Possible Euthanasia

[twobigpigs]

Hi, i have an elderly guinea pig (older than 6) who has bene breathing really slowly&harsh for a few days now. She has a a tumour in her neck and the vet said she had a good quality of life and not to worry, this was around the 15th of december. Due to this shes gotten worse and look’s miserable.

How do you know when its time?

 

[Pantalaimon]

Sorry about your situation, it is never easy to get to this point.

Have you taken her to see a vet for her breathing? It could be something else that is causing this and it may be treatable.

Everybody has their own deciding factors with when to euthanise, they are influenced by personal views and also past experiences with death and euthanasia. So every person will give you a different answer and none are wrong.

In my experience the most important things to think about are:

Is my pet suffering?
If yes, then:
What is the chance of my pet making a recovery? (Even if only for a week or so)

What makes me not want to euthanise?
(i.e. is it me putting it off because I don’t want to deal with how upsetting it is or am I putting it off because I think my pet is recovering/can recover (and what are the chances this thought is actually possible))

Is there anything I can do to make my pet more comfortable even for just a few days?
(Even if just so that the pet can be euthanised while not suffering)

 

[Claire W]

I am very sorry Have you seen a vet for the breathing as it could be something easily treatable?

We had to have my Elizabeth who was around 5 pts on Christmas Eve She had a very large fatty lipoma that was starting to push in to her abdomen but when I woke up on Christmas Eve morning, she was struggling to breathe. We rushed her to the vet who said it was very likely she had a blood clot in her lung that was travelling to her brain. I was guided by my vet who I trust a lot and took his advise to help her cross the rainbow bridge

(((Hugs))) it’s never an easy decision to make but one that we make out of love to end their suffering x

 

[twobigpigs]

Sorry about your situation, it is never easy to get to this point.

Have you taken her to see a vet for her breathing? It could be something else that is causing this and it may be treatable.

Everybody has their own deciding factors with when to euthanise, they are influenced by personal views and also past experiences with death and euthanasia. So every person will give you a different answer and none are wrong.

In my experience the most important things to think about are:

Is my pet suffering?
If yes, then:
What is the chance of my pet making a recovery? (Even if only for a week or so)

What makes me not want to euthanise?
(i.e. is it me putting it off because I don’t want to deal with how upsetting it is or am I putting it off because I think my pet is recovering/can recover (and what are the chances this thought is actually possible))

Is there anything I can do to make my pet more comfortable even for just a few days?
(Even if just so that the pet can be euthanised while not suffering)

i unfortunately dont think its curable from what ive seen her like (ill try and attach a short clip of it).
I also can’t find any decent exotic vets that have appointments soon or that are excepting new clients. I also feel i dont want to put her down for my benefit of not being sad but equally i think she is suffering I'm not too certain if she is or isnt. I am leading to that she is suffering more than she isn't though.

P.S I can’t figure out how to attach a video

 

[Pantalaimon]

i unfortunately dont think its curable from what ive seen her like (ill try and attach a short clip of it).
I also can’t find any decent exotic vets that have appointments soon or that are excepting new clients. I also feel i dont want to put her down for my benefit of not being sad but equally i think she is suffering I'm not too certain if she is or isnt. I am leading to that she is suffering more than she isn't though.

P.S I can’t figure out how to attach a video

To attach a video I think it needs to be posted somewhere else (such as YouTube) then linked.

It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation there with vets. All I can advise is that you keep her warm and comfortable while you find a solution/come to a decision.
Is she eating? If she’s not eating you will need to syringe feed. I am not an expert so can’t advise on the specifics of this but there is a guide on the forum somewhere.

 

[Claire W]

To add a video, you have to upload it to somewhere like YouTube first and then link it in here

Here is our syringe feeding guide All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

 

[Wiebke]

i unfortunately dont think its curable from what ive seen her like (ill try and attach a short clip of it).
I also can’t find any decent exotic vets that have appointments soon or that are excepting new clients. I also feel i dont want to put her down for my benefit of not being sad but equally i think she is suffering I'm not too certain if she is or isnt. I am leading to that she is suffering more than she isn't though.

P.S I can’t figure out how to attach a video

Hi and welcome

I am every so sorry about your distress. Our forum is not part of social media and is entirely run on voluntary donations and our modding team doing their job for free in their own free time. That is why we do not have our own supported vidoe uploading facility.

Please upload your video on a public setting on freely accessible platform (youtube is best) and then copy across.

