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Possibly Dying Guinea Pig (I need advice)

G

GuineaNovelist

New Born Pup
Joined
Mar 23, 2021
Messages
10
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Points
35
Location
Florida
Hello! I just wanted to provide a little background information so it can explain why it leads up to my difficult situation. First of all, I am 18 (I have a very difficult home and family situation which does not allow me to drive a car yet.)
Secondly, I've been handling a guinea pig that has been ill for quite some time now. I've been desperate, for a few months, wanting to take her to the vet, even out of my own pocket because I had stored up money for her. Her breathing was erratic and a lot more noticeable, she seemed weaker and less energized, and the so and so. She still ate, and still eats; she drinks a lot of water as well.
The closest vet is about an hour or so away. I live with my mother, who refuses to drive an hour to take her to the vet, and because of that, I planned to have my father, my next family member and the only one I have in contact with, help me to take her to the vet. He got caught up with travel plans and that has been greatly delayed. I have been stuck in a rut, constantly monitoring my guinea pig (yes, she has others, so she's not a sole guinea pig), making sure she's eating, drinking, and being fed properly. She has been really strong to stick through with this; she's always been strong. But today I suddenly had the strongest hunch walking into the room their pen is in. I saw her weaker than usual and I can't help but have the feeling she is in the process of dying.

I feel helpless. I can't do anything when I'm so willing to put so much money just to help her. I tried looking for closer vet places for cavies, but there were no reliable sources and were still too far. Am I hopeless? Do I let her go in peace? What can I do for her so she feels at peace? Would it be better if I were by her side, allowing her to rest in a small bed with some hay and occasional water source or would it be better to leave her with the others and she goes about her usual routines?

I only want to provide the best for her.
 
I am sorry to hear this is their any vet close to you. I realise you at not in the UK. But she really needs a vet ASAP
Noting you find on a forum is going to help I am afraid and I am so very sorry to say this. Any vet will do if she is dying at this point

US vet list can be found here Florida - Guinea Lynx Records
 
:agr:
Your pig really needs a vet. There is only one exotic vet in my town (who is VERY busy) but in case of emergencies, any vet is there to take in my pigs.

I know this is not my place to say this, please don't be offended, but if you want to own animals, you must be able to go to the vet at any time. You are 18 now, and I fully understand what it's like to have a difficult family life, which is why I moved out, got my license and became independent very early on, with all my animals by my side. I am sure there is more to this story, and I know this is not my place, but I think for your own sake, it's time to take back control.
 
RosieLily said:
:agr:
Your pig really needs a vet. There is only one exotic vet in my town (who is VERY busy) but in case of emergencies, any vet is there to take in my pigs.

I know this is not my place to say this, please don't be offended, but if you want to own animals, you must be able to go to the vet at any time. You are 18 now, and I fully understand what it's like to have a difficult family life, which is why I moved out, got my license and became independent very early on, with all my animals by my side. I am sure there is more to this story, and I know this is not my place, but I think for your own sake, it's time to take back control.
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The issue is I was not the one who had adopted the guinea pig; it was my mother. I took it into my own hands to actually take care and do research of the animal because it was an impulse buy by my mother and I'm not careless with such things. As much as I'd love to take back control; I genuinely cannot for reasons I cannot go into. I am sincerely in a very stuck and difficult position. I was the one who ended up taking care of them more than my mother ever did; investing most of my saved money so they could live a better life.
I haven't exactly been supported in my doing so and I've been quite alone in this. I'm going to see if it's possible to take her this week, but she's growing weaker by the day and I'm afraid she may not live to see the day. I would at least prefer to get her checked out so I can know what her conditions are.
 
sport_billy said:
I am sorry to hear this is their any vet close to you. I realise you at not in the UK. But she really needs a vet ASAP
Noting you find on a forum is going to help I am afraid and I am so very sorry to say this. Any vet will do if she is dying at this point

US vet list can be found here Florida - Guinea Lynx Records
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Thank you; I checked the list and the closest one isn't offering any veterinarian care but I plan on calling the number they provided.
 
GuineaNovelist said:
The issue is I was not the one who had adopted the guinea pig; it was my mother. I took it into my own hands to actually take care and do research of the animal because it was an impulse buy by my mother and I'm not careless with such things. As much as I'd love to take back control; I genuinely cannot for reasons I cannot go into. I am sincerely in a very stuck and difficult position. I was the one who ended up taking care of them more than my mother ever did; investing most of my saved money so they could live a better life.
I haven't exactly been supported in my doing so and I've been quite alone in this. I'm going to see if it's possible to take her this week, but she's growing weaker by the day and I'm afraid she may not live to see the day. I would at least prefer to get her checked out so I can know what her conditions are.
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Did you find a vet?
 
GuineaNovelist said:
The issue is I was not the one who had adopted the guinea pig; it was my mother. I took it into my own hands to actually take care and do research of the animal because it was an impulse buy by my mother and I'm not careless with such things. As much as I'd love to take back control; I genuinely cannot for reasons I cannot go into. I am sincerely in a very stuck and difficult position. I was the one who ended up taking care of them more than my mother ever did; investing most of my saved money so they could live a better life.
I haven't exactly been supported in my doing so and I've been quite alone in this. I'm going to see if it's possible to take her this week, but she's growing weaker by the day and I'm afraid she may not live to see the day. I would at least prefer to get her checked out so I can know what her conditions are.
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I am really sorry to hear all this, my heart really goes out to you. I hope I wasn't too out of line with you.

