Should I put my pig down?

[GabbyEpstein]

I'm not quite sure what to do in this situation. I have a very old female guinea pig (8 to be exact) and she is not doing too well. A few months ago she had a fall and broke her upper left arm, I took her to the vet but it seemed to only make it worse. Because of her age surgery wasn't an option so they just sent me home with anit inflamtories. The arm wasn't splinted so it healed very funny, I also suspect she suffered a stroke because of the stress and does not use her back legs anymore either. Since her mobility is so limited she has begun to develop bed sores around her belly and I think they are now infected. Despite all of this she still eats and drinks water just fine. When I come up to her she lifts her head up wondering what treat I have for her now. I'm not sure if I should put her down or not, she still seems to enjoy eating and engaging in what's going on around her. But at the same time, she's not living in a comfortable manner. I could really use some advice.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry to hear your girl isn’t doing well mobility wise. What bedding is she on? With regards the sores (probably urine scold) you may need to give her a wipe daily. Did you take her in to check what the cause of the leg paralysis may be?

I'm not really sure what you should do. It’s about her quality of life but I couldn’t tell you what the right decision is. Hopefully someone will be along in a while to help you out. All the best for you and your girl.

 

[GabbyEpstein]

I’m sorry to hear your girl isn’t doing well mobility wise. What bedding is she on? With regards the sores (probably urine scold) you may need to give her a wipe daily. Did you take her in to check what the cause of the leg paralysis may be?

I'm not really sure what you should do. It’s about her quality of life but I couldn’t tell you what the right decision is. Hopefully someone will be along in a while to help you out. All the best for you and your girl.

I appreciate it, I use puppy pee pads so that I can regularly change them so shes stays clean.

 

[Siikibam]

If she is peeing where she sits it’s likely they’re damp. Could you perhaps use vet bed or something similar?

 

[KathT]

I’m sorry you have to make this decision - it’s one of the hardest things to do. You generally know when it’s time and I think you are probably close to that time. Even though she is eating and drinking, her quality of life is diminished with little chance of improvement so, in my opinion, it’s time to let her go. 8 years old is a fantastic age for a pig so all the care and attention you have given her has been exception for her to live so long. This is only my opinion, others may differ, I am just thinking of her overall quality of life. Whatever you decide, make it in her best interest so she doesn’t suffer.x

 

[VickiA]

It’s never easy having to make the decision for our pets. But I look at quality of life. If they are no longer to enjoy life as a guinea pig should do - and for me that’s not just eating and drinking, but moving around, foraging, socialising with their friends - and if that is severely compromised by age, or immobility then I think it’s time to discuss it sensibly with your vet. It’s the toughest thing we have to deal with as pet owners.
Here is a guide Wiebke wrote a while back discussing the issues.

A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[TheguineaPiggyGal]

Hi, It makes me so sad to hear your piggy has paralysis. If you think she suffered a stroke, get to a vet. She may have also injured her hind legs when she fell, maybe some muscle damage or something, or maybe because of the way her arm healed, it makes it painful for her to walk. Either way, check out this website. Hope she feels better.


Mystery Paralysis in Guinea Pigs | Small Pet Select

 

[Freela]

It's so hard to make that choice... I don't envy you. For me, the decision comes down to quality of life. If they are still able to enjoy things, if they are able to do the things that are normal for their species, that's one thing. If they are in constant pain or debilitated to the point that normal behaviors are no longer possible and there's nothing more that can be done for them in terms of improving their quality of life, that's something else. Many ((HUGS)) as you have to think this over. Eight is such a great age for a guinea pig to reach, you've done well by her!