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Do I euthanise?

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alpacasqueak

alpacasqueak

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My beloved Sheepy has had an endless amount of problems recently, starting with his friend of years passing away and a bout of starvation. This was followed by a neurological problem, leaving one side limp for a few days and some twitching, presumably seizures. This improved greatly when two days of Septrin and the introduction of a ladyfriend next door got him back on his feet. He was doing great.
Then he began peeing blood and was put on Zithromax by a great cavy-savvy vet. All well again until Sunday. He began 'wretching' when I syringe fed, water or food. Thought maybe something in throat but no.
Looks like he's had another neurological issue. He's forgotten how to swallow. He opens his mouth widely when syringe feeding rather than closing. Looks like he wants to eat dry food and veg but can't work it out and when does the majority of the time wretches it back up as a slobbery green paste.
Had to have IV fluids yesterday as so dehydrated and probably needing the same now. Was told in a 'gentle' way that not much more could be done for him as all he's had (more meds but won't ramble anymore!). Now really not 'handling' food, is it the right time for me to let him go? Finding it try hard to cope with fact may lose both of my boys in a month but really need another opinion to tell me not being mean.
Got 2 more days of Zithromax but if he can't eat surely not a life for the two days to see? He's on metacam but really doesn't make much of a difference to his mood the last couple of days. Am a blubbering wreck!
Must mention that just been put on Itrafungol in case of mouth thrush but really concluded brain the issue.
 
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I am so very sorry poor Sheepy is so poorly. I have thought about all you have written and feel it sounds like the best thing for him would be to let him have a peaceful ending. Without being able to eat he will have a very poor quality of life and you have done so much to care for him. You have been so caring and really fought to get Sheepy better but sadly the vets have told you that nothing more can be done. You need to know that you have given him a happy life and are allowing him not to suffer any more.
 
HUGS

It is always such a difficult and heart-breaking decision to make. Go with what your guts are telling you. There is no right or wrong, just a balancing of his chances of making a recovery against Sheepy's difficulties of coping with the treatment - and how far you are prepared to take him; the latter is a very individual and lonely judgment that only you can make. It must feel right in the heart of hearts for you.

Sadly, sometimes letting go is the last gift we can give a beloved pet, as much as it hurts us for having to it and as much as we inevitably have doubts and feelings of guilt until the time when heart and head come together again and we can accept that it was the right thing to do. I have been there several times myself; it never gets any easier.

I am very sorry that your other boy is very poorly, too. What a wretched time for you!
 
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First of all, can I say how sorry I am to read this. It truly must be heartbreaking for you to be going through this.

It sounds like you have explored everything so far for Sheepy. The fact you are possibly thinking of it is an indication that it may be time. Only you will be able to make this painful decision however.

I know how hard it is to make - having had to make the choice now 3 times for our girls, it is never easy to make but in my experience as soon as we started to question ourselves if we should do it then it was time. You just know in your heart when it is time.
It is the last act of kindness and love we can make for out little ones and it is putting their need to be free of suffering and pain above the need of us to have them in our lives.

From what you have said you have explored every avenue, so you should have no regret that you have done everything possible for Sheepy.

I am sorry you are having to make this choice. Huge hugs to you x
 
Thanks for kind words, have my boy next to me now but not him really. Am just so upset as thought I'd have so much longer with both of them, Reggie who passed away last month being five and him only four. Only adopted them two and a half years ago and still feel like we're getting to know each other sometimes! Or were should I say.
Was really looking forward to the blossoming relationship between the new lady in his life and they've had a lovely little time getting to know each other and he really learnt to be a pig again but all reversed.
So now looks like losing my beloved boy, not yet grieving for my last. And will have to comfort a very lonely young girl who has become incredibly attached to my man.
Am in shock really. And just really can't believe he's had to go through all this without the happy ending it looked like he was going to have.
Thanks for the hugs, definitely need them! Did pop to family fun day, was very late as he'd been acting strangely and I'm incredibly paranoid!
 
Really sorry, don't know if anyone's still online. Should I still be attempting to syringe feed throughout the night or shall I just leave my poor boy in peace? He's so unhappy with the force feeding and wretching just feel incredibly cruel if going to do the worst first thing?
 
That is not an easy decision nor nice To see. But I'f he really cannot stand it I would be inclined to. But try and put litthe bit of paste on his ffavourite. Veg in case he eat it. I tend to do this with revolver. I cut up the vegs in small cubes and put a tiny bit of critical care ontop. She'll happily eat this. Really hopes hell be ok. Massive hugs and positive vibes x x x
 
Personally, as he hates the syringe feeding so much, I would leave it. Make sure he's comfortable, and just keep an eye on him if you can.

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this.
 
I must add - you are doing a phenomenal job with sheepy and he couldn't be in better hands. You are doig eveverything you can.
 
Thanks for replies, did send you a message Lessie as can't quite believe it, he enjoyed Critical Care at first but after a few weeks really doesn't like it. Not a 'sweet' pig and doesn't enjoy cranberry juice etc. Been feeding mashed pellets last few days along with C.C to see if helps.
Will leave him in peace until the morning until cuddles and sobs then. The wretching really does seem to take it of him, been particularly bad today so will let him rest with beautiful Jessie.
 
Thanks Lessie, you did a great job as foster mummy and he was so happy when she moved in and he had that piggy smell again! Can't believe it's ended this way. My gorgeous baby! At least he's had a short time with a friend as you saw how unhappy he was without his best pal.
At least will be without pain in the morning which must be in now. Even though loved very much.
 
