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Please help me make the right decision!

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Gill@London

Hi Friends,

As some of you may know from reading my previous posts Trixy has been sick for quit some time. He has mange, loose stools, very thin (500g) and overgrown teath.

About 2 and a half months ago I decided to get Trixy teach trimmed in a little operation. He came through it ok and was able to eat again but still never put on much wieght and the after care needed was alot as his recovery took a while. I did this in the hope it would help him as he was in pain and I noticed he started to eat again but he still very thin and now seems to be losing weight again. I've noticed his teath have grown quite quickly and are overgrowing again so i think he needs another trimming session. The vet advised me that it will be a frequent procedure every 3-4 months and I just dont know if I should keep putting Trixy through this. Even if I could find someone who could do it withought anasetic I think its too much to put him through when he already so thin and all the recovery to go through it and trying to build him up makes me think his quality of life is not good.

I'm taking him to see the vet tomorrow and I know they will tell me to carry on having his teath trimmed but I feel enough is enough. No-one would want to put something so fragile and small through this over and over again...I can understand peolpe do want too but I'm not sure if its right. Of course this is just my opinion. Other problems that go with this is that It costs me between £15-170 each time and I can not afford this. It would be unrealistic of me to think i can. I also work all day and sometimes do things on an evenings and Trixy would require alot more care which i feel I could only do if took time off work and I cant really do that. As you can see I feel so bad about all this and not sure what to do. I just spend most of the evening thinking about it and having a bit of a cry as he my little piglet and I dont want to do the wrong thing. But i look at hime and even though he seems quite happy enough I cant justify putting him through all these things for next year or two.

Please could you give me your advice on what the best thing to do. I think my mind is more or less made up that I will have him put to sleep tomorrow even if it breakes my heart..but i feel i need some advise as I feel really guilty about this.

Thank you so much. you have always been such great help.

sorry for the long post :...:...:...

Gill xx
 
I really do feel for you and I can understand your reasoning.
You and only you can make the right decision for you and your much loved pet, so if that is your decision, I would never judge you for it.

Personally, if it were my piggy, I would continue to have his teeth trimmed and treat him for the mange. The second is easy to treat for BUT having said that, my vet does dentals without anaesthetic and is nearby plus I only work part time so am at home a fair bit and can nurse my sick pigs.

Everyones situation is different and you are doing what you think is best so you have my support :)

Best of luck
 
I'm so sorry your having a tough time at the moment with Trixy, I had a similar problem with Gucci (sadly passed to rainbow bridge) She was 5 1/2 years old, had overgrown teeth, was losing weight, seemed very frail.. but she was happy enough with her friends that she lived with, she would take the CC no problems so she was always eager to eat and not shying away from it, I personally did not feel that she had a bad quality of life, she was very out going even with the problems she had, She had to be fed a few times throughout the day which she didnt mind she loved coming in and have everyone give her attention, luckily I still live at home so when I worked my mum would feed her for me, She passed away due to a stoke/heart attack I think.

I think its upto you, only you know in your heart if its time to let him go.. its a very hard decision to make.
 
Hi Gill,

I am sorry that you are having such a hard time with Trixi.
As you mentioned it is possible to have this dental work without anaesthetic if you can find the right vet. It is the anaesthetic which is dangerous not the actual dental work.
Where about do you live? Someone on here should be able to recommend a vet.
Don't give up on him yet, there are people here who have piggies who need regular dental work. I am sure someone can offer advice.

xx
 
I wanted to write something nice and supportive to help you in the right direction, but this is such a difficult subject. I really feel for you and I have been in situations before where I have had to make this descision. I went with the putting to sleep option when I felt that their quality of life is not something I would want if I was that animal. I wouldn't let the money and work thing effect your descision (obviously it has to, to some extent), but I personally feel it comes down to quality of life and discomfort, AND there is no right and wrong answer.

I am sure we will all support you whatever descision you make. Good luck
 
Thank you all so much for the kind words and for all the support. I just feel horrible with all this and wish that I was good at making decision. I feel so guilty and its making me feel arwful.