Any laboured breathing with heaving sides needs to be seen by a vet; it doesn't have to be an exotics vet. The need to breathe comes before the need to drink and only thirdly the need to eat. Any series respiratory distress will cause loss of appetite/loss of weight and a strain on the heart, leading to breathing with heaving sides.

I am very sorry that things are seeming to come to a head the most inconvenient of times, making it extra stressful for you.

More practical information for out-of-hours vet visits and emergency care, including when your piggy is crossing the line of no return:
Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

 

[twobigpigs]

To attach a video I think it needs to be posted somewhere else (such as YouTube) then linked.

It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation there with vets. All I can advise is that you keep her warm and comfortable while you find a solution/come to a decision.
Is she eating? If she’s not eating you will need to syringe feed. I am not an expert so can’t advise on the specifics of this but there is a guide on the forum somewhere.

ah thank you! I have the link here to show you her breathing. She is eating and drinking just not eating as much as usual, going for the soft parts of lettuce and will only properly perk up for some carrot.
pig

 

[Wiebke]

ah thank you! I have the link here to show you her breathing. She is eating and drinking just not eating as much as usual, going for the soft parts of lettuce and will only properly perk up for some carrot.
pig

Hi

If she is like this all the time and not just when lying on her side and sleeping, then I would recommend to have her vet checked. It looks like diaphragmic breathing/ breathing distress. Please be aware that hay makes over three quarters of the daily food intake, which you cannot control by eye.

 

[twobigpigs]

Hi and welcome

I am every so sorry about your distress. Our forum is not part of social media and is entirely run on voluntary donations and our modding team doing their job for free in their own free time. That is why we do not have our own supported vidoe uploading facility.

Please upload your video on a public setting on freely accessible platform (youtube is best) and then copy across.

Any laboured breathing with heaving sides needs to be seen by a vet; it doesn't have to be an exotics vet. The need to breathe comes before the need to drink and only thirdly the need to eat. Any series respiratory distress will cause loss of appetite/loss of weight and a strain on the heart, leading to breathing with heaving sides.

I am very sorry that things are seeming to come to a head the most inconvenient of times, making it extra stressful for you.

More practical information for out-of-hours vet visits and emergency care, including when your piggy is crossing the line of no return:
Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

Hi thank you!
I have attached the link here (pig) and she is eating and drinking just not as much as normal. I think the earliest i can get an appointment is next Friday, I will ring up and ask if they have any earlier ones in the morning as they are shut now.

 

[twobigpigs]

Hi

If she is like this all the time and not just when lying on her side and sleeping, then I would recommend to have her vet checked. It looks like diaphragmic breathing/ breathing distress. Please be aware that hay makes over three quarters of the daily food intake, which you cannot control by eye.

She is like this all the time well in the last few days she has been, she has a tumour thats growing right in front of the windpipe which is probably causing this.
I do not have the money for surgery hence why I think I may have to put her down?
& I hope shes eating hay! I put some fresh hay in their cage a moment ago and she seemed to be eating it .

 

[Wiebke]

She is like this all the time well in the last few days she has been, she has a tumour thats growing right in front of the windpipe which is probably causing this.
I do not have the money for surgery hence why I think I may have to put her down?
& I hope shes eating hay! I put some fresh hay in their cage a moment ago and she seemed to be eating it .

Hi

As long as as she is still eating and able to swallow, she is not in respiratory distress yet; but unfortunately the for you to say goodbye is when that happens. I am really sorry that this is coinciding with a long weekend, which is going to make it extra stressful you.

It is one of these rather rare health issues that you can never brace for and cannot guarantee a good outcome with an operation so please do not beat yourself up over that.

This is not a guide I enjoy linking into any post but I hope that it helps you working out things for yourself so you can do what you need to do with a clearer mind, if sadly not with an easier heart. We are here for ongoing moral support but what we cannot do is make the owner's decision for you. Please keep any further questions and concerns to this your ongoing support thread. You may want to bookmark it so you can pick it up easily again. It helps both sides avoid lengthy explanations and repeating advice that has already been ruled out since noone on here is around all the time.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[twobigpigs]

Hi

As long as as she is still eating and able to swallow, she is not in respiratory distress yet; but unfortunately the for you to say goodbye is when that happens. I am really sorry that this is coinciding with a long weekend, which is going to make it extra stressful you.

It is one of these rather rare health issues that you can never brace for and cannot guarantee a good outcome with an operation so please do not beat yourself up over that.

