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Difficult Decision :(

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PiggieWigs12

PiggieWigs12

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so I came home the other afternoon to find my special needs pig Norman had somehow tangled his leg up in hay. It's was so tight I had to cut it off with scissors. I have no idea how long he was left like that :(

He's obviously been the vets but unfortunately his leg is now necrotic. He's on an assortment of meds.

His choices are

Try and save the leg (trying now but it's not looking good especially his toes)

Put him to sleep :(

Amputate the leg

Given his age (9 years 7 months) surgery is naturally very risky. However, that being said because he's special he doesn't seem to have cottoned on he's poorly. His personality is exactly the same, his eating his normal he's not dropping weight (gaining actually because I'm over feeding). He's had a once over and other than him being blind and brain damaged and the leg he's perfect.

Personally I'd rather see him die on the table than wind up with septeciemia. Really unsure though. Opinions?

He's going back this afternoon for a check over and to discuss options. The vet has said she's happy to do the op but of course it's a big risk.
 
Oh, this is so sad :( I don't know what to suggest. That is really tragic.

How skilled is your vet in surgery for amputations do you know? Septeciemia needs to be avoided at all costs as you know.

Am tagging in our H&I experts for any advice @helen105281 @Adelle @Wiebke @furryfriends (TEAS) @Elwickcavies @Abi_nurse

Sending you and your gorgeous little boy lots of love x
 
sport_billy said:
Oh, this is so sad :( I don't know what to suggest. That is really tragic.

How skilled is your vet in surgery for amputations do you know? Septeciemia needs to be avoided at all costs as you know.

Am tagging in our H&I experts for any advice @helen105281 @Adelle @Wiebke @furryfriends (TEAS) @Elwickcavies @Abi_nurse

Sending you and your gorgeous little boy lots of love x
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Aside from the risk to Norman I'm entirely happy for the vet to do the op. She's excellent with Guineas and fully aware of his issues. Thanks!
 
PiggieWigs12 said:
Aside from the risk to Norman I'm entirely happy for the vet to do the op. She's excellent with Guineas and fully aware of his issues. Thanks!
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I think you are in a catch 22 situation, no matter what you do there will be risks :( I think you have to go with your gut and go for the choice that will be best for Norman. He is a really great age which with anesthetic will carry risks also BUT sounds like a little fighter and the other choice is not good.... If you have an excellent vet then that is half the battle. He sounds to be in safest of hands. x
 
BIG HUGS

What a horrible thing to happen at such a venerable age! :(

I think that you have given the answer to yourself already - follow your heart! There is no right or wrong in these cases. Any option has their major risks and their advantages. Go for the one that you feel you can live with best afterwards, even if it doesn't work out. All you can do, is give Norman a chance, as long as you trust your vet.

Tips For Post-operative Care

I heart goes out to you and Norman. I am keeping my fingers very firmly crossed!
 
It is a very heart-breaking decision, but at least you know that he is not suffering and he won't have to face the risk of a slow, agonising and prolonged death. It takes courage, but you have made your decision with Norman's wellbeing upmost in mind, so please don't feel guilty when the inevitable second thoughts set in. I would have made the same decision in your situation in view of Norman's advanced age.

Freak accidents do happen and cannot by their nature be prevented. You have given Norman a very happy, long life, so please do not feel bad when the inevitable doubts set in that come with pts and the loss unexpected loss of a beloved piggy.

You are welcome to post a tribute to Norman in our Rainbow Bridge section if at all or whenever it feels right for you. We all grieve differently. Just to let you know that the option is there for those who would like to make use of it!
 
I've just caught up with your thread. What happened was an accident pure and simple and you aren't to blame in any way. The decision you've just had to take is such a hard one. You've made the kindest decision and have made it out of love for your piggy. Tough decision for you. Big hugs x
 
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