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Please help! I think piggy is dying...

howdyhowdy

howdyhowdy

New Born Pup
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Hello,
I desperately would like advice with my Teddy pig, C (4.5 years old). My daughter brought him to me this afternoon, thinking he was squinting both eyes. It seems to me that he's actually having trouble keeping them open. His breathing seems shallow, and he is listing slightly to one side. He does, however, take a nibble of veg periodically, and he will rearrange himself.

I have tried to get him into a vet, but our regular vet can't see him today, nor can any of the others I've called. I don't think he'll be okay to wait until tomorrow. His last vet check was great, and he showed no signs of anything before this afternoon. No discharge from anywhere, no indications of difficulty breathing, healthy appetite, friendly and beeping for attention. I cuddled him for some time yesterday, and he was happy. Normal.

My husband wonders if he's had a stroke since it's been so sudden.

I have him sitting on my bed with his buddy and some veg for them to nibble on. Is it okay to have his friend with him? Is there anything else I can do to keep him comfortable? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm going to keep calling vets for him.
 

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Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear that your boy is not well. Can I ask if your boy is still eating hay/pellets and if he is still passing poops? Also, can he still walk?
 
howdyhowdy said:
Hello,
I desperately would like advice with my Teddy pig, C (4.5 years old). My daughter brought him to me this afternoon, thinking he was squinting both eyes. It seems to me that he's actually having trouble keeping them open. His breathing seems shallow, and he is listing slightly to one side. He does, however, take a nibble of veg periodically, and he will rearrange himself.

I have tried to get him into a vet, but our regular vet can't see him today, nor can any of the others I've called. I don't think he'll be okay to wait until tomorrow. His last vet check was great, and he showed no signs of anything before this afternoon. No discharge from anywhere, no indications of difficulty breathing, healthy appetite, friendly and beeping for attention. I cuddled him for some time yesterday, and he was happy. Normal.

My husband wonders if he's had a stroke since it's been so sudden.

I have him sitting on my bed with his buddy and some veg for them to nibble on. Is it okay to have his friend with him? Is there anything else I can do to keep him comfortable? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm going to keep calling vets for him.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome

I am so sorry that you cannot get to a vet straight away.

Please have his friend with him or put him back in the cage with his mate. Keep him warm but not hot and give him the option to move away from the source of heat if he feels uncomfortable. You can offer him a bit of mushed pellets or recovery care but only as much as he is willing to take and able to process; if you syringe, do not give more than 0.1-0.3 ml (i.e. very little) in case he is not able to swallow much in order to avoid it going up his nose down the wrong way. A little just warm (neither cold nor hot) water in the same amount can also be offered.
If he starts sliding to one side (which may happen after a stroke or a neurological event), then please prop him gently up with a soft rag so his head is at all times a little above his body and breathing is that bit easier. The rest you have to go along with as it plays out.

Take the time to read these two guide links below. They are both very how-to practical but also sensitive so you can do your best. They will talk you through crisis care at home (including how to improvise) if there is still hope and - if needed - the natural dying process at home in more detail than we could pack into a post; including how to spot that the body is going into failure before you can see a vet and what you can do/what to expect during that process.
The links also cover what you can do for any piggy companions throughout and after (immediate and for the longer term) and your own grieving process, including resources for families with children of various ages to help you find a good way as a family in case you need ideas and materials to work with.

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

My thoughts are with you but as it is getting rather late here in the UK, the information in the links will hopefully talk you through every possible scenario in a helpful way during your own evening and night.
 
sarahloo89 said:
Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear that your boy is not well. Can I ask if your boy is still eating hay/pellets and if he is still passing poops? Also, can he still walk?
Click to expand...
Hello,
I did not see him touch his hay or pellets. He was happy with his green pepper, though. He did drink a small amount of water. I'm going to watch his intake as his head bobs lightly when he tries to hold it up as usual, and I don't want that to interfere with his hydration. He can indeed walk some. He did poop and wet while sitting with me, so yes to both of those. Poops looked normal.
Thank you for responding.
 
howdyhowdy said:
Hello,
I did not see him touch his hay or pellets. He was happy with his green pepper, though. He did drink a small amount of water. I'm going to watch his intake as his head bobs lightly when he tries to hold it up as usual, and I don't want that to interfere with his hydration. He can indeed walk some. He did poop and wet while sitting with me, so yes to both of those. Poops looked normal.
Thank you for responding.
Click to expand...

Head bobbing can be a sign of potential heart failure.

But right now, the body is obviously still working so you are still at the stage of looking for bridging care support rather than end of life support.

Please be aware that this can at some point switch but you have to play these things as you go along; their are no forecasts or schedules, shortcuts or even predictable routes - every journey is individual and is a tiger you have to ride as best as you can wherever it takes you. It is a very draining and stressful rollercoaster experience but please also keep in mind that you can always pack a life time's worth of love into just a few precious moments.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and your poorly one!
 
I hope your piggy has had an ok night. Good luck at the vets. I really hope they can help your piggy. 🤞🏻
 
Aw, I’ve just seen your post now. I am so sorry you lost your little man. Sending big hugs and treasure your sweet memories x
 
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