Sludge & sadness

[Piggly&Weeny]

Hello all, slightly long post alert!

I've posted a couple of times on here, about my boy Mister. After a tough few months following his neutering op it seems we may be coming towards the end of his life
Various issues such as reduced kidney function and bladder/kidney sludge has meant its not been a very happy time for him lately. There have been a couple of episodes of blood in his urine, and his weight has been up and down like a yo-yo.
The last few days Mister has really taken a turn for the worst, losing weight and not being as interested in his food (still eating but not finishing) and being very still and fluffed up in pain.
I had to take him back to the specialist, and had to see a different vet to my usual (the following is by no means a complaint against the original vet - coming from an animal background I know how tough that job is) and she actually gave me answers. Prior to speaking with her, I had no idea he had sludge (it was mentioned he had potential stones) and was never told the real definitive reason for him being so poorly (despite xrays and blood tests).

Anyway! The new vet took a look and straight away advised we needed to do something about the pain (so far he had only had pain meds after his op, but then due to his reduced kidney function this had to stop. After that he was put on Cerenia, nutracalm and nutracys+).
One option was megacam but this would mean his kidneys would start to fail, or the other option was opioids. I felt the opioid option had a better chance of a normal life, if only for perhaps a few more months.
He came home last night and I have been giving the opioids but he is still not improving, if anything getting worse. The (original) vet has advised to increase the dose but if that fails then it is sadly the worst outcome and we have no other options.

I guess my main reason for this post is to see people's experience with opioids, and how it has affected other piggies, and I just want to get other peoples opinions on what is best to do (although I sadly already know in my heart).

Thank you in advance xx

 

[Betsy]

I'm sorry that you are having issues with Mister. One of our medical experts will be along to advise you.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry Mister is still unwell. You really are trying your very best for him. I don't have any experience of this but just wanted to offer my support. I’m really hoping the opioids work wonders for Mister, but if they don’t, you know in your heart you have tried everything. Take care.

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

I’m so sorry Mister is still unwell. You really are trying your very best for him. I don't have any experience of this but just wanted to offer my support. I’m really hoping the opioids work wonders for Mister, but if they don’t, you know in your heart you have tried everything. Take care.

Thank you so much for your kind words. He's started the higher dose tonight and seems quite away with the fairies, but has been munching on some hay and Spinach (not great calcium wise I know but at this point anything he will eat ill give him). See how the night goes

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Wish I.could help on opioids but it’s new to me
Sending you and piggie lots tlc x

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Thank you so much for your kind words. He's started the higher dose tonight and seems quite away with the fairies, but has been munching on some hay and Spinach (not great calcium wise I know but at this point anything he will eat ill give him). See how the night goes

I had a poorly piggie (cancer) and she went crazy for beetroot i tho why not she lasted weeks on the stuff and spinach
I smile and miss her deeply but she went full food xx

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

I had a poorly piggie (cancer) and she went crazy for beetroot i tho why not she lasted weeks on the stuff and spinach
I smile and miss her deeply but she went full food xx

This was my thinking, if he will eat it he can have it! His favourite is celery and carrot so if that's what he survives on then so be it (within reason of course).
I'm sorry to hear about your piggie, they're the best little characters

 

[Free Ranger]

I'm so sorry for you and your poor boy x
Personally our experience of opioids wasn't great as my girl stopped eating totally until they wore off - she was completely stoned for a few hours and just stood there rocking slightly. But saying that people on the forum have praised them as very effective pain relief and if your little guy is able to eat on them that's great. I don't know what type or dose we had I'm afraid (but it was an injection).

@Wiebke any further advice for this poster?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

I am ever so sorry about your dilemma. It is never easy at this stage.

Personally, I have so far thankfully never needed them for my own piggies. I'd rather my piggies lived a few days less than longer in pain; but that is my personal stance in what is a grey area of where to draw the line that has to be done individually in every individual case. I have lost my dad in a long battle with very painful bone cancer. That kind of experience leaves its scars.

Some piggies seem to react to opioids badly. We haven't seen lots of cases on here thankfully but the odd one does crop up every now and then.

