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Being PTS at 11

A

AMMAH

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Feb 17, 2019
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Location
West Yorkshire
I'm taking my lovely old lady pig Naira to the vets at 11 to be put to sleep.
She was fine on Fri, and yesterday was still coming out to get her food but wasn't able to eat it. As she is quite old and her sister died in Jan last year, I thought her time had come and to be honest, I was hoping she would die at home overnight.
This morning she is still with us but not looking very good at all. She has a lot of saliva down her chest and it looks like it has blood in it so I definitely think it would be kinder to have her put to sleep.
As well as being really upset, I'm a bit worried as I'm just taking her to the local vets. I normally go to Ellie Whitehead but I'm hoping they can't go far wrong with this.
Such a sad day 💔
 
I’m really sorry you’re going through this today, it’s heart breaking.

one of the most loving acts we can do as owners is knowing when it’s time and doing the right thing. You’re doing just that, loving your Naira

don’t worry about having a different vet, it will all probably be a bit of a blur for you as it’s so emotionally difficult. I tend to go to closest vet for PTS as no point going for a long drive. My closest vet isn’t good with humans but I’ll take it for the piggy.

You are doing the right thing. You are a kind and loving piggy parent.

Look after yourself today. Big Hugs
 
Aw, so sorry for you, but you know your piggie and it sounds like she has reached her final stages of life. Big hugs, you are doing the kindness thing for her x
 
AMMAH said:
I'm taking my lovely old lady pig Naira to the vets at 11 to be put to sleep.
She was fine on Fri, and yesterday was still coming out to get her food but wasn't able to eat it. As she is quite old and her sister died in Jan last year, I thought her time had come and to be honest, I was hoping she would die at home overnight.
This morning she is still with us but not looking very good at all. She has a lot of saliva down her chest and it looks like it has blood in it so I definitely think it would be kinder to have her put to sleep.
As well as being really upset, I'm a bit worried as I'm just taking her to the local vets. I normally go to Ellie Whitehead but I'm hoping they can't go far wrong with this.
Such a sad day 💔
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BIG HUGS

I am very sorry that Naira is so very poorly; but you are doing the right thing.

Most UK vets and staff have had training to deal with pts in a sensitive and respectful manner. I've had to rush so many of my piggies to out-of-hours or my local vets over the years and been seen by so many different vets - but they have all been kind and respectful in the last decade or so!
Procedures re. your presence may have changed in view of the pandemic.

Salivating like that unfortunately means that there is some kind of blockage somewhere in the digestive system (from the mouth/throat to the anus) and that even saliva can no longer pass. If there is blood mixed in, then it rather sounds like something has burst. It is always a cause for pts, whatever the age; unless the blockage can be easily removed. :(

If it is any consolation for you, in 2017 I had to rush three of mine for pts with this symptom within 6 weeks - 7 years old Maelog had a blockage in his gut, three days later Papi was found to have a large swelling at the back of her throat just one month short of her 4th birthday and then in the following month 2 year old Angharad suddenly lost the ability to swallow. It wasn't an easy time and I got really jittery after Angharad's death. :(

Be kind with yourself through the inevitable soul-searching that each of us suffers at the onset of the grieving process.
You are not failing Naira in any way!

I hope that these links will help you:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
I'm so sorry. You gave her the best life. Please don't forget that. She will always have a piece of your heart.

Big hugs sweetheart xx
 
Thanks so much for your support and kind words everyone. I have buried her in the garden.
The vet said there was a lot of fluid on her lungs and it could have been an upper respiratory problem. I think this was a secondary issue though and the main problem was something more catastrophic as suggested by Wiebke.
Here's a photo of her from last year - on the right ❤
IMG-20190223-WA0008.webp
 
I am so sorry for your loss. You really did all you could, please be kind to yourself. Massive hugs.

Sleep well little one

RIP Naira
x x
 
AMMAH said:
Thanks so much for your support and kind words everyone. I have buried her in the garden.
The vet said there was a lot of fluid on her lungs and it could have been an upper respiratory problem. I think this was a secondary issue though and the main problem was something more catastrophic as suggested by Wiebke.
Here's a photo of her from last year - on the right ❤
View attachment 137010
Click to expand...
She was beautiful. RIP Naira ❤️
 
So sorry to read this sad post. You did everything you could for your beautiful girl.
RIP little one.🐾🌈💕
 
So sorry to hear this but you gave her the kindest ending.
11 is an amazing age - a real tribute to your love and care.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve for Naira
 
Merab's Slave said:
So sorry to hear this but you gave her the kindest ending.
11 is an amazing age - a real tribute to your love and care.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve for Naira
Click to expand...
I wondered if I might have confused people with the title - I meant 11am, that wasn't her age as yes that would be amazing!
Thanks for your caring message; I am feeling very sad
 
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