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Possibly blind pig

katew

katew

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
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Location
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Hi

We have an old boy. I would have to check his dates but he is easily 7 or possibly 8. He has always been small for a male but very healthy. We got him as a small rescue baby and he has never needed to go to the vet. He is definitely slowing down and I have stopped weighing him because I just want to be gentle with him and I think the vet would stress him out. He is drinking and peeing a lot so I think he may have kidney issues but he is eating voraciously. However, one of his eyes is cloudy so I think he has something like a cataract. My daughter thinks he is struggling to see over all - he particularly likes one of his homes and to lie in the sun eating hay. I will keep the layout of our hides the same so he has consistency but has anyone any other suggestions? We know he is on his way out but I want to make it as stress free as possible.
 
Regarding the eye, depending on how it looks - are you certain it is a cataract and not a treatable haypoke? That would just be my first thought.

I actually would continue to weigh him - I have an elderly pig too - to monitor his general health.

Should it be kidney issues than other than ensuring he is comfortable and not in any pain, there wouldn’t be anything a vet could do in any event.

The guide below will also help in caring for an elderly piggy

Wiebke

Thread 'Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection'

1 Caring for Older and Frailer Piggies
- Overview of old age and its particular challenges (Guinea Pig Magazine article)
- In-depth care information
- The importance of regular health/weight monitoring and saving up for euthanasia/vet access
- Signs of illness/pain, emergency and hot weather care
- Common old age issues and practical care advice
2 Facing the End and Dealing with Dying and Loss
- Overview of the challenges and practical approaches...
  • Like
 
Piggies&buns said:
Regarding the eye, depending on how it looks - are you certain it is a cataract and not a treatable haypoke? That would just be my first thought.

I actually would continue to weigh him - I have an elderly pig too - to monitor his general health.

Should it be kidney issues than other than ensuring he is comfortable and not in any pain, there wouldn’t be anything a vet could do in any event.

The guide below will also help in caring for an elderly piggy

Wiebke

Thread 'Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection'

1 Caring for Older and Frailer Piggies
- Overview of old age and its particular challenges (Guinea Pig Magazine article)
- In-depth care information
- The importance of regular health/weight monitoring and saving up for euthanasia/vet access
- Signs of illness/pain, emergency and hot weather care
- Common old age issues and practical care advice
2 Facing the End and Dealing with Dying and Loss
- Overview of the challenges and practical approaches...
  • Like
Click to expand...
Thank you - I love the resources available here
 
Really sorry but we had him put down tonight - I am so broken but we wouldn't risk him suffering. He got fly strike and it can escalate so literally matter of hours. I want to people to be aware. It is grim.
 
Sorry for your loss 💔
 
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