What to do next?

[Cavy chaos]

Hi everyone.

Tangle stopped eating and drinking a week ago and the vet diagnosed renal failure. Tangle weighed 800gm and which was 100gm difference from when I weighed him the week before (he has always been a slight piggie). I have been feeding him since on critical care as per the guidelines on the packet and amount for a 1kg pig So he should gain weight, but he doesnt. He was keen on his feeds but is now more reluctant. The vet said to swap it for Emeraid as he says it is much better. Tangle wants to try and bite things but he cant seem to and when I asked the vet to check his teeth, he felt around the jaw and said he does have the muscle bulk to open his mouth, to me that sounds weird but I am not a vet, I would have felt happier if he actually looked in his mouth. I get the feeling the dentist wont look in his mouth etc as he thinks he will die under the gas and he said he wants tangle to gain weight first. Tangle isnt moving as much as usual and now has red bumble foot on both back feet and on his front paw, I change his bedding a lot and I do put a pure lanolin ointment on his feet to provide waterproof urine protection. The lanolin is pure and used on babies and I slap it on everything ever since I had my kids. I dont know what to do next as he is getting complication from not moving so much, he is a little active and interested in his girls but is actually started to be bullied by one of the more dominant girl (horrible to see). I dont know if I should have him put down now or try something else or push for a dental. He is slowly getting worse, but has some bright spells. He loves puréed cucumber, he doesnt drink otherwise. Am I prolonging his suffering?

 

[Bill & Ted]

I’m so sorry to hear about poor Tangle, it’s so sad when they go down hill. sending loads of healing vibes but if you have doubts about his quality of life then have that discussion with your vet

 

[Freela]

I'm sorry, that sounds tough. I do think someone needs to check his teeth (vets can do their best to look without anesthesia if anesthesia is an issue.) It's really impossible to say if it's dental or something more systemic if no one rules out the dental issue, kwim? I hope you get some clear answers and clear guidance. It's hard seeing them go downhill and not knowing if it's able to be treated or not. ((HUGS)) to you.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone.

Tangle stopped eating and drinking a week ago and the vet diagnosed renal failure. Tangle weighed 800gm and which was 100gm difference from when I weighed him the week before (he has always been a slight piggie). I have been feeding him since on critical care as per the guidelines on the packet and amount for a 1kg pig So he should gain weight, but he doesnt. He was keen on his feeds but is now more reluctant. The vet said to swap it for Emeraid as he says it is much better. Tangle wants to try and bite things but he cant seem to and when I asked the vet to check his teeth, he felt around the jaw and said he does have the muscle bulk to open his mouth, to me that sounds weird but I am not a vet, I would have felt happier if he actually looked in his mouth. I get the feeling the dentist wont look in his mouth etc as he thinks he will die under the gas and he said he wants tangle to gain weight first. Tangle isnt moving as much as usual and now has red bumble foot on both back feet and on his front paw, I change his bedding a lot and I do put a pure lanolin ointment on his feet to provide waterproof urine protection. The lanolin is pure and used on babies and I slap it on everything ever since I had my kids. I dont know what to do next as he is getting complication from not moving so much, he is a little active and interested in his girls but is actually started to be bullied by one of the more dominant girl (horrible to see). I dont know if I should have him put down now or try something else or push for a dental. He is slowly getting worse, but has some bright spells. He loves puréed cucumber, he doesnt drink otherwise. Am I prolonging his suffering?

Hi

HUGS

It is always so difficult when we are coming close to the time where you may have to call it shots with a terminal condition since we all want to get it right. However, it is not quite as straight forward and it is a very conflicted time. Unless your piggy has their day and tells you clearly, there is a certain time span in which there is no right or wrong as long as you put your piggy's welfare and interests before your own fears of letting go. Only you as the owner can ever make that decision and it should ideal feel right for you in your heart of hearts.

Please take the time to read the guide link. It doesn't make the easiest of readings but it can hopefully really help you to think things through as to how you are weighing up the various factors in play as to their importance for you, so when the time is there you can make your decision if not with less heartache but a clearer mind and make it easier on you that way.

If you have doubts, you can always ask your vet politely to talk you through it and how they would decide. We all feel that bit differently and also tend to make the decision differently when we are first time owners or when we are long term owners and have worked our way through the ethics and have learned the hard way when it is too early and especially when it is too late for us personally. You are a very loving owner so I don't doubt that you will know in your heart when the day has come.

The guide discusses in detail what is in play to give you help for making it with hopefully a bit more peace of mind:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

My thoughts are with you and Tangle.