poor old man

[jenicillin]

So, one of the fosters I have, Mr. Whiskers, is really really old. He is almost 10, has a number of degenerative bone diseases: arthritis, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and has a relatively high dose of meloxicam. He is maybe 850 grams, tiny old man, and on a .3 dose. My biggest worry is that his current cagemate, Pip, is probably on the way out. She's a good girl, maybe 4, but has had several bladder infections recently, all of them weird soil borne bacteria, some of them resistant strains. My guess is she has some kind of immunocompromised bladder issue, pretty sure it is because she had a bad uterine tumor that stuck to her bladder, and the vet couldn't get all the tumorous mass out. I am worried that Mr. Whiskers won't do well if his girlfriend is gone. Well, and I am trying to mentally deal with Pip dying soon. I am worried about the poor old man losing his friend, he lost a friend before, Mrs. Kitty, and spent a few months sleeping in the corner. I don't know that I even have a question, really? I have an old old man, and a younger Pip who has a lot of gross infections, I'm not even sure where I am going to go for now. Poor muffins, I am doing I'm meds for Pip...

 

[Bill & Ted]

Welcome to the forum
You have come to the right place here, we are all very supportive of each other and caring. I can fully understand your concerns. Poor Mr Whiskers and poor little Pip, such a sad situation when you are left with an elderly piggie. I suppose the question is do you get Mr Whiskers a little companion, but he is so fragile would he be able to cope? Maybe another very old or frail and lonely boar would be the answer

 

[Swissgreys]

It is so difficult when you are dealing with fragile guinea pigs.
It is hard on them but also very draining for you too, so don't forget to look after your own health and well being sometimes.

There aren't really any answers to your current situation - all I can say is sit back, keep doing what you are doing, and just see where the journey takes you.
Several times in my life I have had pets I am certain I would loose in the very near future who rallied and carried on for much longer than expected.
Equally I have had young healthy animals who have suddenly passed without any real indication or reason why.

Look after them, and cherish every day they spend with you.

 

[Wiebke]

So, one of the fosters I have, Mr. Whiskers, is really really old. He is almost 10, has a number of degenerative bone diseases: arthritis, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and has a relatively high dose of meloxicam. He is maybe 850 grams, tiny old man, and on a .3 dose. My biggest worry is that his current cagemate, Pip, is probably on the way out. She's a good girl, maybe 4, but has had several bladder infections recently, all of them weird soil borne bacteria, some of them resistant strains. My guess is she has some kind of immunocompromised bladder issue, pretty sure it is because she had a bad uterine tumor that stuck to her bladder, and the vet couldn't get all the tumorous mass out. I am worried that Mr. Whiskers won't do well if his girlfriend is gone. Well, and I am trying to mentally deal with Pip dying soon. I am worried about the poor old man losing his friend, he lost a friend before, Mrs. Kitty, and spent a few months sleeping in the corner. I don't know that I even have a question, really? I have an old old man, and a younger Pip who has a lot of gross infections, I'm not even sure where I am going to go for now. Poor muffins, I am doing I'm meds for Pip...

Hi and welcome

What a great age!

I am very sorry for your pain and your dilemma, having faced a similar situation when my Mererid passed away just 9 days before her 8th birthday and left her equally frail litter sister Morwenna behind, who has not accepted any new piggy in her group since she was 6 months old but is now left the last of seven bonding piggies... Morwenna had a bad wobble on the day before her big birthday last week, but she is still there and has picked up a little again. Every day she is there to greet me in the morning is a blessing.
She is doing OK with next door company so far; I have moved her in a pen with neighbours on both sides. She's not keen on interacting much but the 'herd' feel does really help her and provides her with stimulation whenever she wants some.

Anyway, I would strongly contact the rescue (I assume that you foster for Portland Guinea Pig Rescue as you are in the same town?) and ask them for potential next door company in an adjoining cage with interaction through the bars for ongoing stimulation and interaction, whether that is a single or a pair - or try another oldie with mobility issues if you have to divide the cage.

Here is our practical but also sensitive old age and end of life care information: Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection