• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

My baby is at the vet

DannyNiamh

DannyNiamh

New Born Pup
Joined
Dec 17, 2024
Messages
5
Reaction score
10
Points
70
Location
Wrexham, Wales
hi all i’m essentially writing this as a “please tell me what to do” situation because i don’t want to be selfish and force my boy to keep going if he doesn’t have it in him but i still see lots of life left.

he is nearly 8 and has had recurring bloat problems and he’s now down to 985g which is his lowest. he is currently at the vet having an ultrasound but the vet kept saying phases like “do you think he has a good quality of life?” and while o think he really does because some mornings he’ll wheek as if it’s his day job, play around in his cage and eat veg like a madman he still gets bloated towards the end of the day and he is on painkillers and I don’t want him to suffer.

i’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old and i am letting my love for him cloud my judgement. can someone please tell me what to do. i don’t think he’s ready to be with his brother over the rainbow bridge but i feel so incredibly selfish if ive got rose coloured glasses on.

i should hear back from the vets at 4pm but i cannot think straight.
 
Oh my goodness me - first thing, big hugs and I'm so sorry you are in this position. Sadly I'm not really able to give you any advice but having helped a few of my furry friends over the rainbow bridge in my time my feeling is when bad out ways good it's time to let them go, gently, kindly and with a familiar smell and sound. We are so fortunate that we can make their passing pain and stress free but it is the hardest decision in the world. You are in my thoughts and I am so very sorry I couldn't help you with your incredibly tough decision. You will be supported whatever path you take for your beautiful little piggy x
 
DannyNiamh said:
hi all i’m essentially writing this as a “please tell me what to do” situation because i don’t want to be selfish and force my boy to keep going if he doesn’t have it in him but i still see lots of life left.

he is nearly 8 and has had recurring bloat problems and he’s now down to 985g which is his lowest. he is currently at the vet having an ultrasound but the vet kept saying phases like “do you think he has a good quality of life?” and while o think he really does because some mornings he’ll wheek as if it’s his day job, play around in his cage and eat veg like a madman he still gets bloated towards the end of the day and he is on painkillers and I don’t want him to suffer.

i’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old and i am letting my love for him cloud my judgement. can someone please tell me what to do. i don’t think he’s ready to be with his brother over the rainbow bridge but i feel so incredibly selfish if ive got rose coloured glasses on.

i should hear back from the vets at 4pm but i cannot think straight.
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry; these decisions are never easy, especially if they are not clear cut. Unless your boy is very large (well over a kilo in his best times), this is not a bad weight and he has still enough zest for life to beg for food and exhibit natural behaviour part of the day.

However, if you look at it from the daily discomfort and pain level side (which is what your vet is of course seeing) then you can make an equally convincing case for the other side.

You may find these two links here helpful in working out what is in your own heart of hearts and then go with that. There is no right or wrong, whichever way you decide; just a different weighing of important factors in play. You are a very caring and loving piggy parent so you are not failing your boy in any way whichever side you find yourself on but you are of course rather in shock and very torn right now, and rightfully so.

A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs (See chapters about terminal care and euthanasia)

Operation or Terminal Care/Euthanasia? - Helpful Questions to Ask Ahead or in Hindsight (You may find the questions also helpful in working out where your own heart lies, which makes it easier for you to live with your decision)

I think that this is the quickest way you can come to an answer for your vet that is right for both your boy and you.

My thoughts are with you in this most upsetting situation.
 
Wiebke said:
BIG HUGS

I am very sorry; these decisions are never easy, especially if they are not clear cut. Unless your boy is very large (well over a kilo in his best times, this is not a bad weight and he has still enough zest for life to beg for food and exhibit natural behaviour.

However, if you look at it from the daily discomfort and pain level side (which is what your vet is of course seeing) then you can make an equally convincing case for the other side.

You may find these two links here helpful in working out what is in your own heart of hearts and then go with that. There is no right or wrong, whichever way you decide; just a different weighing of important factors in play. You are a very caring and loving piggy parent so you are not failing your boy in any way but you are of course rather in shock and very torn.

A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs (See chapters about terminal care and euthanasia)

Operation or Terminal Care/Euthanasia? - Helpful Questions to Ask Ahead or in Hindsight (You may find the questions also helpful in working out where your own heart lies, which makes it easier for you to live with your decision)

I think that this is the quickest way you can come to an answer for your vet that is right for both your boy and you.

