Milos last hurrah

[Lydi.aimee]

Hi there

Sorry if this gets in the wrong place but I need some guidance. My seven year old guinea pig milo is currently on his last attempt to turn him around after a horrible Uri and heart problems we are doing all we can but the prognosis is not good and I want him to go with the dignity he deserves. I was told yesterday by the vet that I cannot be in the room when it happens. Not to be graphic but I know how the procedure is done and I have never heard not being in the room, unless for COVID but this was not mentioned. I just need to know if this is right as I want to be with him and I am distraught that I have been told I can’t be. Can someone please help me and reassure me? I will not let milo suffer because I can’t be with him but I didn’t think this would be an option and I’m shocked.

 

[Lydi.aimee]

I’m in the uk and West Midlands based though I should mention that as an additional info- sorry it wasn’t included in first post x

 

[Engel]

I'm so sorry to hear Milo isn't doing well. You're making the right decision, while hard, it's the last act of kindness you can do.

I've had a couple of animals pts, including rodents, and I've always been allowed in the room. Personally I'd ask them why as I've not heard of this either. There was a stage during the height of the pandemic where no one was allowed in but that's been lifted now. I believe it's less stressful for the animal having their owner there, unless the owner is in an incredibly emotional state, then it may be difficult.

I'm sure other members will respond in the morning but for now I'll leave this here as it may be useful:
Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

Again, I'm so sorry, I really am.

 

[weepweeps]

Poor Milo. You are making the very hard but very kind decision to help Milo over the rainbow bridge. It’s made with love at the heart of it. I’ve had two piggies pts and I wasn’t allowed to be with them. It was some health and safety issue with gas I believe. I’m sorry you can’t be with him. He knows you love him and he’s had an amazing life with you. Take care.

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry that you are having to make this decision - it’s the toughest decision we are called upon to make for our pets.
As I understand it, the reason why you cannot be present is due to the use of anaesthetic gas and the health and safety implications of this. The gas can only be administered in the vets operating theatres and not in the consultation room. The reason gas is used is to gently and kindly anaesthetise the piggy before the final injection is given. This is considered to be the most kind and least stressful method for the piggy. There are further details given in the linked guide. A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
Big hugs to you x

 

[Betsy]

It's the hardest decision to make to end the suffering of a pet and help them over the Rainbow Bridge. When I had Velvet pts I wasn't allowed to be with her. I was told it was because they give them some gas to help them fall asleep before they put in the injection that sends them off to the Rainbow Bridge. When I asked why they give them gas they said that they don't feel the needle go in and so all they know is falling asleep at it's much kinder that way. When Velvet came back she had been wrapped up in a towel and looked so peaceful.

 

[Lydi.aimee]

Hi everyone

Thank you for such lovely messages it’s so comforting to have support and kindness during such a stressful time milo has had such a wonderful life and so many memories for us to cherish. An update I rang the vets again and spoke to someone else at the practice and they’ve said that it must be a policy that that specific vet has, as another vet there would be happy for us to be in the room with him when the time comes. They actually apologised for such a stress not to go into too much detail. Thank you so much for your help. Love to you all and your piggies on earth and over the rainbow bridge

 

[metalhead]

When i had to have my boy PTS a couple of weeks ago i was told that if i am there in the room they are more aware because they only get the injection as the gas cannot be used first, which is better for them as they just fall asleep with the gas and then get the injection. I'm so sorry for what you are going through.

 

[Freela]

((HUGS)), I'm so sorry. I've had pets put to sleep in the past and was allowed to be there, but I know at least where I am right now, COVID protocols prohibit anyone from being in the vet office at all. You have to hand over your pet and they will call you while you wait in the parking lot. We had a situation recently where we thought we might have to euthanize our really elderly hamster and I was so upset about not being with her the whole time, but fortunately she was comfortable enough that we were able to bring her home on let her pass away naturally.

I'm sorry for what you're going through and I'm glad that a different vet has given you a different answer. I have found it really hard not being able to go in with my pets over the past 2 years, even for more routine stuff, and it would break my heart not to be there if one had to be put to sleep.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Sending you big hugs, it’s such a hard decision but it’s made out of love for your beautiful Milo. I could not be with my Ted when he was PTS. I think it’s because of health and safety issue. So sorry, but he will not suffer, he’ll have a peaceful, painless end x

 

[Lydi.aimee]

Milo crossed the rainbow bridge this afternoon in my arms at the vets he was very peaceful and showered with love now running free with Pippin his solemate and Coco his adopted son. Caspi his besotted companion groomed him and said his goodbyes when we got home, as did Binky his bestie.

 

[Engel]

Milo crossed the rainbow bridge this afternoon in my arms at the vets he was very peaceful and showered with love now running free with Pippin his solemate and Coco his adopted son. Caspi his besotted companion groomed him and said his goodbyes when we got home, as did Binky his bestie.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Popcorn free Milo

 

[metalhead]

I'm So sorry, its so hard. HUGS XX

 

[Claire W]

Aw I’m so sorry for your loss Having a beloved pet pts is the last act of kindness we can give them (((hugs))) Sleep tight Milo xx