Jesse's pigs
Adult Guinea Pig
Hi guys,
I think I already know in my heart what’s right, but I suppose out of guilt I want to hear it from others too.
Bellamy, my 6 year old lunk. Never been sick or sorry in his 6 years which is obviously all anyone wishes for. Feb last year he had surgery to remove what turned out to be a malignant mammary mass. Soared through like a champ and been happy since. Start of December last year I noticed he was picking food up funny and after a visit to Simon, it was ruled a neurological issue and quite frankly had Simon a little stumped. We’ve trundled on, I’ve been syringe feeding once or twice a day as a little pick me up, he’s been on Meloxicam BID (for arthritis and in case the neurological symptoms were causing discomfort). We ruled out anything sinister, bladder stones etc, Simon said was fair to continue as was otherwise bright, said could potentially have been an inner ear infection that’s caused the slight head tilt (like almost unnoticeable) and he may remain that way.
Recently (as in since Saturday just gone) I noticed he’s been off one of his hind legs intermittently, seems to drag it sometimes or limp. He is still getting around the cage, but not moving as much as he would usually. From Xrays taken December, he has arthritis in that limb and I’m wondering if where he’s been moving around less since the neurological symptoms whether that’s exacerbated the arthritis. His fore paws are looking a little inflamed now as well as a result.
I feel I’m left with no other option but to say goodbye as despite still being bright, still eating when I give him stuff, he can’t be left with that leg like that? And I suspect the inflammation on the forelimbs is again linked to the declined movement so that’s only going to worsen also? It’s so difficult as mentally he is still bright and his cage mate is treating him like normal and going to be heartbroken should I say goodbye. I work in veterinary and know it’s better a day early then a day late but I hate feeling like I’m just giving up.
One deflated pigmum. I’ve lost several boys in such quick succession already.
I think I already know in my heart what’s right, but I suppose out of guilt I want to hear it from others too.
Bellamy, my 6 year old lunk. Never been sick or sorry in his 6 years which is obviously all anyone wishes for. Feb last year he had surgery to remove what turned out to be a malignant mammary mass. Soared through like a champ and been happy since. Start of December last year I noticed he was picking food up funny and after a visit to Simon, it was ruled a neurological issue and quite frankly had Simon a little stumped. We’ve trundled on, I’ve been syringe feeding once or twice a day as a little pick me up, he’s been on Meloxicam BID (for arthritis and in case the neurological symptoms were causing discomfort). We ruled out anything sinister, bladder stones etc, Simon said was fair to continue as was otherwise bright, said could potentially have been an inner ear infection that’s caused the slight head tilt (like almost unnoticeable) and he may remain that way.
Recently (as in since Saturday just gone) I noticed he’s been off one of his hind legs intermittently, seems to drag it sometimes or limp. He is still getting around the cage, but not moving as much as he would usually. From Xrays taken December, he has arthritis in that limb and I’m wondering if where he’s been moving around less since the neurological symptoms whether that’s exacerbated the arthritis. His fore paws are looking a little inflamed now as well as a result.
I feel I’m left with no other option but to say goodbye as despite still being bright, still eating when I give him stuff, he can’t be left with that leg like that? And I suspect the inflammation on the forelimbs is again linked to the declined movement so that’s only going to worsen also? It’s so difficult as mentally he is still bright and his cage mate is treating him like normal and going to be heartbroken should I say goodbye. I work in veterinary and know it’s better a day early then a day late but I hate feeling like I’m just giving up.
One deflated pigmum. I’ve lost several boys in such quick succession already.
