Hip malformation. Poor Pip...

[LunaticPoodle]

Hi,
so Pip has been poorly for a while without an apparent reason, last week he had horrible diarrhea and needed around the clock care, then he seemed better, if a bit subdued, but day before yesterday it happened again.
We took him to the vet and I asked her to investigate everything possible, but when she took another x-ray of his body, it showed terrible malformation in his hip bones, on both sides- they have extra growths and the growth on the left side broke off.
These weren't visible about a month ago or less, when he got his first x-ray that showed arthritis in his right knee (he has always had poor control of that leg, and I thought that explained it).
Anyway, she said it's obviously very painful for him and even with an extremely difficult surgery, they would grow back. She advised me to put him to sleep.
Obviously we're devastated, he's only 2 years old and the sweetest piggy you can imagine. He's such a cuddlebug and loves sleeping in my shirt or lap. He's happy, he's curious, he's playful. But he's also clearly uncomfortable now, and if he does not improve with a lot of painkillers, which would prolong his life only for a while at that dose, then there's nothing else to do. I'm only willing to see for a few days if the painkillers help him to not be in pain- he does move around as usual on them, but even for a very quiet and calm piggy, he's sleeping a lot and not like himself. I'm also afraid the detatched bone fragment is going to injure him further when he walks around.

Can somebody share their experience with a similar problem please?
Thank you all.

 

[piggieminder]

I'm so sorry you and Pip find yourselves in this sad situation. I've not had a guinea pig with this condition but send you my very best wishes at a difficult time.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,
so Pip has been poorly for a while without an apparent reason, last week he had horrible diarrhea and needed around the clock care, then he seemed better, if a bit subdued, but day before yesterday it happened again.
We took him to the vet and I asked her to investigate everything possible, but when she took another x-ray of his body, it showed terrible malformation in his hip bones, on both sides- they have extra growths and the growth on the left side broke off.
These weren't visible about a month ago or less, when he got his first x-ray that showed arthritis in his right knee (he has always had poor control of that leg, and I thought that explained it).
Anyway, she said it's obviously very painful for him and even with an extremely difficult surgery, they would grow back. She advised me to put him to sleep.
Obviously we're devastated, he's only 2 years old and the sweetest piggy you can imagine. He's such a cuddlebug and loves sleeping in my shirt or lap. He's happy, he's curious, he's playful. But he's also clearly uncomfortable now, and if he does not improve with a lot of painkillers, which would prolong his life only for a while at that dose, then there's nothing else to do. I'm only willing to see for a few days if the painkillers help him to not be in pain- he does move around as usual on them, but even for a very quiet and calm piggy, he's sleeping a lot and not like himself. I'm also afraid the detatched bone fragment is going to injure him further when he walks around.

Can somebody share their experience with a similar problem please?
Thank you all.

BIG HUGS

I am so sorry. I am not familiar with this issue affecting piggies, and especially not to that degree; only in humans (my mum has in her toes and hub behind his kneecap). Unfortunately there is no hip replacement for guinea pigs.

However, skinnies are unfortunately a designer breed where there is good money to be made by unscrupulous breeders, so genetic defects from careless breeding are very sadly more common. I cannot say how sorry - and how angry I am - at the price that poor Pip has to pay with having the most virulent form possible just for sake of making some extra money.

Please treasure every day you have with Pip and create special moments. It's not just treats, toys and cuddles; it's about sharing time consciously and filling with positive, constructive content. Your grieving process has already started the moment you have got the bad news. The shock and the emotional turmoil you are currently experiencing are the second worst time apart from the loss itself. Please give yourself time and space to not be OK and let it all sink in if that is possible.

A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

With your permission I am moving your thread to our End of Life and Bereavement Support section where we provide ongoing community support for you with our understanding and practical tips in this difficult time for as long as you need it.
Please bookmark this thread so you can find it again quickly whenever you need it.

My heart goes out to you and poor Pip.

 

[Truffolo]

Sorry to hear this. He looks so sweet smiling up at you in that picture. It's so sad that things have taken such a turn. Wishing you comfort

 

[LunaticPoodle]

Hi dear Wiebke, thank you as always for your wisdom. Yes of course, move the thread wherever it can be most useful.
I got Pip when he was a few months old, from a well-meaning lady who got him from her neighbour, so I don't really know where he comes from unfortunately. I thought skinnies were only prone to heart problems, turns out I had a lot to learn still
I don't think the pain killers are going to make enough difference for him and we're preparing to say goodbye in the next few days. At least this time we can be sure to take him to his vet who will be gentler and won't cause him unnecessary pain, and I'll be able to stay with him until he passes. Poor bug.

Thank you everyone for your kindness.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi dear Wiebke, thank you as always for your wisdom. Yes of course, move the thread wherever it can be most useful.
I got Pip when he was a few months old, from a well-meaning lady who got him from her neighbour, so I don't really know where he comes from unfortunately. I thought skinnies were only prone to heart problems, turns out I had a lot to learn still
I don't think the pain killers are going to make enough difference for him and we're preparing to say goodbye in the next few days. At least this time we can be sure to take him to his vet who will be gentler and won't cause him unnecessary pain, and I'll be able to stay with him until he passes. Poor bug.

Thank you everyone for your kindness.

Yes, poor mite indeed. He's such a cutie!

You have given him the happiest of lives. We are here for you through the whole time and as much as you want to be able having a place where you can unload and share your pain with people who understand what you are experiencing.

 

[Eriathwen]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Bone pain isn't fun. Unfortunately once they're in significant pain it's very difficult to get it under control in my experience with osteodystrophy, if it's anything like that. The only thing I could suggest differently would be trying to reset his pain receptors with a small dose of ketamine, I had an old lady of nearly 9 who suffered from hip dysplasia and spondylosis of the spine and this gave her a few comfortable days to get extra pain relief on board and give it a chance to kick in, but she did end up losing the use of both back legs eventually. She was still happily moving around and eating, so it very much depends on your piggies tolerance.

It sounds like you're doing everything you can for him, I hope he's able to get comfortable, it sounds like he's had a wonderful life no matter how short.

 

[Betsy]

So sorry that your piggie is in serious pain. That is very uncomfortable for him.

 

[weepweeps]

Sending you massive hugs. What an awful diagnosis. I’m so sorry. But you’ve given Pip a wonderful life.

 

[Merab]

So sorry that you are in this difficult situation.
Holding you in my heart