Keeping her comfortable

[Queenjellybeany]

Hey guys!
I rescued an older pig last year and after a couple of vet appointments we’ve decided she is reaching end of life now (she’s 7, has lots of lumps that feel cancerous) so she’s just on pain relief every morning now.

She still runs up for food, is eating and drinking and pottering about and is a lot happier after I introduced her to two new baby guinea pigs late last year. However, there is a lump on her throat that has grown very quickly and is now becoming bald.

I don’t think she’s ready to be PTS although I wonder if it’s kinder to do it early rather than waiting until she suffers? It seems a shame tho when she’s still eating and seems happy to see me in the morning.

She has a large lump on her bum, one on her hip and a huge one in her throat. My vet also said her vision is deteriorating. I feel very sad for her I’m just wondering if there is anything else I can do other then feed her and give her love. Do I increase pain medication or give her anything else to help?

She is on meloxidyl 0.2 ml every morning. She enjoys it so has no issue taking it.

Lots of love
Ellie

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this.

You have to let her guide you - you will know when it is the right time, the vet can also guide you.
It doesn’t sound like now is quite the right time if she is still happy.

Making sure her pain relief is adequate is a main step - 0.2ml once a day (if that is cat version) is a very low dose but if she is happy with that at the moment on it then it is fine. Just know that there is leeway to increase the dosage quite considerably if needed.

Thread 'A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs'

Feb 20, 2020

1 Your mental health, sensitivities and work commitments
- Mental health and support resources
- Sensitivity aspects
- When work and other commitments clash
2 Life or death emergency – Can my piggy be saved?
- Contacting a vet clinic at all times and link to life and death emergencies list
- What to do if I cannot access vet care instantly?
- The need to save up for emergency vet access
3 Is my...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 6
• Forum: End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner

• 

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

BIG HUGS

The most anxious time for every loving owner with a terminally ill piggy is when you are coming towards or into the zone where there is no right or wrong, whichever way you decide; just a different individual weighing up of all the valid factors in play. You start questioning yourself because you want to get it absolutely right for your beloved one and you keep on questioning yourself constantly throughout all the inevitable little ups and downs in the run up.

Generally, if a piggy is still begging for/eating their food, is moving around and taking an interest in life, then they still have enough quality of life to want to go on. You will know in your heart when that is no longer the case.

It would be helpful if you read the very practical guide link above and thought about how you stand on the various aspects that play into your decision so it will be easier for you make it when the time is right for you - not with a less aching heart but with a clearer mind, which will help you with the inevitably soul-searching that comes for anybody who deeply cares in the wake of a loss.

My thoughts are with you.

 

[Merab]

Caring for a piggy at the end of life is emotionally draining.
When I’ve been in this situation I’ve ensured that my piggy was comfortable and pain free .
Syringe food was offered if needed but I mostly fed all the favourites.
In all bar one case mine slipped away peacefully at home.
Be guided by your girl and look after yourself.
Holding you in my heart

 

[Queenjellybeany]

Hi all!
Not much has changed, I’m going to start taking her out of the crate for feeding as she’s lost some weight and I wonder if it’s because my too younger ladies eat a lot faster than she does! She squeaks for food this morning so I give her extra food alone.
I wanted to show you the size of this lump on her she bit me today but held my finger in her mouth? Didn’t bleed or anything, not sure what it meant? it’s making me so sad she’s eating in the sunshine atm and is defo still interested and she’s walking around so I’m just going to go with the above advice and keep her happy and comfy. I just want her to be happy.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all!
Not much has changed, I’m going to start taking her out of the crate for feeding as she’s lost some weight and I wonder if it’s because my too younger ladies eat a lot faster than she does! She squeaks for food this morning so I give her extra food alone.
I wanted to show you the size of this lump on her she bit me today but held my finger in her mouth? Didn’t bleed or anything, not sure what it meant? it’s making me so sad she’s eating in the sunshine atm and is defo still interested and she’s walking around so I’m just going to go with the above advice and keep her happy and comfy. I just want her to be happy.

Ouch - that lump looks really big and may impact on her eating.

As to holding your finger - it could be either her mistaking it for a piece of food if it has the smell or a gesture of (milder) displeasure.

But glad that she is still around and enjoying the warm Spring sunshine.

 

[Queenjellybeany]

Feel quite sad tonight but thought I’d update. Cookies lumps have indeed caused a problem with her eating now, i noticed this morning she was only interested in soft foods (ie lettuce) so I followed the guide on here to mix warm water with her pellets and she’s had a much easier time eating! She’s eaten quite a lot so I hope that makes her more comfortable.

I just feel so sad and sorry for her tonight. It’s so hard. I feel like I’m not doing enough but I know she’s old and it’s life but I just feel extra sad tonight.

Sending love to all the piggy owners tonight x

 

[Queenjellybeany]

Woke up this morning to cookie having passed away.
Thank you all for your kindness and support, this group really is so important to the guinea pig community

 

[LucyP]

So sorry to hear this. You clearly gave her a very loving, safe and caring home and she was able to have a peaceful passing in familiar surroundings. And it’s lovely that she had two little friends to enhance her life. You could not have done any more for the lovely Cookie but it is always heartbreaking to lose them, even at a grand age like 7. Take care as you grieve and be proud of how much your great care enhanced her time with you.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry Cookie has left for the bridge. She passed away in her own home. Surrounded by your love. She had a wonderful life with you.

 

[Queenjellybeany]

So sorry to hear this. You clearly gave her a very loving, safe and caring home and she was able to have a peaceful passing in familiar surroundings. And it’s lovely that she had two little friends to enhance her life. You could not have done any more for the lovely Cookie but it is always heartbreaking to lose them, even at a grand age like 7. Take care as you grieve and be proud of how much your great care enhanced her time with you.

Thank you so much your kind words mean so much

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry for your loss