Benson's blood results aren't good

[tabelmabel]

I posted about a month ago about Benson's bladder sludge and arthritis.

Unfortunately, the news is worse than initially thought. Benson perked up considerably on loxicom and seemed lively and eating but he was losing weight so a blood screen was done on Tuesday and i just got the results today.

His liver enzymes are elevated and he has jaundice. To find the cause of this, a more detailed blood test could be done and a liver biopsy but, given that he is almost 7yrs old, we decided on palliative care.

The vet thinks he might have a few weeks at best, though he is having a bad day today and i have given him some critical care. He's worryingly thin and today he hasn'tbeen eating much or drinking much either.

Thr vet thinks he will need to be euthanized at some point - he won't just peacefully go in his sleep but will undergo a painful few days of gut stasis.

Has anyone any experience of having a pig with liver disease? The vet said it could even be liver cancer, we just don'tknow.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear little Benson’s poor prognosis, so very sorry for you all. I have no experience of liver problems. I think you will know when the time comes for him to make his way to Rainbow Bridge. I do hope you have a little more quality time with him x

 

[Wiebke]

I posted about a month ago about Benson's bladder sludge and arthritis.

Unfortunately, the news is worse than initially thought. Benson perked up considerably on loxicom and seemed lively and eating but he was losing weight so a blood screen was done on Tuesday and i just got the results today.

His liver enzymes are elevated and he has jaundice. To find the cause of this, a more detailed blood test could be done and a liver biopsy but, given that he is almost 7yrs old, we decided on palliative care.

The vet thinks he might have a few weeks at best, though he is having a bad day today and i have given him some critical care. He's worryingly thin and today he hasn'tbeen eating much or drinking much either.

Thr vet thinks he will need to be euthanized at some point - he won't just peacefully go in his sleep but will undergo a painful few days of gut stasis.

Has anyone any experience of having a pig with liver disease? The vet said it could even be liver cancer, we just don'tknow.

BIG HUGS

No matter how old your piggy is, it is totally heart-breaking when you come up against a health issue/organ failure and know that your time with your precious one is limited and that there may be the time when you have to call the shots.

Please take the time to read this guide here. It also has a chapter on grieving dynamics during terminal care and how you can deal with them. Your grieving process starts the moment you realise that that time is limited and there is no way out. But there are also advantages to having that special extra time!
Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children

 

[tabelmabel]

Thanks so much for the hugs and the helpful info @weibke. Benson is going to leave a huge hole in our lives; i am so glad he is on the loxicom and is comfortable.

On a postitive note, he has been managing his poos himself lately and has not been impacted. Once his pain was relieved, he became more mobile and able to keep himself much cleaner down below.

 

[Betsy]

So sorry to learn of Benson's prognosis. You will know when he wants to leave you and go and play at the Rainbow Bridge. His eyes will tell you.

 

[tabelmabel]

Thank you everyone. Benson was very quiet yesterday and didn't look at all good but this morning I was delighted to find him at his food bowl eating some kibble (he is on oxbow cavy cuisine) and he is looking quite bright today.
Whilst we are getting some good days like this, i will keep the old chap going through the down days. It's amazing how he changes from looking lethargic and very poorly to quite perky. Maybe to do with hydration?

On good days he is at his water bottle and drinking himself. Yesterday, i syringe fed some water but it's such slow going. I don't think i got more than 3 mil down him. Just 3 syringe fulls and i had to break even that tiny amount into seperate little squirts.

 

[rhymer]

Sorry to hear about Benson. Sending hugs and hope he remains happy for some time yet.xx

 

[Deleted member 131797]

I hope this is not going to come across in a negative way as I think you’re a remarkable owner and I’m very sorry that you’re having to go through this news, but I wanted to share the best advice I’ve ever had and that is “better a week to early [pts] then a day too late”.

I wish you strength in this sad journey. Hugs

 

[Flutterby]

I'm so sorry you've had such bad news, sending huge hugs to you both xx

 

[tabelmabel]

the best advice I’ve ever had and that is “better a week to early [pts] then a day too late”.

Hi thanks - yes i have heard that before and it is true. I think whilst he is having mainly good days, moving around and eating, he is ok. If we get more days appearing like yesterday where he is just sitting in one place and not eating, that will be the time.

It's so sad that they can hang on so long so poorly - would be lovely if benson could just peacefully pass in his sleep but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen sadly.

 

[tabelmabel]

ps benson is the beautiful grey rex in my avatar. I joined the guinea pig forum when he was just a baby. I had benson and his brother, stan. We lost stan 3 yrs ago now and never imagined we would be lucky enough to get another 3 yrs with Benson!

 

[Deleted member 131797]

Hi thanks - yes i have heard that before and it is true. I think whilst he is having mainly good days, moving around and eating, he is ok. If we get more days appearing like yesterday where he is just sitting in one place and not eating, that will be the time.

It's so sad that they can hang on so long so poorly - would be lovely if benson could just peacefully pass in his sleep but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen sadly.

I understand. My heart goes out to you.