stay up with him tonight.

highly recommend the vet. She used to keep piggies, has rabbits now.

please keep hoping for Higgins.. I’m not convinced he’ll make it through the night but he’s a strong little bean xx
 
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