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An impossible situation...

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furryfriends (TEAS)

furryfriends (TEAS)

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or so it seems.

I'm trying so hard to stay positive, but it's becoming more and more difficult.

As most of you know, Poppet has had ongoing dental problems for a very long time, and although she now eats independently she needs her teeth doing regularly to manage the situation. She also has a heart problem and has been on Fortekor since October last year. The recent deterioration of her heart means she can't cope with the stress of having her teeth done at the moment, and so far she has continued to manage and her teeth seem to be just about coping. However, over the past 24 hours it's clear she is starting to get food caught and although she is still eating well, at times she is contorting her mouth into strange positions and her ears are waggling up and down as she tries to negotiate her way through her food. Simon feels that in her current condition the stress of doing her teeth would tip her over the edge, although we may need to re-think that one.

I just feel so frustrated that not doing her teeth will have devastating consequences, but doing them is also as dangerous.

Poppet is my all time special little girl and I just want to do what's best for her, but at the moment nothing seems best. I'm determinted not to waste precious time with her by being upset, and are trying to just take each day as it comes and make the most of every day with her.
 
My heart goes out to you and Poppet, it does seem like you are caught between a rock and a hard place :(
 
Oh Debbie, why do they make things so difficult for us, as you say it is a difficult decision. I hope you can find a solution to this, it will not be easy what ever you decide. Good luck.


Denise
 
Oh my :( it is an impossible situation. I can offer no advice but send my very best wishes to little Poppet and you x
 
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She's such a fighter! If anyone can get over this, Pops can, but everything seems to be against her! I keep looking at the positives, and for now her weight is good, in fact she weighs more than she ever has, but some of that is fluid retention. The medication seems to be helping her (she's on Fortekor, plus two different diuretics - frusemide and spironolactone) and she still seems to have quality of life. She isn't very energetic but potters around the cage. I don't think she has ever got over losing Skye, her sister, at the start of January, but seems happy enough having Sheila Wheeler Dealer living with her.

All my piggies are precious, but the bond Pops and I have is so strong, probably due to all the many months I syringe fed her day and night. The vets has become her second home and all the staff there love her to bits too.
 
What a difficult possition to be in hun, I hope you can find some solution that ewill help the wee mite maintain her fighting spirit.
 
While Pops continues to fight, I will do absolutely everything in my power to help her. We are so lucky to have a fantastic vet, who knows Pops almost as well as I do, and she loves her uncle Simon! Even if she does chatter her teeth at him at times! :))
 
poor Pops hope she feeling better soon send good vibes her way & to you xx
 
I've no advice to give Debbie, but I am thinking of you and Pops. xx
 
If you do nothing she will gradually starve to death, what is the risk involved in dental treatment?
 
Maybe the vet could give her something to reduce anxiety before doing her teeth, such as kava, or even alchohol?
 
I feel for you, I really do :( I think if you decide to have her toofy pegs done, then maybe book longer with the vet, so he can do a very small amount of work at a time.
It is very stressfull decision to make.
I suppose the way I would look at it is, she is happy when she is eating,
If you don't get her teeth sorted she will be struggling to eat and maybe have pain?
I know her heart is a worry but she sounds like she is a strong willed pig x
 
BIG HUG

It is so hard when you are between a rock and a hard place with your special piggy when either alternative can/will have fatal consequences and you are left with a bad choice or a worse choice...
 
AP, there is no way I would ever let my girl slowly starve to death. I do realise that regardless of her current condition her teeth are going to need to be done this coming week. Both Simon and I had hoped that she would begin to improve, if only slightly, once she was on the medication, but her breathing is still poor and you can visibly see her colour change the minute she is put under any stress or examination. She is still eating well but I feel that situation could start to change. I am wondering about letting her spend the day at the vets, so Simon can do them little by little. He's done that before when she was first diagnosed with dental problems and they were quite severe. She stayed in, and throughout the day he just did a small amount of work, and then let her have a rest for a while. She isn't going to be distressed at being at the vets as she has been going there regularly for the past 20 months or so.
 
So sorry to read about Poppet and her ongoing problem with her teeth.

I know just how much she means to you and the amount of love you have given her over the months. Yeap, she is a special little girl :a19: - she has a place in my heart and I haven't even met her. You, also, are a special kind owner!

I can't offer any suggestions - only to let you know that I am thinking of you both and send hugs xx
 
If I ever need to treat a pig that I think may be stressed I carry out any treatment in 30 second sessions , with a minute or two rest between sessions.
Also, I do not put the pig on it's back, I keep it the "right way up".
By doing this any stress to the pig, the owner and myself is reduced!
 
She really means the world to me. She's brought me so much joy. When I lost my special bunny Schmichael, I told myself I must never get so attached to another, as it broke my heart. How stupid was I to think you could stop such strong feelings of love! She's such a character and has never liked to be caged. When I was fully syringe feeding her, she would come looking for me, and would stand at the bottom of the stairs and shout, if I was upstairs. I got up every night to feed her, and I never needed to set an alarm. Pops would start shouting when she needed food!
 
alcesterpigs said:
If I ever need to treat a pig that I think may be stressed I carry out any treatment in 30 second sessions , with a minute or two rest between sessions.
Also, I do not put the pig on it's back, I keep it the "right way up".
By doing this any stress to the pig, the owner and myself is reduced!
Click to expand...

Simon always keeps her upright for doing teeth. I am thinking that it could be worth either booking an extra long appointment of leaving her with him for half a day. He's very good, and quick, so hopefully the stress can be kept to a minimum.
 
I think everyone on this forum would be as torn as you in making this decision, I know for one I would be! I know you will do the right thing for her and she sounds like she still wants to keep fighting!
 
I realise it is an obvious question but is Thursday the earliest she can be seen?
 
She will obviously be seen earlier if necessary, but Simon is away on a course for three days and he is the one who has dealt with her dental issues from the onset. I prefer not to have a locum, who I've never met before, dealing with something so important. Like I said before, she is still eating, and eating well, but I know there are problems brewing because she is starting to get bits of food stuck from time to time.
 
I'm so very sorry she is ill... She seems like such a wonderful little piggy. I have nothing to offer in medical advice but will cross my fingers (and the piggies paws if I can get hold of them) for a miracle.
 
I have no experiance with dental problems but could critical care be given if made up to be really soft ? Might just help if shes unable to eat much solid food.
Although like I said, I really have no experiance with this.
 
Char-x said:
I have no experiance with dental problems but could critical care be given if made up to be really soft ? Might just help if shes unable to eat much solid food.
Although like I said, I really have no experiance with this.
Click to expand...

She's still able to eat when she feels strong enough to, but it's her heart that seems to be failing. Sadly, although teeth can often be fixed, a diseased heart can't. She's on just about every medication possible.

I've been giving her some syringe food to help keep her strength up, but not forcing her to eat as she gets distressed. She is sleeping a lot, cuddled up to Sheila but still potters around the cage from time to time.

She's so special, but if it is time for her to go then I hope and pray she just slips away cuddled up to her mate.
 
You know how i feel about this Debbie. 8...8... It's so bl**dy cruel! She battled her way back to health over such a long time & now this.........
If miracles do happen then i'm hoping one happens now & if not that the 2 musketeers come for the third in her dreams.
I am thinking about you & Pops xx
 
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