I appreciate you not judging me as its hard to explain your own personal reasons and also your own personal situations. So i can inderstand that many of you may be able to afford the ongoing operations and also have more time to give the care needed. I struggled alot with the first one with the price and anything cheaper is too far away.

Its not only about that. I have to think of my piglet too. Does he really want to be put through this time and time again. I just feel its alot to put such a small animal and all the worry, price, time, pain, discomfort is it worth it? for him.....will he have a better quality of life..maybe for a month or 6 weeks each time in between the growing of the teath.

I am sitting at work and I just feel horrible with all this. xx
 
Laure said:
Hi Gill,

I am sorry that you are having such a hard time with Trixi.
As you mentioned it is possible to have this dental work without anaesthetic if you can find the right vet. It is the anaesthetic which is dangerous not the actual dental work.
Where about do you live? Someone on here should be able to recommend a vet.
Don't give up on him yet, there are people here who have piggies who need regular dental work. I am sure someone can offer advice.

xx
Click to expand...

I agree, if he could go on with the regular dental work (and many do) then I think it's right to give him a chance. He's by no means an old piggy so if he wants to fight then I would let him go on.

Could you find a different vet? £170 sounds absolutely extortionate, even for dental work under anaesthetic. My vet didn't even charge me half that for major surgery and aftercare for one of my piggies. The mange (mites) should cost very little to treat but remember the longer it's left, the harder it will be to treat (and the more pain he'll be in).

An alternative is to find someone (perhaps someone on here) or a rescue who would be willing to take him on, troubles and all. It doesn't matter that he's a small animal - he should have as much of a chance as a dog or cat would if they were in a similar situation.
 
Hi Gill,

Good luck with whatever you decide. Having young pigs I haven't been through this yet.

Sending hugs,

Louise
x
 
Hi Gill,

Whereabouts are you in London? I am in London to and could help you finding another vet etc...
Unfortunately I cannot take another piggy on a permanent basis but I do work from home and may be able to help with care while he is ill etc...
Let me know.

Laure
 
I would personally not put your piggie to sleep if the main problem is dental work. The procedure for cutting piggie's teeth is not painful, just a bit awkward. The anesthetic is the most dangerous to a piggie's life. I would try and find a different vet or possibly an animal shelter or rescue that may be able to do it at a cheaper price. If you can only stay with this vet then ask if you could pay in installments. I know how difficult it can be to make the right decision. I know that MaryH's vet is very helpful and knowledgable when it comes to piggie's treatment and care. Do you think your vet would be willing to talk to MaryH's vet regarding the dental work without anesthetic? We are all thinking of you and Trixie and please let us know what you decide. We will not judge you in any way and will support you.
 
Hi Gill,
All I can say is that I really do sympathise with you as you are in a bad position. Personally, if it were me I would give him a chance. Then again, saying that, my circumstances are different to yours and you have your reasons. I had my rabbit put to sleep 2 years ago as it got to the point where he lost so much weight and had a lot of health problems. It got to the point where he could hardly move and wasn't eating much et He was 9 years old and had had a good life. Good luck with whatever you decide and you will not be judged in anyway. You and only you know what is best for you and your piggy. x
 
Its a difficult one!
you know what the little chaps been through
But what ever you decide no one here will think of you as cruel
You must choose what you think right and you have all my suppport and respect
:rose
 
Ditto to above post by roninnorfolk, It's a nightmare decision that only you can make
 
Thank you all so much your support has meant a lot to me at this time. I coudl hardly sleep last night as this is playing on my mind and would like to make a decsion within the next few days as I leave to go on holiday next week and i need to know whats best to do. I think looking at him. he is so frial...and also got ongoing problems as well as his teath. Even though he seems happy enough i dont knwo what kind of discomfort he is having..he certainly cant be pain free with all this. I have booked an appointment for tonight as I have more or less decided that putting him through ongoing treatment with his teath is not fair on him, given he losing so much weight and of course has already been through alot.

But I'm find it hard to do this..i dont want to lose my little piggie as he much loved and sinc eI was at university (I'm now 25) he been a great little friend. I'm not the best with this sort of decision as I'm quite emotional about it all and i should try to think of things logically given that i really can not afford this and also that it would be putting him through constant distress for the next few months as his teath will need to be trimmed every few months. what do i do?

