Considering euthanasia and struggling with the idea

Orion said:
I have great news today! He is a little more active, has eaten some pellets, and 6 mls of critical care mostly on his own! I’m so proud of him
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Great news. :yahoo:

Keep hanging in there and persist with little but regular feeds and try to get as close as you can to 40 ml in order to get his weight up. It is great that he has not lost his appetite completely.

Make sure that you continue to look after yourself as well so you can be there for Ed for as long as it takes. You haven't got any control about the ultimate outcome but you can do your best in a way that you can keep it up for as long as you need to - that is all we can do in a comparable situation.
 
It is an emotional rollercoaster, same as you I was in this situation with our boy, one hour he was fine the next two not so good then four hours acting like himself and to help I literally got my calendar and sectioned it off to represent parts of the day and gave a smile/tick if that part of the day had been generally positive or a sad face if it had generally been not great at first I felt terrible for being so practical but it was done with the up most love because in those sad moments that's all I could see but then looking at the day as a whole in black and white really helped me decide what was best for our boy 🤗
I hope that kind of makes sense and sorry if it's a ramble and useless 💐
 
Please know that you are doing enough, and all that you can. It is very difficult when they have good moments and then start to decline again, it is like a rollercoaster.

If he is having more bad times than good, it may be time to make that decision although it is not an easy one, please be kind to yourself and spend as much time with him as you can, he knows he is loved. We are all here for you and Ed. 🧡

I started before that I had to put my boar to sleep last week and it was very difficult, but the vets were wonderful and he went so peacefully and pain-free, and it made the euthanasia experience not so traumatizing. I had never had to do it before, so I was absolutely terrified beforehand, but I know I made the right decision, as hard as it was.

You will know when to make the decision for Ed.
Hugs to you.
 
Hey everyone. It hasn’t been a great day with Ed. He just holds the critical care in his mouth and refuses to swallow it. I emailed the vet and asked specifically for the vet I usually see to respond to see what she thinks (if I should keep doing what I’m doing or if we should talk about euthanasia). They are closed today, but I’m sure I’ll get a response tomorrow morning. As sad as this is, I think euthanasia is the best option. It’s easier making the decision knowing he’s not happy now and everyone I’ve talked to (you guys, family, therapist) agree that it’s most likely time. He’s my baby and I don’t want him to be unhappy the way he is right now. I’ll update tomorrow when I have talked to the vet
 
BIG HUGS

If Ed stops swallowing, it means that he is very weak and/or his body is no longer able to process any food (multiple organ failure). I am so very sorry.

It is always so very heart-breaking watching a beloved one sliding over the cliff edge like a car accident in slow motion where your brakes are no longer working. I've been there with quite a few of mine. You can learn to spot the signs sooner and brace a bit earlier but the actual pain is never getting any less.

You have certainly done all you can do for him and are not failing him in any way. You just cannot stop nature taking its due course. :(

Ed knows how much he is loved. Please never doubt that. ❤️

Vets have changed a lot again in recent years and have more understanding about important it is for the owners as well in how they handle euthanasia and have become more open for wishes; but it very much depends on the individual vet and clinic.

My thoughts are with Ed and you. We continue to be here for you for the aftermath as well.
 
If he is going to be put down tomorrow, should I continue to force feed or should I just offer him things and if he doesn’t want them just let him be?
 
I’m so sorry. You are making this decision with love. ❤️

Will he eat anything for himself? If so I’d just give those.

Sending you hugs ❤️
 
weepweeps said:
I’m so sorry. You are making this decision with love. ❤️

Will he eat anything for himself? If so I’d just give those.

Sending you hugs ❤️
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He’ll eat a few bites of carrot and the stems of broccoli. I’ve just been offering him whatever he’ll eat and not forcing anything since I know it’s time
 
You know him best. If you feel he’d rather just be left alone that’s fine. If he’s a little perkier maybe he might like a tiny bit of critical care. ❤️
 
weepweeps said:
You know him best. If you feel he’d rather just be left alone that’s fine. If he’s a little perkier maybe he might like a tiny bit of critical care. ❤️
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I think it’s best to leave him be unfortunately. The last time I picked him up to try to feed him, he made noises that sound like he’s in pain when he’s picked up. He’s been a very quiet pig for the last year or two so hearing him make noises like that was especially hard. My other boy is very vocal, and squeaks out of annoyance when he doesn’t want to be picked up. I made sure to give him his pain meds a little earlier (I don’t have any strict times given to me by the vet, don’t worry! Just two or three times a day) tonight so that he’s not hurting. I’d love to pick him up and sing to him and cuddle, but I know he doesn’t want that. I’ll have time to cuddle and give kisses tomorrow. I don’t want to stress him out more than I have to. This is all about him now. I have to forgo my own emotions to make sure he’s as comfortable as I can make him.
 
was looking at messages and somehow posted my previous message again. I’m not sure how to delete a post, so just going to say goodnight to everyone. It’s going to be a rough one but I know I’m making the best decision given what’s happening. I’ll update you guys tomorrow
 
Orion said:
If he is going to be put down tomorrow, should I continue to force feed or should I just offer him things and if he doesn’t want them just let him be?
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Just give him what he wants/leave him be. Just concentrate on having some quality time with him and sharing your love, but gently and not desperately. My thoughts are with you.
 
I would just leave him be as well, and spend time with him, lots of love and snuggles. Thinking of you both during this time, we are here for you.
 
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