Difficult Decision - Eyes

[sport_billy]

Oh God, what an awful decision to have to make. We had a blind special needs piggie Megan -but she may have always been blind, we don't know. She was very happy and coped absolutely fine. I understand your dilemma, to lose your sight must be terrible and obviously she will need a period of adjustment. I know you will make the best call for your girl. Huge hugs x

 

[Goth Mummy]

You have support here, whatever you decide
Thanks for the kind words about my horse. Its heartbreaking. He is old, I have had him for 23 years now but the loss of him will be hard to bear. I cant imagine how I would keep him safe and from hurting himself if he completely lost his sight but you can essentially provide a safe padded environment for a piggy, so it may be worth trying xx.

 

[nicky]

You have support here, whatever you decide
Thanks for the kind words about my horse. Its heartbreaking. He is old, I have had him for 23 years now but the loss of him will be hard to bear. I cant imagine how I would keep him safe and from hurting himself if he completely lost his sight but you can essentially provide a safe padded environment for a piggy, so it may be worth trying xx.

Just had to say so very sorry to hear about your horse, what a horrible sad time it must be for you .

 

[Guinea Slave]

You have support here, whatever you decide
Thanks for the kind words about my horse. Its heartbreaking. He is old, I have had him for 23 years now but the loss of him will be hard to bear. I cant imagine how I would keep him safe and from hurting himself if he completely lost his sight but you can essentially provide a safe padded environment for a piggy, so it may be worth trying xx.

Oh thats so sad. I can really sympathise, that must be soul destroying. But on the upside that's a great age and he clearly has had a wonderful life with you so you have to take solace in that if you can?

I lost two horses over a long period, both in sudden and tragic circumstances when they were too young to leave us. Its so hard emotionally to lose any animal as you get so close to them, its hard to explain the bond isn't it? After 23 years thats even harder. Hugs x

 

[Cyberpig]

Thank you everyone! This is really helping. I think you Ire right, we should try and see how she gets on. Animals are so much more adaptable than us anyway. THANKS!

This post made me very happy. We should always try and see. My little boy Badger has a cateract with blood in his right eye. He also has a bit of a head tilt from his latest inner ear infection and is paralysed due to arthritis. However, he is munching on his greens, 'racing' along the floor and enjoying his life. He has cost us over £1200 in the last 3 months (because of the removal of an abscess) but it's always worth it. I think even our lovely vet Glenn was happy with his progress. I would definitely go for it, you will end up with a lovely litte grateful pig (Badger never licked or groomed me, but since all of this started and we are doing physiotherapy and daily grooming sessions to avoid bed sores, he has been licking and grooming).

 

[piggyfan]

This post made me very happy. We should always try and see. My little boy Badger has a cateract with blood in his right eye. He also has a bit of a head tilt from his latest inner ear infection and is paralysed due to arthritis. However, he is munching on his greens, 'racing' along the floor and enjoying his life. He has cost us over £1200 in the last 3 months (because of the removal of an abscess) but it's always worth it. I think even our lovely vet Glenn was happy with his progress. I would definitely go for it, you will end up with a lovely litte grateful pig (Badger never licked or groomed me, but since all of this started and we are doing physiotherapy and daily grooming sessions to avoid bed sores, he has been licking and grooming).

Aww he is thanking you for all your love.

 

[Guinea Slave]

This post made me very happy. We should always try and see. My little boy Badger has a cateract with blood in his right eye. He also has a bit of a head tilt from his latest inner ear infection and is paralysed due to arthritis. However, he is munching on his greens, 'racing' along the floor and enjoying his life. He has cost us over £1200 in the last 3 months (because of the removal of an abscess) but it's always worth it. I think even our lovely vet Glenn was happy with his progress. I would definitely go for it, you will end up with a lovely litte grateful pig (Badger never licked or groomed me, but since all of this started and we are doing physiotherapy and daily grooming sessions to avoid bed sores, he has been licking and grooming).

How adorable! They do know when you are trying to help them I am sure.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I have 12 blind and deaf piggies here, and I can promise you they are having a great life. Guinea pigs don't have good sight anyway so it won't be too much of a hardship. Check out the video of Sidney and Henry who are both blind and deaf.

 

[Freela]

I'm sorry you have to make this decision. I think, in your position, I would postpone the op as long as possible, but would give her a chance to adapt to life post-op. Guinea pigs do not rely on their sight as much as we do, and she may adjust well, especially in a familiar environment. I haven't had blind piggies, but I have had two dogs that went blind, one due to cataracts (pretty gradual) and one due to a congenital eye problem (went blind fairly young) and both lived for years afterwards and adapted well (so long as we didn't move around any furniture.)

 

[Guinea Slave]

I have 12 blind and deaf piggies here, and I can promise you they are having a great life. Guinea pigs don't have good sight anyway so it won't be too much of a hardship. Check out the video of Sidney and Henry who are both blind and deaf.

Hi debbie

I was going to contact you actually. Have those guineas gone blind gradually or were they born blind? My biggest issue is the fact that she will suddenly go blind and the shock and depression that may lead to?

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Hi debbie

I was going to contact you actually. Have those guineas gone blind gradually or were they born blind? My biggest issue is the fact that she will suddenly go blind and the shock and depression that may lead to?

There were born blind so I guess what you have never had, you aren't going to miss. However, if the vision in her remaining eye is already very poor I am not sure it will affect her as much as it could if she relied on her vision lots. I look after a cat with no eyes. He was found as a kitten with very damaged eyes and they were removed. He is amazing and he never ceases to amaze me as you would never believe he couldn't see apart from the fact his eyes have been removed He even chases and catches flies! I think animals use their other senses much more than their vision.

 

[Guinea Slave]

Thanks Debbie

Thats amazing about the cat...how the hell does she catch flies!

She does have sight in that eye currently, almost normal but in a weird way I hope that it deteriorates so that she finds it easier to adapt. I just keep looking at her and feeling awful knowing what may be around the corner for her! But that is based on my prejudices and not hers. The fact that she is in a kind herd and with a family who will support her (animal and human) I think I should give her the chance. She is very healthy (a little too healthy if you know what I mean ) and has a great character which will help. I would have to put a side on the ramp leading up their 'shelf' (which she loves) and make some adaptations. Anything else I need to consider?

The only other thing I am thinking (I am now thinking all of this through!)is that sometimes (for instance holidays) she will be in a different shaped pen around at my mothers. Do you just keep a watch on them and let them adapt? We would make sure there was nothing for her to bump into or fall off in this case. I cannot make it similar as hers is rectangular and mine is much larger and L shaped.

Be good to understand how you allow for change whilst keeping it to the minimum.

 

[Tbag]

Is there any way your mum could stay at yours when you are on holiday?
After a few trips away both us and the in laws have found it easier if they stay at ours to look after the piggies rather than having to move the whole piggy set up!