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

I'm so sorry for you and your poor boy x
Personally our experience of opioids wasn't great as my girl stopped eating totally until they wore off - she was completely stoned for a few hours and just stood there rocking slightly. But saying that people on the forum have praised them as very effective pain relief and if your little guy is able to eat on them that's great. I don't know what type or dose we had I'm afraid (but it was an injection).

@Wiebke any further advice for this poster?

It's been touch and go with him so far on them, he was on the injectable in the hospital, and on oral at home and its a case of finding the nice balance between giving him enough to help the pain, but not too much that he's spaced out. He still seems to eat certain things, but he has become fussy again like he was after his op. At the moment if he's eating something then ill just keep giving him that (luckily grass seems to be the chosen one)

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

Hi

I am ever so sorry about your dilemma. It is never easy at this stage.

Personally, I have so far thankfully never needed them for my own piggies. I'd rather my piggies lived a few days less than longer in pain; but that is my personal stance in what is a grey area of where to draw the line that has to be done individually in every individual case. I have lost my dad in a long battle with very painful bone cancer. That kind of experience leaves its scars.

Some piggies seem to react to opioids badly. We haven't seen lots of cases on here thankfully but the odd one does crop up every now and then.

I absolutely agree, I'm from an animal background and my priority will always be the animal. If his quality of life was suffering there's no question in my mind. Last night me and my partner had basically made the decision, based on how Mister was acting, that I would go today to the vets but this morning he's like a whole new pig that's not to say we are out of the woods by any means, it's defi itely a day by day scenario.
I'm really sorry to hear about your dad, I lost my uncle to cancer not too long ago and it is the worst thing to see.

I've read a few situations where piggies have reacted badly, so far with my dude it's touch and go but he's still eating and drinking and moving around this morning so I'm definitely playing it by ear.

 

[Flutterby]

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

Just a little update for anyone who may still be following this. We have had to make the tough decision to say enough is enough. This is the first time I have ever had to make the decision, and although I know in my heart nothing I could have done would change the eventual outcome and I really have done everything in my power to help him, I cant help but still worry that there is a slight ounce of possibility things could turn around. We have our appointment later this afternoon, so for now it's warm snuggles and endless kisses. Thank you to everyone for your kind words x

 

[My Piggies]

I'm so sorry you have to make such a tough decision. Know that you are doing the kindest thing, and it is made with love. Holding you and Mister in my heart and sending love and hugs in this difficult time

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

I'm so sorry you have to make such a tough decision. Know that you are doing the kindest thing, and it is made with love. Holding you and Mister in my heart and sending love and hugs in this difficult time

Thank you so much, I needed that

 

[RosieLily]

This thread is heartbreaking to read.. It’s clear you love your little one very much, Mister was a lucky piggy to have found you and he will be sent off to the Rainbow Bridge with nothing but love and respect

One day at a time now. Vent to us whenever you feel like it, we’re all here for you and we understand. Wishing you peace.

 

[Wiebke]

I absolutely agree, I'm from an animal background and my priority will always be the animal. If his quality of life was suffering there's no question in my mind. Last night me and my partner had basically made the decision, based on how Mister was acting, that I would go today to the vets but this morning he's like a whole new pig that's not to say we are out of the woods by any means, it's defi itely a day by day scenario.
I'm really sorry to hear about your dad, I lost my uncle to cancer not too long ago and it is the worst thing to see.

I've read a few situations where piggies have reacted badly, so far with my dude it's touch and go but he's still eating and drinking and moving around this morning so I'm definitely playing it by ear.

All the best!

It is so hard and emotionally draining at this stage with all the ups and downs.

It just helps when you are clear in your mind how far you are prepared to take it because it makes it easier for you afterwards with less feelings of guilt and your head an heart coming back together again a bit more easily and sooner in my own experience. That is the reason why I have brought it up. You will know when the time has come. Until then give your support and ride the tiger wherever it is going to take you - that is always the unpredictable part.

I have written this guide here to help people dealing with a very ill or terminal piggy to give them some practical support and guidance; especially for those who have never been confronted with death before: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

All the best!

