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Did She Feel Pain? It Looked Like A Violent Death..

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roxy_twilight

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Hello Piggie Lovers,

I recently lost my pig Roxy.
I need some closure. Please.

So it all started, say, I noticed it two days before she passed. She was acting lethargic and would not move or have any appetite. Her breathing was kind of raspy, or hoarse. She was about 6 years old and it was pretty obvious that she was nearing her time to leave for rainbow bridge. So I held and comforted her for an hour ish until I had to go to a sport. I got home, and then took a quick shower. I then came and comforted her. This time, when I tried to pick her up, she would have what seemed like little seizures. Once I got her in my arms and comfortable, she played on her side and kept having little seizures that would last maybe one and a half.to. two seconds. After what seemed like an eternity, she was breathing quite quickly and had the KO seizure. After that, her body went limp and she made barely audible whimpering sounds. I said my last goodbyes.

RIP little girl
Roxy, 2010-2016
Always loved never forgotten

Thank you
 
I'm really sorry about your loss. It is often the case with our piggies, as it was for Roxy, that once nearing the end of life they go down-hill very quickly. Many of my rodent companions, not just guinea pigs, have generally been well and active and then have gone down-hill over a couple of days before their time came.

Seizures look terrifying but are not always painful, going on human seizures anyhow, and levels of awareness whilst having one can vary. They are often exhausting and people can have sore muscles afterwards. Sadly I just can't tell you whether or not Roxy experienced pain, but she is likely to have been very tired in body and mind and it's quite likely that she wasn't totally 'with-it' mentally. A dying body, where the body itself has begun to shut down it's organs, through old age, will often release endorphins (feel-good chemicals). These supress pain and cause calmness. It could well be that despite her fast breathing and her apparent body-struggles that inbetween the seizures she may have felt mentally calm, and as I say she may only have limited awareness of the seizures themselves.

I really don't think there's a yes or no answer for you sadly in regards whether or not she was in pain, and all we can do is think about what is likely. What you can take with you is that you were there to comfort her and no matter what the mental awareness that she had during her final moments it's almost certain that she knew you were there and felt your love, and would have been comforted by that. The comfort and safety of being with her trusted human will have helped her.

I hope you can look back on all of the good times from when she was in her prime, all the treats she had, all the times she greeted you through her bars, and the happy cuddles you shared, and remember that you were there for her during the good times and right to the end. She had a good full life to and went in old age. No-one can really wish for more than that.

Closure is sometimes hard to achieve, but I hope you can take with you that her end was likely to be 'gentler' for her than it looked to you, and you were right there to give her the feel of safety and love.

:hug:xx
 
I agree most seizures in humans Are not the painfull type they are usually caused by abnormal electrical activaty in the brain.
The term "seizure" is often used interchangeably with "convulsion." During convulsions a person has uncontrollable shaking that is rapid and rhythmic, with the muscles contract and relax repeatedly. There are many different types of seizures. Some have mild symptoms without shaking.
She was more likely to fee nausea or anxiaty than pain.
Most causes of seizures are heart or brain related.
 
I should have mentioned @anders_higgs , the forum has a section for posting memorials to our pets Rainbow Bridge Pets for those of us who wish to do so, new members are just as welcome to do so. There's no right or wrong, some of us find it helpful to share/post tributes, and some of us prefer not to so there really isn't any pressure or judgement either way. It's personal choice, but the option is there for you. x
 
I'm really sorry for your loss. It can be so upsetting to be right there and to watch a beloved pet pass away. I've been there too so I feel for you. A lot of pigs have shudders/convulsions/rapid shallow breathing as part of the dying process, it's upsetting to watch but natural. I'm sure she knew you were there and that was comforting to her. ((HUGS)) to you and again, I'm so sorry. It sounds like you gave her a beautiful life and love and support when she was ready to pass and that's really the best thing that anyone can give to an animal that they love.
 
So sorry to hear about your experience. It is common for piggies to experience seizures near to death but l doubt that she would have been aware of pain or be frightened. Its more frightening to witness them. Thinking of you x
 
So sorry for your loss but please do not beat yourself up over what has happened. Think back on the 6 years you had together and all those lovely moments. She is at peace now and will have been grateful to have you there in her final moments
 
anders_higgs said:
Hello Piggie Lovers,

I recently lost my pig Roxy.
I need some closure. Please.

So it all started, say, I noticed it two days before she passed. She was acting lethargic and would not move or have any appetite. Her breathing was kind of raspy, or hoarse. She was about 6 years old and it was pretty obvious that she was nearing her time to leave for rainbow bridge. So I held and comforted her for an hour ish until I had to go to a sport. I got home, and then took a quick shower. I then came and comforted her. This time, when I tried to pick her up, she would have what seemed like little seizures. Once I got her in my arms and comfortable, she played on her side and kept having little seizures that would last maybe one and a half.to. two seconds. After what seemed like an eternity, she was breathing quite quickly and had the KO seizure. After that, her body went limp and she made barely audible whimpering sounds. I said my last goodbyes.

RIP little girl
Roxy, 2010-2016
Always loved never forgotten

Thank you
Click to expand...

I would really like to thank you ALL in your love and support, and I am feeling just a little bit better to know that she is in a better place playing with her sister soon to cross the Rainbow Bridge when I die.
Thank You
 
Very sorry for your loss
 
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