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Possible tumour - end of life

Lisanjake

Lisanjake

Junior Guinea Pig
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So it’s been a sad visit to the vets today.
I’ve posted before about Winnie having bloat since November when she had teeth issues.

This past week I’ve noticed her belly getting much rounder and took her straight to the vet today to get this check out.
They did an ultrasound and have found lots of masses / tissue or something surrounding her organs and intestines.
He’s never seen anything like this before, it’s all over her belly bless her.
I’ve been given some frusol and painkillers to keep her comfortable.
He said operating wouldn’t be the way to go as she may not pull round.

I’m heart broken to say the least. She’s fine in herself as in squeaking for food / eating hay etc. i can see she’s not comfortable when trying to sleep, she just kinda stays in a ball and closes her eyes.
Breaks my heart that I’m just waiting for her to go now :( thank god I work from home so I’ll be spending all my time with her that I can now :(
Everytime she even goes to sleep I’m worried she’s passed. I just want to hold her all the time but don’t want to agitate her.
She struggles to scratch with her back legs and wash herself now.

On another note I’m worried about my other girl Erin. She’s around 5 years old now and I don’t want anymore, I can’t deal with the heartbreak it tears me apart.
What shall I do? Foster? Leave her alone and see how she goes? She lives inside so is with me a lot x

Here’s a picture of her today. I don’t think it shows quite how round her belly is
 

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Sending hugs, it’s a worrying and sad time for you. I hope you have more happy days with Winnie x
 
Lisanjake said:
So it’s been a sad visit to the vets today.
I’ve posted before about Winnie having bloat since November when she had teeth issues.

This past week I’ve noticed her belly getting much rounder and took her straight to the vet today to get this check out.
They did an ultrasound and have found lots of masses / tissue or something surrounding her organs and intestines.
He’s never seen anything like this before, it’s all over her belly bless her.
I’ve been given some frusol and painkillers to keep her comfortable.
He said operating wouldn’t be the way to go as she may not pull round.

I’m heart broken to say the least. She’s fine in herself as in squeaking for food / eating hay etc. i can see she’s not comfortable when trying to sleep, she just kinda stays in a ball and closes her eyes.
Breaks my heart that I’m just waiting for her to go now :( thank god I work from home so I’ll be spending all my time with her that I can now :(
Everytime she even goes to sleep I’m worried she’s passed. I just want to hold her all the time but don’t want to agitate her.
She struggles to scratch with her back legs and wash herself now.

On another note I’m worried about my other girl Erin. She’s around 5 years old now and I don’t want anymore, I can’t deal with the heartbreak it tears me apart.
What shall I do? Foster? Leave her alone and see how she goes? She lives inside so is with me a lot x

Here’s a picture of her today. I don’t think it shows quite how round her belly is
Click to expand...

Hi

I am ever so sorry about Winnie. This is the kind of news we all hope to never get... :(

Please take the time to read this very helpful guide here so you know what you can do for Winnie and yourself during terminal care; when it is time to let her go if needed in case the pain and discomfort are getting too much for her, as well as what to expect with a death at home. It can be much more physical than you expect: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

As for Erin, try to contact all good rescues within your reach and see whether they do provide end of life companionship for bereaved single piggies and have suitable companions in. That would be your first port of call.
Guinea Pig Forum recommended rescues
 
So sorry for your news.
It must feel as if the bottom has fallen out of your world.
Receiving news of terminal illness starts the grieving process, as you care for Winnie remember to look after yourself as well.
Use this time to take pictures and make happy memories.
Holding you in my heart ♥️
 
I’m so sorry that you’ve received this devastating news. Great advice has already been given. I just wanted to offer my support.
 
I’m so sorry Winnie has received this sad diagnosis. I hope she has lots more happy days with you.
 
Aw I am so sorry for the diagnosis :( My late Emma had a cancerous tumour and due to her age and advise from my vet, we decided not to operate. Erika and Ena both had lymphoma. I let all 3 eat what they wanted, spent a lot of time with them and took lot's of photos. Emma died of something unrelated a few months after diagnosis, Erika lived for two weeks past diagnosis and we sadly had to have Ena pts on the day of diagnosis. But I have no regrets with any of them and we made sure we made each day special that they were here.

I hope that Winnie has plenty of happy days left. All I can advise is just make sure she is as comfortable as she can be and she will let you know when it's time to say goodbye (((hugs))) x
 
Please if anyone is awake is it okay to leave her until 8/9am? I’d like my mum to say bye before I take her to be cremated. I’ve never dealt with a dead piggy and wasn’t sure what the death process is like for them etc.
 
So sorry for your loss.
You gave Winnie a good ending. She died peacefully at home, enfolded in your love.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
:hug::hug::hug::hug:Hugs
 
Lisanjake said:
Please if anyone is awake is it okay to leave her until 8/9am? I’d like my mum to say bye before I take her to be cremated. I’ve never dealt with a dead piggy and wasn’t sure what the death process is like for them etc.
Click to expand...

Hi

HUGS
I am very sorry that Winnie has gone but glad that her passing has been gentle.

Anyway, I always leave my own piggies for a day or so before I bury them in my large piggy planters. They are OK to leave; after a day they are starting to go whiffy, though. I don't like to bury them straight away while they are still warm.
If you have any concerns, place her in wrapped in a fleece or an old towel and then in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Do be freaked out if there is a little blood or other fluid; that is very normal for the moment of death or shortly after.

You can wrap your piggies in some kitchen paper or a cotton towel or use a cardboard box; but you cannot use any plastic (including fleece) in what is accompanying her last journey. A paper card or letter is also fine.
I have included some practical information on this aspect in our grieving guide: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

I hope that this helps you?
 
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