Can any of your friends help you? Good on you for taking the piggy under your wing. We're here for you.
 
RosieLily said:
I am really sorry to hear all this, my heart really goes out to you. I hope I wasn't too out of line with you.

Can any of your friends help you? Good on you for taking the piggy under your wing. We're here for you.
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You are perfectly fine but thank you for your concern!

Nuggettheguineapig said:
Yea, can any of your friends take the guinea pig to the vet?
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I have lost contact with all of my friends due to either them dealing with personal life issues or COVID. As of right now, I'm quite alone in this. I'll be calling my father and I'll find out if it's possible to take her when I visit him this week. I'm very just anxious.
I woke up this morning with a tight chest and anxiety because I had a nightmare about her and I was terrified to see her. I checked up on her still though and she's still alive and moving. I'll check up on her again.

She doesn't move a lot now and when she moves, it's wonky and it seems like she's struggling due to how weak she feels.

Nuggettheguineapig said:
Did you find a vet?
Click to expand...
I checked the vet list that was linked and their care isn't exactly open but they have numbers to provide. I also know of another vet center that can handle exotics, so I'll be checking them out. They're still far so I'll have to rely on my father and hope I can do something about this.
 
GuineaNovelist said:
You are perfectly fine but thank you for your concern!



I have lost contact with all of my friends due to either them dealing with personal life issues or COVID. As of right now, I'm quite alone in this. I'll be calling my father and I'll find out if it's possible to take her when I visit him this week. I'm very just anxious.
I woke up this morning with a tight chest and anxiety because I had a nightmare about her and I was terrified to see her. I checked up on her still though and she's still alive and moving. I'll check up on her again.

She doesn't move a lot now and when she moves, it's wonky and it seems like she's struggling due to how weak she feels.


I checked the vet list that was linked and their care isn't exactly open but they have numbers to provide. I also know of another vet center that can handle exotics, so I'll be checking them out. They're still far so I'll have to rely on my father and hope I can do something about this.
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I’ll have my fingers crossed for u!
 
Nuggettheguineapig said:
I’ll have my fingers crossed for u!
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Thank you! I appreciate it.

Also regarding feeding her and serving her water; I notice she seems a bit too tired and weak to eat or drink? If it seems like she isn't eating or drinking, should I blend hay and pellets together and serve it in a syringe? Along with water as well? Of course I won't force feed her but I'd like to help her if she is struggling to eat.
 
GuineaNovelist said:
Thank you! I appreciate it.

Also regarding feeding her and serving her water; I notice she seems a bit too tired and weak to eat or drink? If it seems like she isn't eating or drinking, should I blend hay and pellets together and serve it in a syringe? Along with water as well? Of course I won't force feed her but I'd like to help her if she is struggling to eat.
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It sounds like her body is shutting down.
You have done an amazing job offering her all that you can.

She doesn't need a specialist exotics vet now - she really just needs any general vet to do a simple assessment and decide if she can be saved or should be helped to pass gently. Try and call the most local vet you can and explain the situation.
 
Swissgreys said:
It sounds like her body is shutting down.
You have done an amazing job offering her all that you can.

She doesn't need a specialist exotics vet now - she really just needs any general vet to do a simple assessment and decide if she can be saved or should be helped to pass gently. Try and call the most local vet you can and explain the situation.
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Thank you, that's what I plan to do now if possible. I want to get an assessment done so I can know her conditions; if she can be saved, then I'll gladly save her. If she cannot be saved, then I'll do my best to allow her to pass peacefully. I am monitoring her as much as I can and I'm trying to avoid handling her too much despite my anxiety.
 
Hi

I am ever so sorry. I agree with @Swissgreys .

Here is our emergency care advice: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Here is our guide that we have written specifically for those occasions when you cannot access vet care quickly enough, have got the worst kind of news from your vet or need to make a decision that could include euthanasia - or have just come back from the vet's having had to euthanize a pet and are reeling from your experience.
The guide will take you through the whole issue in all its aspects step by step, including how to evaluate the thin line between where help is still possible and where it is likely that the body has already started to close down, including what you can do at every stage: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for your poorly girl and you.
 
I'm sorry for your situation. It sounds challenging and you are obviously doing the best you can for your pigs.

Honestly, if your piggie is at the point of being weak and unable or unwilling to eat and has been declining to this point for some time, seeing ANY vet is more important than seeing a specialized one, if only to ensure that she is able to pass with a minimal amount of discomfort and stress.

((HUGS)) to you and best wishes to both you and your piggie.
 
I am so sorry for your situation.
You sound as if you’re doing a wonderful job giving her love and care under such difficult circumstances.
I can’t add any new advice but assure you of my support
 
Thank you all for your support and advice; I've tried making several phone calls to clinics around my areas and most of them are unavailable.
I'm looking into the links provided as well. I truly want her to be happy; even if I cannot save her I'd like to know what I could do for her to make her last moments peaceful and happy.
 
I am sorry to provide sad news, but during the time I was frantically looking for a vet, she passed away.
 
I am so sorry for your loss.
You did everything you possibly could for her.
If you would like to post a tribute to her, the Rainbow Bridge thread is the place.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
 
I am really sorry for your loss
 
I am so sorry you lost your little one, you did your very best, sending you big hugs x
 
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