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Sudden Illness - Beanie

Blooberry

Blooberry

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Dec 2, 2018
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Location
Lancaster
Our nearly 6 pigggie beans became suddenly ill yesterday. Although I did spot less hay consumption the day before. We have been battling conjunctivitis for 8-9 months. Took too our local vet yesterday as off food except a few green veggies, dandelion. Vet said raised lymph nodes and low temp. Take to Lytham exotics today. We have an appointment at 11.45. An hours journey for us at least. The dilemma. He is really miserable although get in g some CC down and emperid. Pain meds this morning. Having spoken to Lytham this morning they tell me no exotics are in but very experienced with GPs. The dilemma. Do we put him through more tests? Do we trust Lytham have the expertise in the absence of exotics staff. I’m wavering between PTS … he’s gone from really robust happy piggy to miserable overnight.
 
Oh forgot to mention … lump in me I got 3 yrs which the vet checked and said was benign. Didn’t recommend removing. 😢
 
Hi

HUGS

Please take a deep breath and see what the examining vet finds and take it from there. It doesn't necessarily take an exotics vet to spot the obvious; an experienced general vet is perfectly competent to do that, as I know from my own local vets. If it is an infection of the lymphatic system, then antibiotic treatment is an option. If it is the immune system/the body failing, then yes, ayou may be faced with cutting short a process that has is already underway.
But as long as you are making any dispositions with Beanie's welfare interests upmost in mind, then you are not failing him, whichever way things go. And that is what counts when all the dust has settled.

It is perfectly normal that your thoughts are racing and that you are in an emotional upheaval as the result of the sudden overnight deterioration. It's the sheer shock you could not brace for and also your grieving process waking up with a real bang. :(

Please try to set all that aside and focus on Beanie for the next few hours. You are doing all the right things but you have to ride the tiger wherever it takes Beanie and you. Overthinking and doubting yourself won't help you; you can work through all of that later on once you have dismounted the tiger. Right now, make sure that you keep a firm grip on top of the tiger and that you cradle Bean safely, be honest with yourself and listen to your gut when you need to - that is what really counts right now.

You cannot control the tiger but you can stay fully with Beans in the moment in order to minimise any discomfort for him. Give him your love but without any of your desperation and without any smothering; just a light green, warm, supportive touch - as if you would carry him ever so gently on your hands over a warm pond. Half-heat a snugglesafe so it is just comfy but not hot and reheat at need but give him the option to move away when he is overheating.

Try not to get lost in your emotional baggage and lose your grip over all the what ifs. Just be there with Bean and in the moment. Most of the what ifs and potential avenues usually turn out to be irrelevant anyway. But you being there with him is what counts right now and where you can do something constructive. You will always find it in you to be strong for somebody you love; hang onto that rocky core inside you and use it to support Bean, whatever happens.

My thoughts are with Beanie and with you in the coming hours.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi

HUGS

Please take a deep breath and see what the examining vet finds and take it from there. It doesn't necessarily take an exotics vet to spot the obvious; an experienced general vet is perfectly competent to do that, as I know from my own local vets. If it is an infection of the lymphatic system, then antibiotic treatment is an option. If it is the immune system/the body failing, then yes, ayou may be faced with cutting short a process that has is already underway.
But as long as you are making any dispositions with Beanie's welfare interests upmost in mind, then you are not failing him, whichever way things go. And that is what counts when all the dust has settled.

It is perfectly normal that your thoughts are racing and that you are in an emotional upheaval as the result of the sudden overnight deterioration. It's the sheer shock you could not brace for and also your grieving process waking up with a real bang. :(

Please try to set all that aside and focus on Beanie for the next few hours. You are doing all the right things but you have to ride the tiger wherever it takes Beanie and you. Overthinking and doubting yourself won't help you; you can work through all of that later on once you have dismounted the tiger. Right now, make sure that you keep a firm grip on top of the tiger and that you cradle Bean safely, be honest with yourself and listen to your gut when you need to - that is what really counts right now.

