• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

end of life palliative care

M

magpiemegg

New Born Pup
Joined
Apr 29, 2025
Messages
2
Reaction score
4
Points
40
Location
USA Maryland
In this post I only want suggestions for palliative care.

My 6 year old guinea pig, Maddie, is dying of a mammary gland tumor. It's big enough that there is no question of what it is. In Maryland it is illegal to get Metacam/Vivlodex/ Mobic/ Comfort Pac-Meloxicam without a vet seeing the pet and prescribing it.

There are no vets that take guinea pigs in the area I can travel to. I just finished calling every vet in the area.

Do any of you have suggestions for other ways of pain management. Maddie's tumor clearly hurts, but she's still enjoying life. She gets excited for food and purrs when being held. So far her poops are mostly fine. I'm not sure how well she's doing at reaching her poop to eat.

I have 2 other girls. Zip is almost 2 and adores her. Kiki is an older baby and snuggles with her. Kiki also annoys both girls when she's bored.

I'd also very much appreciate suggestions on how to keep Maddie hydrated, and help her nutrition uptake. I can't do food just for her because if I separate the girls they all stress out and no one will eat.
 
So very sorry that you are in this position.
I’ve had 2 piggies receive palliative care.
My practice has been to ensure they are comfortable, pain free and happy.
I have tried to ensure every day was happy and gave them their favourite foods and treats.
At the end of life it doesn’t matter so much if they get extra carrots or more apple than usual.
I have taken lots of photos and made as many good memories as possible.
I have been fortunate in that they died at home, peacefully with their cagemates present.

It’s not an easy time because you are grieving already.
It’s important that you look after yourself as well.

Holding you in my heart ♥️
 
I'm so sorry you're going through this with Maddie. For palliative care at home, you can try giving children's liquid Tylenol (acetaminophen) only under expert guidance, but it's risky without a vet's approval. To support hydration, offer water-rich veggies like cucumber and lettuce, and syringe-feed unflavored Pedialyte or critical care mash if needed. Keep her warm, comfortable, and monitor her closely for changes.
 
I know that in the UK some vets will prescribe paediatric calpol for piggies that can be bought over the counter. The issue is getting the dosage right. Really sorry that you can’t get to see a vet.
 
Hi and welcome

I am so very sorry about your lack of vet access.

Calpol infant suspension is an over the counter paracetamol brand for children in the UK. It is not ideal and we would normally not recommend it but seeing that you are not in the UK and that you are without vet access, we are technically not breaking the rules. You may have to look for a comparable brand in a US superstore or pharmacy.
The amount is weight based but we don't have any experience with it on here. You may want to start low and then see how much works for her. It will hopefully help to stimulate her appetite a little more.

Practical tips for caring for terminal piggies and piggies that have stopped moving around much (including access to water) can be found in these links here:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility

Could you offer mushed up pellets or a mix of recovery formula and mushed up pellets to all your girls, trying to shield your ill one with the others distracted with their own bowls and offer water via syringe without forcing it into her mouth where she is lying?

Wishing you all the best. My thoughts are with you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top