It is so hard and emotionally draining at this stage with all the ups and downs.

It just helps when you are clear in your mind how far you are prepared to take it because it makes it easier for you afterwards with less feelings of guilt and your head an heart coming back together again a bit more easily and sooner in my own experience. That is the reason why I have brought it up. You will know when the time has come. Until then give your support and ride the tiger wherever it is going to take you - that is always the unpredictable part.

I have written this guide here to help people dealing with a very ill or terminal piggy to give them some practical support and guidance; especially for those who have never been confronted with death before: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Thank you so much for the articles, I have just read them and they are exactly what I needed. We have an appointment later this afternoon, for him to go to sleep and not be in pain anymore. These articles are very helpful, thank you again x

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry. You have tried everything to make Mister better. This tough decision has been made with love at the heart of it. Take care of yourselves.

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry. You’ve done all you can and you are acting out of love and compassion. Responsible pet ownership is so hard at times like these. Hugs.

 

[Two_Wheeks]

I am so sorry, you have done everything you can and gone above and beyond. Mister will pass peacefully knowing he has lived a life full of love.

Thank you for being his guardian x

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for the articles, I have just read them and they are exactly what I needed. We have an appointment later this afternoon, for him to go to sleep and not be in pain anymore. These articles are very helpful, thank you again x

I will be thinking of you and Mister.

He couldn't have found a more loving owner; please never lose sight of that in all the pain and try to take consolation from it. We can unfortunately never choose when or what our beloved ones come down with; we can only give them our unreserved love and make their days with us happy ones. You have done that; and that is what counts!

It was admittedly not easy and rather painful in parts to write those guides since a lot of my own experiences with loss have gone into them but if they are doing the job and making it easier for others during a very difficult time that is sadly very much still a taboo, then it is certainly worth my struggles to come up with something that is at the same time practical and sensitive to all the conflicting and often overwhelming emotions, and that helps you making heart-breaking decisions with a clearer mind and heart.
Thank you for your feedback. It means a lot to me.

 

[Betsy]

It's a heartbreaking decision that you have made, out of 4 of my piggies that have gone to the Rainbow Bridge, I am thankful that I have only had to sign the paperwork once. I knew it was the right thing to do as DA BOSS Velvet had had enough. It still didn't make it any easer though. The decision that you have made is very hard but it made from love and you know it is for the best and that Mister will be out of pain and in his prime once more at the Rainbow Bridge. Sleep well little one.

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry you are having to make this difficult decision, it is the last act of love we can make for them. I am sure you are doing the right thing for your Mister.
Run free of pain little Mister.

 

[h_and_piggies]

Sorry for your loss. You are a very caring piggy owner and you’ve given Mister such a wonderful life full of love. Sleep tight Mister.

 

[Guinea Slave]

I'm so so sorry for you but what lovely owners you are doing the right thing. I tried opoids with my gorgeous girl Mischief (the one in my avatar) they had a terrible effect and I had to do the same thing 24 hours later and make that decision as there was nothing else we could do. It utterly broke my heart and I still miss her. But whilst I miss her, I knew in my heart it was the right time and I honestly think she did too. Now I feel sadness but never regret, I hope you have the same closure once the grief subsides. He will be happy and free and hopefully he will meet little Mischief in heaven too! xx

 

[Bill & Ted]

I’m so sorry you have had to make such a hard decision for Mister, but it’s done out of the deep love you have for him. You gave him a lovely life and he will know this when he passes I’ve the bridge. sending hugs, you are such a caring owner x
Sleep tight little man

 

[LMPigs]

Just to say I hope it all went as well as possible this afternoon and that you're little guy isn't suffering any more.

 

[Merab]

So very sorry that you have had to make this tough decision for Mister.
You filled his life with love and care and this is the last gift of love you can give him.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
Hugs

 

[Piggly&Weeny]

Everything went as well as can be expected, he went to sleep peacefully on my lap at the vets, with a belly full of carrot, cucumber and celery now he's in the garden that he used to love sitting on his hut looking out to. Thank you to everyone for your kind words, it means a lot more than you can ever know. x