Unsure of vet advice

[Wiebke]

We've decided to put him to sleep. The vet was lovely, she has guinea pigs herself, and told us the options.

It looks like he had a prolapse from straining and the complication would have been too much for him at his weight in surgery. I'm a wreck but I'm not going to consider options for wilbur until I'm clear headed, my knee jerk reaction is to rehome him but doubt I'll want that in the end. Ozzy was just quiet and in too much pain, I feel so guilty he dropped so much weight, it happened so quickly. But at least he won't be in pain anymore.

BIG HUGS

I am so sorry that the news was devstating. You have done absolutely the right thing nd not failed Ozzy in any way, including by giving him the most loving loving but also most heartbreaking gift there is for any owner. Sometimes we cannot make a piggy well again; that is not in our power. We can only care for them, see a vet and ensure that they do not suffer unncessarily. The rest is not in our control.

Please be aware that the feelings of guilt/failure/intense soul searching that characterise the onset of the grieving process are always much stronger after pts (euthanasia), especially when it comes as a shock decision. Give yourself time to not be OK but please be kind with yourself; there is no fault attached to Ozzy's passing. Just sheer bad luck in pulling one of the short straws in the cosmic lottery of rare complications.

As long as Wilbur is eating and drinking he will keep for a few weeks .

You can find more information on what to for bereaved companions, pts and end of life decisions (if you feel the need to go over that again) and on human grieving to make sense of your overwhelming but often conflicting and unexpected emotions via this link here:
Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children
If you feel that talking about it all would help your own grieving process: Pet bereavement and pet loss

PS: Unfortunately, the system is now broken re. guinea pigs as well. Please do not give Wilbur away (rescues are full) ad rather consider rehoming a new companion in due time.
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes a chapter on challenges specific to bereaved piggies and how to spot when they transfer their unfulfilled social needs onto you)

But most importantly, take your time - you have enough enough wiggle space. You are a very loving owner; please do not choke your ability and your need to love just because you hurt. Love and grieving are the two sides of the same coin but it is in the dark and the grieving that we make deep roots as human to grow stronger and become emotionally more aware. It is not just lost time and pain. It is what you do with your experience afterwards.

 

[hayroque]

Thankyou for all the kind words.

I know the desire to rehome him is probably just a knee jerk reaction I'd regret, I can't really imagine life without Wilbur too. We got in not long ago and I've quickly weighed him before putting him home, he's had a bit of lettuce and gone to bed. I knew this morning somewhat that this was it for Ozzy because of how Wilbur had already checked out from him. The cage is in my bedroom and I'm here the majority of the time so if he's doing OK, I'll give it time to think. The idea that makes most sense to me would be to neuter him and rescue a girl or two 6 weeks later, its a 5x3 is i think that's big enough, would this be too long?

I also got Wilbur registered as Ashleigh vets! That's a huge relief, since I know they're really good and it takes some anxiety away. My biggest fear is losing him in the same way, these are my first piggies and it's just been the worst two weeks watching him suffer like that. For now I'll just focus on how Wilbur's managing, on my days in college mum will always check on him too since she loves them both to bits.

I took home a lock of his fur and two molds of his front and back feet, everyone at the vet was really lovely and gave us time to say goodbye.

 

[Wiebke]

Thankyou for all the kind words.

I know the desire to rehome him is probably just a knee jerk reaction I'd regret, I can't really imagine life without Wilbur too. We got in not long ago and I've quickly weighed him before putting him home, he's had a bit of lettuce and gone to bed. I knew this morning somewhat that this was it for Ozzy because of how Wilbur had already checked out from him. The cage is in my bedroom and I'm here the majority of the time so if he's doing OK, I'll give it time to think. The idea that makes most sense to me would be to neuter him and rescue a girl or two 6 weeks later, its a 5x3 is i think that's big enough, would this be too long?

I also got Wilbur registered as Ashleigh vets! That's a huge relief, since I know they're really good and it takes some anxiety away. My biggest fear is losing him in the same way, these are my first piggies and it's just been the worst two weeks watching him suffer like that. For now I'll just focus on how Wilbur's managing, on my days in college mum will always check on him too since she loves them both to bits.

I took home a lock of his fur and two molds of his front and back feet, everyone at the vet was really lovely and gave us time to say goodbye.

Hi

No, neutering is an option if you have got a good vet. The space is great for a mixed gender trio.

If the rescue is OK with it (by far not all are), you could even divide the space into a temporary 2x3 and 3x3 space minimal space for companionship through the bars during the post-op wait and a greater chance of acceptance. Just as long as you cable tie the grids along the divider and make sure that he cannot climb or jump over on his side.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care

 

[hayroque]

Hi

No, neutering is an option if you have got a good vet. The space is great for a mixed gender trio.

If the rescue is OK with it (by far not all are), you could even divide the space into a temporary 2x3 and 3x3 space minimal space for companionship through the bars during the post-op wait and a greater chance of acceptance. Just as long as you cable tie the grids along the divider and make sure that he cannot climb or jump over on his side.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care

One issue we're having is that we don't have a car, and the closest reputable rescue would be the potteries I think, but thats quite far away from the Rusholme area. Its not something I'm deciding on today but trying to think ahead. Are there any good rescues in the Manchester area that are fairly accessible we can look into? Dont have to be super close but its a tricky one.

 

[Wiebke]

One issue we're having is that we don't have a car, and the closest reputable rescue would be the potteries I think, but thats quite far away from the Rusholme area. Its not something I'm deciding on today but trying to think ahead. Are there any good rescues in the Manchester area that are fairly accessible we can look into? Dont have to be super close but its a tricky one.

The Potteries are within walking distance of Kidsgrove railway station. Been there from Coventry by train myself in order to date Bedo. However, they usually have mostly boars. But you may want enquire. @VickiA

 

[Wheekallweek]

How sad
RIP Ozzy, over the Rainbow Bridge
Give Wilbur lots of love, cuddles and kisses x

 

[Gem789]

I'm so sorry for your loss x

 

[Spaniel]

One issue we're having is that we don't have a car, and the closest reputable rescue would be the potteries I think, but thats quite far away from the Rusholme area. Its not something I'm deciding on today but trying to think ahead. Are there any good rescues in the Manchester area that are fairly accessible we can look into? Dont have to be super close but its a tricky one.

I haven’t used them personally but there is the Rspca Manchester and Tiny Paws Mcr. Both use Ashleigh Vets themselves.

We adopted from Milhaven in West Yorkshire. They were great. If I’m remembering right, there is a train station close by