Can anyone tell me a rodentologist or vet that is in london that does not put the animals to sleep whilst trimming the teath as i know this is still another options to explore. I could make a few phones call..so if yo could please advice me of any id really appreciate that! I cant seem to find any in london on line..just normal vets that put them to sleep as they feel its the best option.

I eagerly await your replies...as I'm very confused.

P.s I have also got to number for Vedra from the Cambride Cavy Trust..but she is too far from me and is a few hours outside of london by train/bus and thats just one way. but i have left a message for her to ask her advice.

Thank you in advance everyone..please let me know what you think?

gill xx
 
Firstly, I am so sorry for what you're both going through. Secondly, I agree that letting Trixie be put to sleep is the best option before the little cutie has to go through too much. Piggies don't show they're unwell untill thery're beyond hope. I support whatever you decide though.

My thoughts are with you both xxxxxxxxxx
 
Gill,

Whereabouts in London are you? I am in London too and willing to help with anything I can.

xx
 
stargrrlclaire said:
Firstly, I am so sorry for what you're both going through. Secondly, I agree that letting Trixie be put to sleep is the best option before the little cutie has to go through too much. Piggies don't show they're unwell untill thery're beyond hope. I support whatever you decide though.

My thoughts are with you both xxxxxxxxxx
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STARGRRLCLAIRE-Thanks so much for this. I'm sitting here at my desk wondering weather to go ahead with putting him down tonight as planned at ther 6.30 appointment. So many peolpe here have been so helpful but i think they all think i should continue to get this teath trimmed every 2-3 months and i think...maybe he too thin now at 500g to keep having that doen. I considered finding one without having to put him to sleep but it would still mean discomfort for trixy as either way it would mean he have to have a procedure done every few months and then have a hard recovery and be weak afterwards.
 
I know it's sooo hard, but as you said, it's all about your piggy's quality of life. You sound like a fantastic owner. Go with your gut instinct. cxxx
 
stargrrlclaire said:
I know it's sooo hard, but as you said, it's all about your piggy's quality of life. You sound like a fantastic owner. Go with your gut instinct. cxxx
Click to expand...


Hi C!

thanks for the reply. I'm 25 living in london not having much money for these operations and of course the time for the recovery is very demanding and even if i could find someone who would kindly help me, its not fair to put someone onto someone and also is it worth putting him through some discomfort while he recovers when surley having your teath trimmed must cauuse discomfor for a few weeks after and being so thin he probably woudl find this hard. He got such running poos too..and to be honest he just seems like he uncomfortable. When i look at him..he seems quite cherpy..and is not bouncing from the walls but seems happy enough which is why it makes me worry what to do..but at the same time i know he need this ongoing trimming every 2/3 months so he bound to have more discomfort in the future whereas if i put him down now he would not have any of that. Hope this makes sense..sorry to babble..i wish i wasnt such a big softie.I'm strugging to make this decision and my appointment tonight. I think if i cancel the appointment ill just prolonge making the decision and i think my head hurting enough.

is it wrong of me to feel a bit selfish that it going to cost alot over the next 6 months if i carry on with all this treatment, consultation, trimming, creams, pain relief if he needs it....? If i had all the money in the world maybe id do it..but then again ive spoke to peolpe who said even if they had loads of money..why would anymone want to make his have all this contined treament. Better to put him down now before he gets any more discomfort. Would appreciate any further guidence...

your a big help! xx
 
I don't think it's selfish at all to think about the cost, I mean, if you're going to have to pay a lot for his treatment, where's the money going to have to come from? His food budget? It's taking food out of someone's mouth I would guess!

I wouldn't want one of my girls going through this yearly, let along every 3 to 4 months. Think about how you feel when you cut your nails really short from them being long, it's uncomfortable, now think about using those freshly cut nails to pick up tiny bits... How must Trixie feel trying to eat after this proceedure? Which would leed to non eating, which possibly shrinks the stomach due to it being used to being empty then it's hard for piggie to eat. I don't know, maybe I'm confusing you further. x
 
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HI Gill,
I think the fact you are worrying so much what to do shows how much you care about your little fella. You say he is happy enough, why not have his teeth trimmed one more time and see how he gets on? He might start to put on a bit of weight - have you tried changing his diet to see if it helps with his poops and his weight? Does he like Timothy hay and can you get hold of grass? I know what you mean about living in London, I used to, and it is a nightmare getting to a vet but if you could find a better vet, it wouldn't cost so much. I took my hamster to City Vets on Mile End Rd but they were rubbish.

