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Billiam bladder stone update

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Hi, no he can't eat anything by himself at all. A few days ago he managed 4 small spinach leaves which I had to hold for him to help him tear at them. Now he can't eat anything.

A few weeks ago before his operations I noticed he was leaving chunks of carrot around his cage and he would bite a piece and it would fall out of his mouth, he was managing his other foods ok. Was this a clue?

I think I mentioned before that he seems to have an appetite, he gets excited when you give him his veggie bowl and drags out a slice of cucumber but then really struggles to eat it. There are just a few teeth marks on it and a couple of nibbles. He gives up after a while and toddles off, almost upset with himself.

I am worrying now that he is too far gone for anyone to be able to help him. He's down to 665g - he was 691g yesterday and I'd felt pleased that I'd gotten a lot of syringe feed in him too 8.... Before all of this he was a healthy 1kg pudding. I miss my chunky boy.
 
I'm so sorry to hear that little Billiam is still struggling and wanted to wish you both well. I'm no expert but do wonder if he's struggling with his teeth, especially from what you've said about the bits of food falling from his mouth etc.

Have you thought about perhaps taking him to the CCT in Huntingdon? There's also a very highly recommended Vet in Northampton who, by all accounts, is excellent with guinea pigs and especially dental problems. I know it's not always possible to travel but just wanted to let you know of some 'experts' who may be able to help, in case useful x
 
Do you mean Simon at the Cat & Rabbit Clinic? My bunnies have been to see him and have to agree that he is excellent.

I fear that Billiam is now too far gone for anyone to be able to help him though. If he was taking the syringe feed and had the strength to at least stand up it might be worth a try but he seems to have nothing left in him at all and his frail little body seems to be shutting down. I'm still trying to feed him and am giving him his meds. It's surprising how much he has deteriorated in a few hours.

I can't remember the last time I felt this upset.
 
Yes, I was referring to Simon. Haven't used him myself but wouldn't hesitate to, based on recommendations read here.

Vickie, I'm so sad that things are still going downhill. It's so upsetting to watch, I know from personal experience and can really empathise. I'm sure you're taking great care of him so please hang in there and keep doing what you're doing. There's always hope and miraculous recoveries can and do happen, so you just never know.

If I were you I'd keep up the intensive syringe feeding and visit a well recommended guinea pig Vet or Rodentologist if you can. From your other thread it sounds like you don't have every confidence in your usual Vet so perhaps a switch would be a good idea but obviously it's up to you.

Take care x
 
If he really is going downhill then I think that aggressive syringe feeding is the only thing that could possibly bring him round. I thought I was going to lose Sweetie last Sunday but she rallied when given lots and lots of pellet mash. If he is eating the food you are putting in his mouth then you know he has a chance. I would advise you to start each feed with a few mls of water as that will quickly get into his system if he is dehydrated.

I am thinking of you.

xx
 
I am so sorry to hear that your lovely little piggy is not doing well. I can only imagine the heartbreak you must be suffering. My thoughts are with you. I do so hope that he makes it.
 
Thanks so much everyone.

Billy will not swallow anything I give him. Syringed water pours back out of his mouth and feed sits in his mouth unchewed. If I put more in it just oozes out the sides.

We have made a decision to call the emergency vet in the morning if he is still here to have him put to sleep (but I am praying he goes peacefully in his sleep tonight). We can't bear to see him like this anymore.
 
So sorry to hear that things are getting worse, despite your best efforts. Thinking of you and Billy x
 
I am so sorry. I have been through this recently with my boar George and I know how heartbreaking it is.

My thoughts are with you.
 
Billiam's little body gave up on him and he passed away in the early hours of this morning. I'm relieved that he stopped us from having to make that horrible decision to have him put to sleep but we're absolutely gutted that he's gone, we're missing him so much already.

Thanks for all your messages and thoughts, they have really helped.

I will post a message for him at Rainbow Bridge later.
 
I'm thinking about what to do with Billy's body. I don't want to bury him in the garden as I don't want to leave him behind when we move. I was considering getting him an outdoor ceramic pot and planting something nice over him so he can always come with us wherever we live.

Can anyone give me advice on how best to prepare a pot? Should I wrap him in a towel? Should I line the bottom with stones? I remember seeing a website ages ago that had a bit about piggy pots with some photos but I can't find it now.

I can't believe I'm having to do this..
 
So very sorry to very about Billiam, one the subject of what to do with Billiam's body have you ever thought about having him cremated. I have the same situation as you, we might move in the future and I dont want to leave them behind.The four piggies we have lost have been cremated (guaranted individual), the remains have then been returned to us in little ceramic pots, Sherbet and Lily are on the dressing table beside the bed, and me being sentimental always say good-morning and good-night to them.
 
I'm so sad to hear that Billy didn't make it, despite your very best efforts. I hope you can find at least some consolation in the fact that he passed away at home and is no longer in pain.

I'm afraid I don't have any practical advice on how to prepare a pot but hopefully someone else can help very soon. It's a lovely idea to be able to keep him with you. I didn't know about piggy pots when I lost my Totti and now wish I'd done the same.

Thinking of you at this terribly sad time x
 
I wrapped Dink in tissue first then brown paper - all biodegradable.

I put a very shallow layer of stones down and made sure she was about 2/3 of the way down the pot well away from the plants on top.

Sorry to hear your sad news. I hope you find peace with the pot, I know I do. The flowers are flourishing and it makes me feel better to see them.

x
 
I'm so sorry Vickie, you went through so much with him. Huge hugs, my heart goes out to you.

I've had the three I lost cremated, but am having to look to Piggy Pots for future losses. Of my 16, there are two or three remaining that I would have cremated so I have all my original groups ashes, but simply the cost of cremations means I'd have to go with Piggy Pots for others. Hoping I don't have to go down that route for a very long time yet, though. :(

Rest well, dear Billiam. xx
 
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So sorry, Vickie. I haven't been on here for a while and just read about poor Billiam. I was really hoping he'd get better :(
 
I'm so sorry to hear that you lost Billiam, sleep well little chap.

I'm sorry if I'm too late to help with Piggy Pots, but I buy the largest pot I can find, line the base with stones or crocks (broken up terracotta flower pots) to aid drainage, add a layer of soil and then my piggy wrapped in a favourite teatowel or small towel. Add more soil and then leave a hole in the middle to add your plant, add the plant and more soil pressing firmly. Water well - I find evergreen shrubs work well in pots, we've used Euonymous, Azaleas, Lavendar and Pieris. My "gang" sit on our patio in front of my bunny boarding hutches and I frequently find myself talking to them!

Once agan, so sorry for your loss.
 
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