• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Awful choice

Status
Not open for further replies.
Starby

Starby

Joined
Apr 18, 2011
Messages
39
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Some of you may remember that I looked after my mum's guinea pig Caramel for a bit and took her to the vet. My mum has her back and has been to the vet twice with her - Caramel does have Bumblefoot and a bad case too. The antibiotics and ointment haven't worked and my mum's been told she needs to make a choice between amputating her foot or being put to sleep :( Caramel is otherwise healthy but her foot is causing her pain. I have no idea how a guinea pig would cope with a foot missing - is this the kindest option? Caramel is 5 years old which is a good age, but clearly my mum doesn't want to end her life if it's not necessary. What is the best choice - any thoughts?
 
Most animals (and people) cope quite well without a foot. The only question would be about the wisdom of a general anaesthetic in a five year old piggy.

I spend my working life fitting artificial limbs to human amputees so if little piggy has an amputation and needs something special to protect her 'paw' then let me know and I'll sort something for you.
 
I'm sure the piggie would adapt to an amputation if there is no other choice. Is it possible to get a second opinion from another vet on the matter? just in case....I have heard of three legged piggies living good lives. Good luck and let us know what you decide...
 
I've heard that pigs cope quite well to an amputation - have you tried doing a search of the forum for "amputation"? I'd have a look for you but I'm on my phone :(
 
What a kind offer Merrypip:) There is a guinea pig at my local rescue with just 3 legs, apparantly he gets around just fine. If it was my piggy i would choose amputation, let us know how you get on Xx
 
Thank you everyone, and for the offer Merrypip :) I've spoken to my mum and it looks like she will choose amputation as Caramel's best option. I will let you know when she's had it done. Thanks for the advice.
 
good luck with this. I saw one 3 legged piggy, who was very very happy and the owner said you wouldn't be able to tell the number of legs when they all run around together
 
Piggyologist said:
good luck with this. I saw one 3 legged piggy, who was very very happy and the owner said you wouldn't be able to tell the number of legs when they all run around together
Click to expand...

:(|) Aw, can just picture that in my mind. I would certainly opt for the surgery and with a specially adapted prothesis, would have thought the quality of life would be as good as a four legged furry :)
 
MerryPip said:
Most animals (and people) cope quite well without a foot. The only question would be about the wisdom of a general anaesthetic in a five year old piggy.

I spend my working life fitting artificial limbs to human amputees so if little piggy has an amputation and needs something special to protect her 'paw' then let me know and I'll sort something for you.
Click to expand...

Aww what a kind offer x>>
There's a jack russell x at my daughters school who's just had his front leg amputated and he's fine bless him.
 
Thanks everyone :)

She's having the op soon - will keep you updated.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top