Sorry to say that we've decided to let Noop go. Jon inserted the tube and removed a lot of fluid but Noop immediately started to refill and vocalise discomfort. Jon said without major, complex and invasive surgery there was nothing he could do and that surgical recovery was unlikely regardless. My partner is going to him now to say goodbye and let Noop drift away, peacefully. He's nearly 5. He has been an absolute pleasure to love, nurture and raise. My favourite, and only, boy. I tried so hard and I hope he knows that.
We're in pieces. We've never had to make a decision like this before. We've lost pigs before but never had to decide like this.
BIG HUGS
I am very sorry about the traumatic way you have had to let Noop go. But you have made the right decision. Unfortunately, your owner's right to be the sole person to make that decision can become as much of a burden in such tricky circumstances. It is at once the most loving and the most heart-breaking gift we can make a pet in our care; it is never a gift that is lightly made.
The massive build up of fluid in the upper digestive tract points very much to a blockage (i.e. most likely a twisted gut) since it means that the nonstop stream of saliva is no longer passing through the gut and is backing up - by the sound of it, it has been back quite long bit up. By now the trapped gut sling must be very swollen.
A trapped gut can be fatal even for a human if they are not found quickly enough to be operable. A close widowed friend of my mum's had a very narrow escape.
Be as sad as you need to but please try your best not to feel bad. You have done all the right things. Try to take consolation in that the end has come comparatively quickly for Noop with just a few bad hours against years of happiness and love with you.
Guinea pigs measure their lives in happy todays and you have given those to Noop. Today was one unhappy day against 1500 good days... You have not failed him in any way as far as he is concerned.
It is OK to not be OK for a little while but try to be kind with yourself as you digest the shock, the pain of the loss and the rather traumatic events today - that is quite a lot to work through at the same time.
What I would strongly suggest is that you seek support from the free Bereavement services of the Blue Cross (UK Animal Charity) whenever you feel overwhelmed, paralysed or trapped in a pernicious thought loop and unable to move on. If you cannot do that for your own sake, please do it for Noop. I am sure that he would like to know that you are OK as well.
Pet bereavement and pet loss
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children