Good luck with whatever you decide, I would try all the options first before putting him to sleep.

katie x
 
I'm sorry that your in this situation it must be really hard for you.
Only you know your piggy and how he is feeling and as you've already noticed you wont get judged on your decision.
sending love to you and your piggy xxxxxxxx
 
trixy's teeth

daftscotslass said:
An alternative is to find someone (perhaps someone on here) or a rescue who would be willing to take him on, troubles and all. It doesn't matter that he's a small animal - he should have as much of a chance as a dog or cat would if they were in a similar situation.
Click to expand...
would you consider giving him up to a rescue to get the care he needs like daftscotslass suggested?
but as others have said only you know what is best for trixy, pick trixy up, look into his eyes and search your heart and hopefully the answer will come to you. sending you both hugs :rose:rose:rose and hoping god guides you in your decision.xx>>>xx>>>
 
I cant begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of your support. It has been a great comfort to me as I’m such a big softie for this sort of thing. I’ve never been in this situation before and I just feel exhausted with worry about it all and wondering what is the best thing for both of us. I hate feeling a bit selfish but I do need to consider both me and him. For example I could only afford to keep his treatment going and regular operations if I got another job, or really changed my lifestyle. I have already done so but it would mean a lot of other changes. I don’t want to seem that this is not a change id be prepared to make as ive already done so much to fight for my piggie, I'm just letting you know my situation. Please understand that. It’s hard to explain things but I'm trying my best as I value all your opinions.

That said, it’s all about what best for my piggie. I stated to wonder if there was another way to have his teath trimmed without having the anesthesia every time..as in my opinion that is TOO MUCH to put any animal trough on regular basis, never mind a frail weak piggie like me. I have heard from people on the board that there is a lady called Vedra who works for the Cambridge Cavy Trust and I have just called her to discuss this as I wanted to make sure I have explored all the avenue. Vedra seems a nice lady and was happy to explain to me about how things work but I was shocked to hear about the procedure. They use no sedation or anesthesia and clip all the teeth and she explained it is not painful for them as there no nerve endings in their teath. I explained to her that I have rang around a few vets and it seems they only advice anesthesia and she said its because all the vets are not thought properly about how to treat this. In other words all of the vets in London are not doing things the correct ways. I can see what she saying and respect very much her opinion but I didn’t feel it was something I can do on a regular basis for Trixy. I would never know if he could feel it or not…and this would be a constant worry. I can certainly see Vedra point of few and after all she is an expert however my vet is also an expert and has advised that this is very unheard off and she would not consider this as the right move to make. She also said, I could of course choice to do it Vedra way or to continue having it done the common way at my normal vet..but she told me “Gill it’s a lot to do for a little piggie and I feel his quality of life would not be good and he already sound in some discomfort he would have ongoing discomfort if he had regular operationâ€. I really can see her point. My piggie been fighting for a while, maybe I should let him sleep now. He has other problems not just this, and I think if he so frail and already so thin it doesn’t seem fair to continue when he clearly not as happy as he should. I really don’t want to make this sound like I am saying anything bad again what Vedra said, she is extreamly knowledgeable but everyone is telling me different things and I also need to trust myself with what I believe is best for him.

I was overwhelmed about how caring my vets are, they have been so wonderful over the past few months and even let me have consultations for free as they know ive been struggling for money. So I believe that my vet is being very genuine with me.

Basically it all comes down to weather I want to continue in getting his front and back teeth trimmed every few months. He would have discomfort through the end of his 2 months when they are growing back, and also at the begging just after his operation. I would have to accept that it’s complex and make him go through all this all the time for the rest of his life. Sometimes I think its time to realize that he may not want this….i think if I don’t put him down I would be doing it out of guilt because Id think “gill keep trying keep getting these trimmed no matter the cost or discomfort†its really not fair.

