Poorly piggie

[steph983]

Hello all, I'm after some advice please. My 3 year old piggie has had soft poops for a while now, even when we limit veg. I noticed she was becoming thin even though she is still eating and asking got veg lots. A trip to the vet informed me she has gone from 1kg to 650g and they think it could be kidney or liver disease but cant confirm unless expensive tests etc.. they thought best to keep an eye on her behaviour and that it may be kinder to take her back there if she stops eating or is hiding away..
As upset as we are about all this, I just want to do right by her. I can feel her bones when holding her even though she is still running around, eating hay, veg and a few dried pellets.
Do you think it will be obvious when the time is right to take her back?
Thankyou and I'm sorry for the sad post xx

 

[Wiebke]

Hello all, I'm after some advice please. My 3 year old piggie has had soft poops for a while now, even when we limit veg. I noticed she was becoming thin even though she is still eating and asking got veg lots. A trip to the vet informed me she has gone from 1kg to 650g and they think it could be kidney or liver disease but cant confirm unless expensive tests etc.. they thought best to keep an eye on her behaviour and that it may be kinder to take her back there if she stops eating or is hiding away..
As upset as we are about all this, I just want to do right by her. I can feel her bones when holding her even though she is still running around, eating hay, veg and a few dried pellets.
Do you think it will be obvious when the time is right to take her back?
Thankyou and I'm sorry for the sad post xx

Hi

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry that the news you have been given is not good.

Have you been stepping in with feeding support? If not, please do so asap. Your support care during illness is as important as any vet care.
The guide link here is very practical with lots of how-to tips and contains chapters on how to improvise in an emergency but also how spot when the end has come: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

Also includes information when you need to see a vet as an emergency: Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

If you are dealing with a potentially terminally ill piggy, then you will also find this guide here helpful. It doesn't make for easy reading but it deals with all the practical and ethical aspects that come into play when looking after a piggy at the end of their life so you can make any decisions if not with an easier heart but hopefully with a clearer mind and feel a bit more secure in knowing when the right time has come and that you have made the right decision.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Please also be aware that your grieving process is already underway and that a lot of your current strong feelings are connected to that. Grieving doesn't start with the moment of death but with the moment you realise that the end is coming and inevitable. Apart from the actual loss itself, this is the second worst time in the whole process.
This guide here is hopefully helping you with that part: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

I sincerely hope that the various guides will answer most of your questions and be a good companion to you through this difficult time.