This is not a guide I enjoy linking into any post but I hope that it helps you working out things for yourself so you can do what you need to do with a clearer mind, if sadly not with an easier heart. We are here for ongoing moral support but what we cannot do is make the owner's decision for you. Please keep any further questions and concerns to this your ongoing support thread. You may want to bookmark it so you can pick it up easily again. It helps both sides avoid lengthy explanations and repeating advice that has already been ruled out since noone on here is around all the time.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Hi,

Thank you so much for the kindness yous have given me I am very anxious about tonight and the fireworks and can not wait until the vets are open so I can ring everyone in my area hoping they have space or take piggies. I would go to an emergency I just can not afford it at the moment.

If we ignore her breathing, she’s genuinely well in herself although she does frequently experience bloating and gut stasis symptoms which she had before. When she had this it took almost a week to get an appointment anywhere and she was still eating and drinking despite being in so much pain with her bloated belly.

I unfortunately think by the time there is a vet appointment available itll be too late and I will have to say goodbye to my baby who ive had for a long time.

I appreciate the support everyone

 

[Wiebke]

My thoughts are with you and your poorly one. You are clearly a very caring and loving owner.

 

[twobigpigs]

My thoughts are with you and your poorly one. You are clearly a very caring and loving owner.

thank you! i've had them for a long time, it'll be 6 years this may! I did find a vet but they've quoted me over £400 for the euthanasia consultation and the process of putting her down then with cremation on top of it. £250 of this appointment is the fee because its new years eve! I think I will ring up on tuesday and ask every vet in the area not just exotics for a consultation to see what the next steps are as I can’t fork out £400 at the minute.

She is doing well at the moment! shes eating a small amount the tumour is super close to her jaw and presses on it when she chews so shes just eating lettuce at the moment. I am going to attempt to buy her favourite treats for her in a moment as well as an edible hidey to make her special and to also treat her cage mate

Again thank you I do try to make sure they’re well loved even if it means them sitting under my chin causing me to sit awkwardly

 

[Wiebke]

thank you! i've had them for a long time, it'll be 6 years this may! I did find a vet but they've quoted me over £400 for the euthanasia consultation and the process of putting her down then with cremation on top of it. £250 of this appointment is the fee because its new years eve! I think I will ring up on tuesday and ask every vet in the area not just exotics for a consultation to see what the next steps are as I can’t fork out £400 at the minute.

She is doing well at the moment! shes eating a small amount the tumour is super close to her jaw and presses on it when she chews so shes just eating lettuce at the moment. I am going to attempt to buy her favourite treats for her in a moment as well as an edible hidey to make her special and to also treat her cage mate

Again thank you I do try to make sure they’re well loved even if it means them sitting under my chin causing me to sit awkwardly

Please step in with offering additional syringe feed (pellets soaked in a little water will do) to get her over the turn of the year.
Try to ease the syringe in from the unaffected side in order to minimise the discomfort.
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures (you can find practical tips in chapter 3)

Consultation fees will be lower during regular opening times, which will bring down the cost quite a bit .

You can also ask to take her home with you afterwards in order to cut cost further and bury her in a flower bed or in a planter underneath a little shrub or hardy perennial if you have a balcony, a backyard or a private entrance.
Make sure that you dip her feet in safe ink and take her foot prints on a pieve of paper or get some kids plastocene instead. Cut a lock of her hair if you want to opt for a tangible reminder.

I hope that helps you of make the best of the time left to help you for the time after. 6 years is an excellent age and a testament to your good care.

HUGS

 

[fawniemoon]

Good luck to you and your littlest one . I hope everything goes as smooth as they can for such sad circumstances

 

[Posyrose]

I'm so sorry to hear that your piggy is so unwell. I hope you are able to get a vet's appointment on Tuesday and that she gets no worse before then. I'm sure the prices will come down when the vets open again.

Sending you hugs. I know how very difficult this time is and it's only made worse when the vets are closed for holidays.

 

[twobigpigs]

Please step in with offering additional syringe feed (pellets soaked in a little water will do) to get her over the turn of the year.
Try to ease the syringe in from the unaffected side in order to minimise the discomfort.
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures (you can find practical tips in chapter 3)

Consultation fees will be lower during regular opening times, which will bring down the cost quite a bit .

You can also ask to take her home with you afterwards in order to cut cost further and bury her in a flower bed or in a planter underneath a little shrub or hardy perennial if you have a balcony, a backyard or a private entrance.
Make sure that you dip her feet in safe ink and take her foot prints on a pieve of paper or get some kids plastocene instead. Cut a lock of her hair if you want to opt for a tangible reminder.

