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Old boy

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Georgialane

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Hi everyone, I'm new here.

I have a elderly pig who is around 7. I've noticed recently he has lost a lot of weight. Isn't eating and drinking as much and also doesn't seem to have any energy anymore. I worry that taking him to the vet would stress him out to much and deep down know his time is close. How can I make him as comfortable and as happy as possible.
 
Hi, I am very sorry to hear that. I know you say a vet visit would stress him out but it could be something curable that could give you a little longer together?

But if you think his time really is coming to an end, keep him warm and comfortable and you’ll know when it’s his time

In the meantime, make plenty of memories x
 
Georgialane said:
Hi everyone, I'm new here.

I have a elderly pig who is around 7. I've noticed recently he has lost a lot of weight. Isn't eating and drinking as much and also doesn't seem to have any energy anymore. I worry that taking him to the vet would stress him out to much and deep down know his time is close. How can I make him as comfortable and as happy as possible.
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Hi

HUGS

I am very sorry. Please make sure that your boy is comfortable, warm but hot (and able to move away from any sort of heat if he wishes).

Speak to your vet clinic tomorrow if he is still around and see an out of hours vet if he is in any major discomfort. What we cannot tell you is whether your boy is ill/in pain with a curable issue or whether his body has started to close down.
Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs

Please also take the time to read this guide here. I doesn't make the easiest of reads but is very practical and talks you through the whole process step by step: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
 
Oh wow thank you for your replies everyone. I'm crying just reading these.

I worry that the stress of taking him to the vet will make him worse or cause the inevitable but I will definitely call them tomorrow.

I've checked his teeth and ruled out anything I can rule out myself (this is my third piggy) and he has been a lone pig for about 4 years now so I know it's nothing to do with him being alone (he has never been a sociable pig even when I did have others with him) I just feel in my gut it's his time and as much as i would love a million years with my boy I can't be selfish. I'll call the vet tomorrow and see what they say. I've attached a picture of my boy ♥️
 

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Georgialane said:
Oh wow thank you for your replies everyone. I'm crying just reading these.

I worry that the stress of taking him to the vet will make him worse or cause the inevitable but I will definitely call them tomorrow.

I've checked his teeth and ruled out anything I can rule out myself (this is my third piggy) and he has been a lone pig for about 4 years now so I know it's nothing to do with him being alone (he has never been a sociable pig even when I did have others with him) I just feel in my gut it's his time and as much as i would love a million years with my boy I can't be selfish. I'll call the vet tomorrow and see what they say. I've attached a picture of my boy ♥️
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Please take the time to read the dying guide in my first post; it deals with all the issues, like how to spot whether a piggy still has the will to live and when the line of no return has been crossed, what you can do throughout the whole process and when you need to see a vet etc. It will hopefully answer many questions along the way and help with having less doubts/feelings of guilt and a clearer mind if you are indeed dealing with a natural death.
 
Georgialane said:
So an update. I took my boy to the vets as advised. And he has now gone over the rainbow bridge. He had blockage and unfortunately his organs had started to shut down so we done the best thing for him. It was peaceful and thankfully very quick. Thank you all for your advice and help.
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BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry. Please be kind with yourself in the coming days. With your good care you have got your precious boy to a very good age - that is all you can ever do.

What you have never got any control about is when, in which way and under which circumstances the end comes. In the elderlies, it happens often very sudden and is quickly developing. Half the time I end up at the vets for emergency pts if it is one of the more painful or unpleasant things. The most precious (if heart-breaking) gift we can make our beloved ones is to cut short any suffering. You have done that and not failed him in any way.

Be kind with yourself as you go through the grieving process over the coming days and weeks. This guide link may help you with the more unexpected twists that grieving takes if you have never experienced it before or find that you get stuck on something. Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
I'm really sorry to hear that- I hope going to the vets with him gave you some peace of mind. Sometimes it's hard to do that final act of love, but you obviously cared about him very much.
Please look after yourself too. ❤
 
He was with me from the day I moved out of my parents house at 21. Through my biggest break up to finding my husband and getting married. Every house move (I've moved 4 times) literally every high and low my boy has been there... We are absolutely heart broken.
 
I think all of us understand your pain. Piggies are our rocks in hard times- a constant presence, and a reason to get up and start the day. Their little antics cheer us up when we're feeling down, and they don't judge us like humans do. The love we have for our piggies is unconditional. 🥰
I hope that one day, if/when you feel ready, you'll be able to open up your heart and home to more guinea pigs in need of a loving owner, and give them a wonderful life like you did for your boy.
 
Sending you my very best wishes at such a sad and difficult time. Our piggies leave a big hole in our hearts when they leave us.
 
Georgialane said:
So an update. I took my boy to the vets as advised. And he has now gone over the rainbow bridge. He had blockage and unfortunately his organs had started to shut down so we done the best thing for him. It was peaceful and thankfully very quick. Thank you all for your advice and help.
Click to expand...

I’m so sorry you have had to say goodbye to your boy. He had a wonderful life with you full of love. Take care. ❤️
 
I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to your little soul mat, sending big hugs :hug:He will have known just how much you both loved him
 
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