Please do tell me what you think. I am so sorry for such a long post, I'm sure you are all so tired of me babbling on lol. I just wanted to know what you all think. I know some of you think I should still put him through this every few months but I really think its too much. Even if it were a big animal, or small…I would think the same. I’m trying my best to make the right choice taking into consideration everything as I also can not give my whole life to my piggie either even if I wish I could.

Thank you my friend

Gill x
 
I still feel you should give Trixy a chance. If the worst happened and he passed away during surgery at least you would have known that you have done everything you could have. My piggie passed over rainbow bridge a month ago and I took her to a vet in January and she told me she was not going to live more than a week but I didn't agree so took her another vet at the same practice who treated her and she lived another 6 months pain free until 2 days before she passed. No disrespect but vets do not always know the answers to everything and I still believe dental treatment should be done without anesthetic. I had a thought also. I don't know if you have ever spoken to Chrissie from gorgeous guineas (website). She helped me a lot during the last few months of my piggie's life. I remember her saying that her vet was knowledgable regarding treatments, etc for piggies and she lives in London. Maybe she could tell you where she goes - it might near to you? Her email address is on the website. I think the address is www.gorgeousguineas.com
 
If he were mine i'd give him a chance, you say he seems happy enough now so his quality of life is ok. If he goes downhill then reconsider but until he gave up i wouldnt. Piggies do not know when theyre ill, they dont know theirs an option to pts so they get on with life the best they can, unless he seemed depressed i wouldnt pts. If you cant afford him (which is fair enough, its a lot of money) then i'd consider rehoming and giving him a chance. There are so many pigs who live years having teeth trimmed regularly and are very happy pigs. Your choice though.
x
 
Also, its very easy to tell when a pig is in pain and getting teeth clipped they're not. the only reason vets use anaesthetic is because most are not experienced enough with small animals to be able to hold the piggy still while they do it etc. Its the same for x-rays, its not for pain reasons so please dont let that be a factor for you in your decision.
x
 
Thank you once again for your words of support. It has been great to have people to talk to about this so that i didnt feel alone in making this difficult decision.

You have already seen on another part of the forum but Trixy was pts this evening after much heartache and sadness i decided this was the best decision for us both. There was a lot to consider but I hope i made the best choice. As i already explained i spoke to Vendra about the options of trimming his teath without ga but i disagreed with what she said. Although i realise that the procedure used is not painful for piggies it seems they will go through alot of distressing each time.

I went tosee my vet and she was extreamly helpful and genuine. I spent ages at the vet going through my options and having a bit of a cry with her about letting trixy go. I didnt want to give him to someone else because i would be afriad that they would keep putting him through this. I'm so pleased i didnt keep him alive as the vet found all of his back teath overgrown with spikes cuting his cheek and growing in the wrong angle. Also his wieght and poos were so bad she said he was really suffering and she could understand why putting him to sleep would be the kinder option. I didnt realise to what extent his teath affected him, he was drolling and couldnt even bite at all. it was less then 2 months ago that he had them trimmed and the extent of the growing showed that he would need to have them trimmed every 6-8 weeks. I couldnt do that to him knowing what pain it casuing him. I believe trixy had a really bad case of problems with his teath.

I hope i wont offend anyone here but my vet and other were quite shocked that there are vets willing to do this without a ga or sedation. They explained that the 2 front teath could be reasonable but not the back. Even for the vet to look into the back of Trixy treath he was struggling and looking very distressed. Maybe Vedra way would not have hurt him to trim them but the distress caused to keep him still,get the right angle, and trim the crooked ones would have definalty caused him some pain and i was not prepared to let him go through that. his quality of life was already worse then i realised i couldnt prolong that anymore. He had a wonderful life and taking everything into consideration i believe he wanted to rest now. I really hope i didnt the right thing. Me and my boyfriend buried him in the garden and I wished him a good sleep and to rest easy.I will miss her terribly.

Thank you for all of your thoughts, words and support. Keep up the good work and take good care.

Kindest Regards,

GILL x>>
 
Trixy was a "he" not a "her" sorry......my typing mistakes are terrible.

Love to all

Good night xx
 
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