I hope that helps you of make the best of the time left to help you for the time after. 6 years is an excellent age and a testament to your good care.

HUGS

I don’t currently have any syringes on me.. i did the other week but theyve gone missing so I will try and find some urgently - i cant bury her id probably dig her back up if I'm honest its best if i had her cremated despite the cost - she will be having her fur cut off as she has a pretty ginger colour! What ink/dye is safe for them? I have a canvas i can use to print her little feet on or does it have to be done once theyve passed?

Thank you so much for the sweet advice i’ll be buying more pellets later as we have just ran out - if I cant find a syringe should i attempt to let her lick it off my finger? Shes a fairly licky/nibbly pig to begin with.

We got her when she must have been around 1-2 so she is definitely older than 6 as she started showing signs of being old with her nails getting thicker snd curling inwards around 2 years into owning her.

Again, thank you so so much for all the sweet advice everyone.. will keep you all updated if anything changes or I need advice. The lowest quote I gave been given is £166 which is do-able but thats just for euthanasia and a individual cremation which is what I am looking for. I will probably get her assessed by a vet before euthanasia to determine there is nothing I can do to help her at all.

 

[twobigpigs]

Hopefully my photo attached itself.. this is my baby girl in question- meet pumpkin

 

[Bill & Ted]

I am so sorry your little lady is so poorly. You can usually get 1 ml syringes from the local chemists, just don’t say it’s for a pet. Otherwise most vets will give/sell them to you. Have you tried offering her some plain dry porridge oats, easy to eat for poorly piggies, mine love them. I give them a spoonful each instead of pellets 2-3 times a week in winter

Good luck, I hope you get her through the new year

 

[fluffysal]

Aw, pretty pumpkin

 

[twobigpigs]

I am so sorry your little lady is so poorly. You can usually get 1 ml syringes from the local chemists, just don’t say it’s for a pet. Otherwise most vets will give/sell them to you. Have you tried offering her some plain dry porridge oats, easy to eat for poorly piggies, mine love them. I give them a spoonful each instead of pellets 2-3 times a week in winter

Good luck, I hope you get her through the new year

oooh! I havent thought of that no, she is eating the pellets that we buy but later on i will try mushing it up and see how she feels about it.

Dry porridge oats! thats something unusual I think I may have some actually she will probably like it because she attempts to eat things I eat if shes anywhere near me - like a dog!

 

[Wheekallweek]

She's such a gorgeous piggy! She may well eat the mushed up nuggets or syringe feed straight from a bowl or spoon

 

[twobigpigs]

She's such a gorgeous piggy! She may well eat the mushed up nuggets or syringe feed straight from a bowl or spoon

She probably will - not like i’ve ever tried it with a spoon but she genuinely tries to eat the syringe if its in her mouth as she absolutely loved the medicine she used to have when she was poorly.

 

[DavRz]

Aww, Pumpkin is such a cutie.

 

[twobigpigs]

She really is.. shes my baby! my other pig is also my baby shes just a wild child despite being a very similar age

 

[twobigpigs]

Not a good update - shes stopped eating anything I provide and at first i thought it was the food thats gone bad but it smells and looks fine its in-date and her cagemate is eating fine!

Shes refused the homemade pellet critical care mush which i could force her to eat due to no syringe.
She is eating hay and struggled to eat the pellets off the floor earlier she dropped it multiple times which makes me wonder is it the tumour pushing into her jaw? She did eat a bit in the cage but her stomach has been off and on being bloated recently which is never ever a good sign.

She literally needs to make it two more days come on baby girl. Her breathing is faster but equally the jolts are more noticeable and violent. I will put a photo of how wide the tumour is by drawing on the photo just to show you where it is and position-wise.

It does go quite far into her which is so sad.

 

[twobigpigs]

She is actually eating now but slower than what she used too. And shes only eating the cucumber and soft leafy green parts of lettuce.

 

[Pantalaimon]

She is actually eating now but slower than what she used too. And shes only eating the cucumber and soft leafy green parts of lettuce.

It’s good that she is still trying. It is really important though that you get as much food into her as possible.
Some supermarkets should be open tomorrow, I don’t know if the pharmacists there would stock syringes but if you are able it would definitely be worth trying.

If she seems to be going for smaller food items then it may work to use a vegetable peeler on a carrot or cucumber to get very thin slithers that she can more easily eat.