sick pig after operation

[Cavy chaos]

HI everyone. My poor pig Bumble has had a long illness starting in August When he was off his food. X rays showed a very damaged spine and he had painkillers but didn’t pick up that much. The vet then found a lump and after a week of conservative treatment the vet operated and poor bumble was found to have a huge amount of infection in his groin. This Operation was last thursday and he hasn’t picked up at all. I have been syringe feeding him and he has been going to the vet for anti inflammatory pain relief and metaclopramide. Today they tried an opiate and he was been knocked out all day. He seems to have completely given up and I am so worried he is not going to get better. I am still syringe feeding him, I dont want to give up on him.

Very sad for my baby.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, I am so sorry for you and Bumble, it’s such a worry time. Sounds like you are doing everything you can for him, hope he starts to recover very soon

 

[Claire W]

I’m so sorry that your boy isn’t recovering well I know that some opiates can knock them out for a day or two. I’m afraid I have no advise but I hope he picks up soon x

 

[Wiebke]

I am ever so sorry that your boy is not recovering. Strong opiates can knock a piggy out.
Tips For Post-operative Care

PS: Please always make sure in these kind of situations that you put your piggy's welfare and interests before your own desires and fears. An operation recovery that is not coming off is a constant assessment and reassessment of your piggy's quality of life and chances of a full recovery vs. your own fears and desires. As the owner, you have the full control and also the full responsibility. That can be a very tough ride just how far you are willing to take it.

Especially if this is your first piggy, it can be very hard to let a beloved one go but you always have to ask yourself how much is fair for him to put him through. As long as you are making any decisions with your piggy's quality of life first and foremost in mind, you can't go wrong and you will in the longer term have an easier ride knowing that you haven't let him down.

 

[Cavy chaos]

I realised last night that he is make no effort now. I will give him one more day so the kids can see him this evening. He doesnt like the vet as he has been pulled around a lot. I hate to think that he will be distressed him he is put down. I think I will ask the vet to come to the house. I am heart broken.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry to hear this. You’ve made this very hard but very kind decision with Bumble’s best interests at the heart of it. Take care.

 

[Swissgreys]

I am so very sorry to hear this but you have made the right decision.
Sometimes even with the best care we simply can't save them.
Thinking of you and your family today

 

[Bill & Ted]

I realised last night that he is make no effort now. I will give him one more day so the kids can see him this evening. He doesnt like the vet as he has been pulled around a lot. I hate to think that he will be distressed him he is put down. I think I will ask the vet to come to the house. I am heart broken.

I’m so sorry for you and your family, it’s heartbreaking when you realise that you have to make the decision to send them on there last journey x

 

[Wiebke]

HUGS

I am very sorry. Please take consolation in that you have tried your very best. That is all any good owner can ever do. The outcome is always out of our control.

If you have children, you may find these two guide links here helpful:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children (contains a chapter with helpful information and resources for children of different ages)
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs (contains chapters for when your piggy is dying at home before they can be seen and also a chapter on euthanasia/pts (putting to sleep), so you know what to look out for and what to expect (especially in view of any questions from your kids)