Taking both pigs for PTS?

[moodysuzy]

Hi everyone,

Our poor Edgar is sadly nearing the end of his short life, we are probably looking at having him put to sleep in the next week or two, depending on how quickly he deteriorates.

He and his brother Prawn have never been particularly cuddly with each other, but over the last couple of weeks while Edgar has been increasingly ill, Prawn has spent the entire time cuddled up to him, usually in front of him, protecting Edgar and keeping him warm. He won’t spend a second away from him at the moment.

When we take Edgar to the vets I would like to bring Prawn to keep him company for the journey up. I would bring Edgar back in a separate box and keep Prawn in the carrier.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? I’ll ask the vets of course but I figured they could take Edgar out in the consultation room and then bring Prawn back to us in the carrier.

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, so sorry to read this.

I would personally not do this, when the time comes take Edgar up alone.

If you haven't had a piggy PTS before, I would ask the vets to give Edgar gas before any injection so he will drift of to sleep and not feel anything. Bring Edgar home and pop him back in the cage with Prawn, leave them alone a while, Prawn may go over and nudge or wash Edgar, or he may sniff and then he will probably walk away... - this will be utterly heart-breaking to watch but prawn will then understand Edgar has passed.

i am truely sorry out of our 9 girls with has lost, we have had 7 PTS.. sadly 1 of those quite late as we found her dying when we woke up. Nature is rarely kind with death and PTs is the last act of love we can make for our pets

 

[sport_billy]

Sending you, Edgar and Prawn lots of love x

 

[sport_billy]

Sending you, Edgar and Prawn lots of love x

 

[Bill & Ted]

Sending you lots of hugs, it’s such a sad time for you all x

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

I am very sorry about you having to face the end.

Personally, I prefer to take my pts piggies alone as they are usually ever so gently put to sleep behind the scenes in the little container that is also used for operation GA for small animals so the companion cannot be with them. I usually do hold mine in my arms in a cuddle bag while my husband is driving.
You can usually bring your piggy home for the companion to take leave afterwards if you wish (reactions can vary enormously depending on whether they have already said their goodbye or not and how closely they were bonded). I have found that this is a lot less upsetting for the companion(s) because a dying piggy usually removes itself from the group if at all possible. I am about half : half between pts and dying at home with having lost over 40 of the piggies in my life so far.

Here is more detailed practical information on all aspects you face this very difficult time. I hope that you will find the link very helpful; not just for Edgar and Prawn, but also for yourself as the grieving process starts when you have to face an impending and unavoidable loss, like you are doing right now:
Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

 

[VickiA]

I agree with the comments above. I have had many piggies PTS and always take them alone, and I then bring them back home again so that their companion can say goodbye. Huge hugs to you x

 

[artcasper]

Aww so sorry you are going through this.. had to do this twice and its never easy. I popped my first pig back in the cage and her sister did go over and try to wake her and licked her eyes and face - so sweet to watch and also heartbreaking.. big hugs

 

[Merab]

So sorry that you are having to face this.
I echo the comments already made.
Remember that having made this decision for Edgar that you have already started to grieve.
Be gentle with yourself.
Holding you in my heart

 

[Free Ranger]

If I've had pigs that needed pts they were usually at the stage where they were removing themselves from the other anyway. I don't take a companion like I usually would to the vets. I worry that if the companion pig needs the vet at some point in the future they might think they're going in and not coming out again.

When my much loved Ivy was unwell last year George stayed with her in the hideys which was not like them at all - it's one of the reasons I knew she was serious. But when the time came she had crept into the back on the cat-box alone. So I didn't bring her home after, because I got the impression he knew. I put the empty cat-box down for him to go in if he wanted and left it there for almost a week I think. It still had her smell - but beyond going in for a look round when we first got back he didn't really look for her.

I'm so sorry you find yourself in this situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys

 

[Emx93]

So sorry you are going through this, I had a piggie pts last April during the height of lockdown, because of covid restrictions and stuff we weren't able to bring her body home for her friend to see before cremation so in that instance the vet suggested I sent her friend in with her, her friend was then given a few moments to take leave before she was brought back out to us as we weren't allowed in due to covid it's a very personal decision and I can see most people don't take companions, sending love to you all

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry you are faced with this. It's never an easy decision. My pigs have passed at home thus far, but I have always let the other pig see them when it's over (assuming they were not together at the time- one of my pigs passed overnight in the cage.) They will nuzzle up to their deceased friend for a time and when they move away I will remove the body. It seems to help them understand that their friends has passed, though it breaks my heart every time. Again, ((HUGS)) to you and so sorry you have to do this. I have an elderly pig too and I'm dreading knowing that this is coming.