My thoughts are with you in this most upsetting situation.
Click to expand...
This forum is so lucky to have you @Wiebke x
 
KK327 said:
This forum is so lucky to have you @Wiebke x
Click to expand...

Thank you.

You are welcome to discuss or question further but I would recommend that you read the links first because that can hopefully help to clear your head a bit and make you feel less overwhelmed when you know where you stand on the core points.

It will also help you make peace with yourself eventually again when your head and your heart come back together.
There is sadly no easy choice and not one clear answer. I can only help you try to ask the right questions for yourself and find the answer that is right for your piggy and you but I cannot take the burden off you, unfortunately.
 
So sorry that you are in such a difficult situation.
The outcome of the vet visit may answer your dilemma but given how much you love your boy you will know in your heart what to do.
Trust yourself.
Holding you in my heart ❤️
 
Tyler crossed the rainbow bridge today at 4:30pm.
Quite frankly i am inconsolable. i am just grateful he will no longer be in pain and he can see his brother again.

thank you for the kind messages I'm off to have a good cry because ive had to disassemble his cage because i keep thinking hes going to walk out of his hut. why do such small creatures leave such a big mark
 
DannyNiamh said:
Tyler crossed the rainbow bridge today at 4:30pm.
Quite frankly i am inconsolable. i am just grateful he will no longer be in pain and he can see his brother again.

thank you for the kind messages I'm off to have a good cry because ive had to disassemble his cage because i keep thinking hes going to walk out of his hut. why do such small creatures leave such a big mark
Click to expand...
Hey, sorry to hear this. Please be kind to yourself. It is awful to lose them and they make a huge impact on our lives. The pain will fade I promise, i know it doesn't feel like it but it does and the love you had for them will stay with you forever , but for now it is so raw, so be gentle and don't second guess yourself. At all points you put him and his wellbeing first.. Know that he was so loved and you loved him, you did all you could for him, sometimes we just cant save them, i too have lost piggies to bloat.
Massive hugs x
 
DannyNiamh said:
Tyler crossed the rainbow bridge today at 4:30pm.
Quite frankly i am inconsolable. i am just grateful he will no longer be in pain and he can see his brother again.

thank you for the kind messages I'm off to have a good cry because ive had to disassemble his cage because i keep thinking hes going to walk out of his hut. why do such small creatures leave such a big mark
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry about it. What a shock. Try to take consolation that Tyler was able to make his journey to the Rainbow Bridge when it was his time without you having to make the decision for him. In my own experience, when the end comes to very old and frail it usually happens rather quickly.

Give yourself time to not be OK after all the bad shocks arriving as a bunch without you having time to brace for any them or to even start to absorb them. It is going to take some time for you to work through it all and to getting used to Tyler no longer being there after all those years.

Try to be kind with yourself. You have not failed Tyler and he was clearly much loved and well cared for; his great age is speaking for that. It is of course never any easier to lose such a long time friend!

We are here for you in our new End of Life and Bereavement Support section where we provide ongoing community support. You are welcome to either have this thread moved across or to open a new thread in there. We all know and understand what you are going through and you are welcome to talk things out to help ease your distress from such a traumatic day and loss.
End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner

Please seek support if you find yourself stuck in one of the pernicious mind loops that can come with the onset of the grieving process or you feel overwhelmed and struggle to function or sleep for any length of time.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
I’m so very sorry. Boy Tyler lived to a very good age, truly a testament to your love and care.

Another bright star in the sky. Enjoy the Bridge, little chap 🌈
 
So very sorry that you lost Tyler.
His grand age is a tribute to your love and care.
Be gentle with yourself now and allow yourself time to grieve.
Holding you in my heart ♥️
 
DannyNiamh said:
Tyler crossed the rainbow bridge today at 4:30pm.
Quite frankly i am inconsolable. i am just grateful he will no longer be in pain and he can see his brother again.

thank you for the kind messages I'm off to have a good cry because ive had to disassemble his cage because i keep thinking hes going to walk out of his hut. why do such small creatures leave such a big mark
Click to expand...
Oh crikey - I'm so very sorry for your loss - and it is a big loss, and this forum understands your pain and sadness so much. Sending you a hug and love and as Merab said be gentle with yourself and allow yourself time to grieve x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top