You cannot control the tiger but you can stay fully with Beans in the moment in order to minimise any discomfort for him. Give him your love but without any of your desperation and without any smothering; just a light green, warm, supportive touch - as if you would carry him ever so gently on your hands over a warm pond. Half-heat a snugglesafe so it is just comfy but not hot and reheat at need but give him the option to move away when he is overheating.

Try not to get lost in your emotional baggage and lose your grip over all the what ifs. Just be there with Bean and in the moment. Most of the what ifs and potential avenues usually turn out to be irrelevant anyway. But you being there with him is what counts right now and where you can do something constructive. You will always find it in you to be strong for somebody you love; hang onto that rocky core inside you and use it to support Bean, whatever happens.

My thoughts are with Beanie and with you in the coming hours.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Keeping Bean’s welfare at the centre of everything.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi

HUGS

Please take a deep breath and see what the examining vet finds and take it from there. It doesn't necessarily take an exotics vet to spot the obvious; an experienced general vet is perfectly competent to do that, as I know from my own local vets. If it is an infection of the lymphatic system, then antibiotic treatment is an option. If it is the immune system/the body failing, then yes, ayou may be faced with cutting short a process that has is already underway.
But as long as you are making any dispositions with Beanie's welfare interests upmost in mind, then you are not failing him, whichever way things go. And that is what counts when all the dust has settled.

It is perfectly normal that your thoughts are racing and that you are in an emotional upheaval as the result of the sudden overnight deterioration. It's the sheer shock you could not brace for and also your grieving process waking up with a real bang. :(

Please try to set all that aside and focus on Beanie for the next few hours. You are doing all the right things but you have to ride the tiger wherever it takes Beanie and you. Overthinking and doubting yourself won't help you; you can work through all of that later on once you have dismounted the tiger. Right now, make sure that you keep a firm grip on top of the tiger and that you cradle Bean safely, be honest with yourself and listen to your gut when you need to - that is what really counts right now.

You cannot control the tiger but you can stay fully with Beans in the moment in order to minimise any discomfort for him. Give him your love but without any of your desperation and without any smothering; just a light green, warm, supportive touch - as if you would carry him ever so gently on your hands over a warm pond. Half-heat a snugglesafe so it is just comfy but not hot and reheat at need but give him the option to move away when he is overheating.

Try not to get lost in your emotional baggage and lose your grip over all the what ifs. Just be there with Bean and in the moment. Most of the what ifs and potential avenues usually turn out to be irrelevant anyway. But you being there with him is what counts right now and where you can do something constructive. You will always find it in you to be strong for somebody you love; hang onto that rocky core inside you and use it to support Bean, whatever happens.

My thoughts are with Beanie and with you in the coming hours.
Click to expand...
@Wiebke many thanks for these beautiful and kind words. The vert at Lytham said likely scenario is lymphoma and anaesthetic would to check teeth he would likely not recover from. They could do an F&A of lymph nodes but result would not be back until after the weekend. She gave him some paracetamol and antibiotic (baytril) and I have brought him home (even though they suggested keep him on over the w/e) .... he barely got out of carrier and breathing is even more exaggerated so I have discussed with my daughter and given her opportunity to process and say goodbye ... she is 20 now! Even so, I recall my mother taking our family dog to the dogs home without telling my dad or any of the family ( I wasn't living there) and it has haunted me ever since. My poor dad was in his bedroom for two days. My dad brought him home as a puppy. Even though there is no test results to confirm the lymphoma Lytham are certain likely diagnosis... despite the additional pain relief and antibiotics there is no improvement. His breathing is worse I would say. He lives alongside another piggy Pippin and I think being aware of him munching on veggies and hearing the sounds of biscuit time must be really hard. We say goodbye to our brave and cheeky, rumble strutting Beanie today at 5pm. NO more suffering for my boisterous boy Beans. We are not allowed to be there when they PTS apparently because of the noxious gas. Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support.
 