Awwww so sad. As much as it hurts and you must feel really yucky it is the best thing. Its kinder than letting him suffer and it seems you have tried everything for him already. Sending you hugs x
 
I'm so sorry you and sheppy are in my thoughts i have no advice I'm sorry i just understand how gard it is to let them go and how you must be feeling. x
 
Thinking of you and Sheepy this morning. Huge hugs x
 
Thanks a lot, have woken and had him on sofa nibbling veg. Got very excited when no wretching for 10 minutes but no, began again. All this wishful thinking and hoping by me not worked sadly.
Having cuddles now and then dreaded visit later.
Really not a good day but trying to tell myself it's for the best.
 
In tears here for you and Sheepy, I'm so very sorry 8...
It's the final act of love for your baby and you are an incredible mummy - thinking of you x>>
 
I am very sorry; but you are doing the right thing. You have given Sheepy all your love and care; but even that take them only so far. It is so tough to see a being suffer like this and not being able to help!

In these days of indiscriminate mass breeding, I am counting every day with a piggy over four years old as a blessing.

I am thinking of you and Sheepy.
 
I had just hoped to have longer, with stories of people's piggies living to be such ripe old ages. But the two and a half years with my boys has been brilliant and as the pigs that have sparked my childhood love of pigs off again will never, ever be forgotten.
Am very sad as was unable to get a vet appointment until 14.30 so my poor lad is sitting here still very hungry and sad, feel awful. Has had metacam and having lots of cuddles.
We have become so close with all the syringe feeds and time spent together since Reggie's passing. This is going to be incredibly hard. And will then come home to a very lonely lady who doesn't even like to be parted from him for his meds etc! Feel terrible for adopting her now as she will be alone, this was what caused all these problems in the first place and why I adopted her to join my lonely alpaca beauty. So confused!
 
Just wondering as have not really had to deal with the horrible situation before, should I be allowing Jessie to grieve over Sheepy when home (placing him in cage for a while?). With Reggie passing away in front of myself and Sheepy he spent a while with him before I put a teddy in for 'company' and took Reggie out. Don't want to cause her too much stress either. Haven't been together that long but she does think he's great, although he hasn't been the happiest pig in the last few days.
 
When Bruce lost his lifelong wifepig in April, we popped her back into the pen they shared so he could have time with her - it was heartbreaking and something I still see in my mind today but yes, allow Jessie time with Sheepy. Piggies grieve like humans :(
I'm so incredibly sad for you and wish with all of my heart that you weren't going through this 8...
 
Thanks for info, seeing how bereaved my boy after Reggie's passing thought would be the same for her. And thanks for all kind words, really nice to feel supported.
Unfortunately my partner, who would normally come, has been working away for a month and another month to come, so been doing all this alone recently! And looks like will be today as only person I can find is my younger sis, who has my four year old neice, so don't think fair on her to see me as a blubbering wreck! And she's a huge piggy fan, particularly my last boy Reggie who she shed a few tears for (very sad).
 
My heart goes how to you, i know exactly how you are feeling. It will be very hard to, but yes, let Jessie have 5 minutes or so with Sheepy. She will go over and sniff his body a few times and maybe nudge him. This is normal, but it will help her accept he has passed. It will be incredibly hard to watch I know, but it will help her.

One more thing regarding the vets visit, I would ask the vet if they could give Sheepy some gas first to knock him out before giving him the injection, that way he won't feel anything. You can also ask to be present when they inject him.

lots of love, thinking of you both x
 
You're in my thoughts today - such a difficult thing to do, but the kindest for dear Sheepy after all he's been through.
 
Thanks a lot. Already know that's the protocol for small pets at the vets as unfortunately had to have my 3 year old Syrian hamster Hercules put to sleep three months ago after a stroke (very old boy). So checked first as the needle without gas is rather disturbing for tiny beasts! Yes, had a nightmare with pets recently!
Not sure if I want to see to be honest, don't know if that's mean but think that might be a bit hard for me to cope with.
 
There is no shame in not wanting to be present; it is not a matter of love, but of how well you can cope with your personal emotions. Sheepy will feel your love anyway.

Take your time with driving, especially on the way home; or if it is not too far and expensive, take a taxi.

If you can, leave Sheepy with his mate for a short time after you bring him home. Like humans, guinea pigs can react very differently. Most will go, sniff and lick and then ignore their dead friend, but others will hold a proper little vigil or completely ignore him. If you can, leave a rag or cosy with Sheepy's fading scent with his mate to snuggle into for the mourning period.

Guinea pigs grieve no less deeply than we humans, but they cannot afford to do so for as long as our species. Most piggies come out of their withdrawal after a few days and are then ready for a new friend (preferably by dating at a good rescue) at a time when we humans are still ever so raw.
However, I have found that seeing my bereaved piggy happy again has allowed me to deal with my own feelings of loss better. I may not have been able to bond with a new piggy straight away because of my loss, but that always has come on its own in due time.
 
Just been reading through this thread - it is so very sad, and I really, really feel for you, it is heartbreaking.
When our Harriet passed away (at the vets), we brought her home, and placed her with her cage mate, Milly - it was a terribly hard thing to do, but Milly was able to say goodbye, and to know what had happened to Harriet, and not be wondering where she was. Getting Milly a new friend from our local rescue gave her a new lease of life, and helped us in dealing with our grief.
I am so sorry you are having to go through all this on your own.
 
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