I am so sorry you are saying goodbye to your precious Beanie. It’s the hardest decision for any piggie owner. I’ve had a lymphoma piggie and one with a suspected tumour and agonised over the right and timely thing to do. I hope in time you will take some comfort from the fact that you have done your very best for Beanie - you have given him a happy life and he will have given you many memories in return. Thinking of you x
 
Bertie & Jelly said:
I am so sorry you are saying goodbye to your precious Beanie. It’s the hardest decision for any piggie owner. I’ve had a lymphoma piggie and one with a suspected tumour and agonised over the right and timely thing to do. I hope in time you will take some comfort from the fact that you have done your very best for Beanie - you have given him a happy life and he will have given you many memories in return. Thinking of you x
Click to expand...
@Bertie & Jelly thank you. It's such a difficult decision but he is so miserable. What else can I do? He's staring into the corner and not interested in CC (refusal is now a reality) fluids or anything. Such a poorly boy and it seemed to come from nowhere.
😢
 
Blooberry said:
@Bertie & Jelly thank you. It's such a difficult decision but he is so miserable. What else can I do? He's staring into the corner and not interested in CC (refusal is now a reality) fluids or anything. Such a poorly boy and it seemed to come from nowhere.
😢
Click to expand...
You know your piggie best and when his quality of life is compromised. Hugs x
 
Blooberry said:
@Wiebke many thanks for these beautiful and kind words. The vert at Lytham said likely scenario is lymphoma and anaesthetic would to check teeth he would likely not recover from. They could do an F&A of lymph nodes but result would not be back until after the weekend. She gave him some paracetamol and antibiotic (baytril) and I have brought him home (even though they suggested keep him on over the w/e) .... he barely got out of carrier and breathing is even more exaggerated so I have discussed with my daughter and given her opportunity to process and say goodbye ... she is 20 now! Even so, I recall my mother taking our family dog to the dogs home without telling my dad or any of the family ( I wasn't living there) and it has haunted me ever since. My poor dad was in his bedroom for two days. My dad brought him home as a puppy. Even though there is no test results to confirm the lymphoma Lytham are certain likely diagnosis... despite the additional pain relief and antibiotics there is no improvement. His breathing is worse I would say. He lives alongside another piggy Pippin and I think being aware of him munching on veggies and hearing the sounds of biscuit time must be really hard. We say goodbye to our brave and cheeky, rumble strutting Beanie today at 5pm. NO more suffering for my boisterous boy Beans. We are not allowed to be there when they PTS apparently because of the noxious gas. Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support.
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

To be honest, I would have made the same decision were I in your shoes. My gut feeling is that his body has already started to close down and all you are doing is to speed up his journey to the Bridge and spare him some rather uncomfortable hours making his way there on foot.

It is at the same time the most loving and the most heart-breaking gift we can make. But would we not rather take over some of the pain for one we love to make it easier on them? The same love and care will also tell you more loudly than anything else that you haven't failed Beanie in any way. We can never choose when and in which form the end comes (usually not as nicely as we'd wish); we can only ever give our piggies what they want from life: many happy todays. And a minimum of suffering when the happy todays run out. You have done that and you are doing it. There will be a little furry guardian angel looking out for his friends and family soon...

My thoughts are with you all.

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children
 
Bertie & Jelly said:
I am so sorry you are saying goodbye to your precious Beanie. It’s the hardest decision for any piggie owner. I’ve had a lymphoma piggie and one with a suspected tumour and agonised over the right and timely thing to do. I hope in time you will take some comfort from the fact that you have done your very best for Beanie - you have given him a happy life and he will have given you many memories in return. Thinking of you x
Click to expand...
thank you ... I hope he had a good life with us. 😢
 
Just caught up with your thread. Sending you hugs at such a difficult time. You have acted in the kindest possible way out of love for him.
 
So sorry for your loss. You have given so much time and love and care, that really shines through in all of your messages. What you did was the kindest and most compassionate gift and you have truly given Beanie all he could have asked for. He would have appreciated your love and care very very much. It sounded like a lovely bond you had between you. X
 
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