How long to keep going

[joalison]

Hi everyone,
My Lynx (due to be 3 in September) had a dental the other day as he was gradually losing some weight. One of his molars was starting to grow inward so it was trimmed. He was so stressed after the vet he developed a UTI and was on antibiotics for a week for that. The whole time Ive been syringe feeding him as he is eating nothing, maybe a piece of grass or two sometimes but slowly. I thought it was maybe the antibiotics but I think now its dental..he seems to have difficulty chewing still. The trim was so minor and it wasnt that bad so i dont think he will still be in pain and the vets dont either, even if he was the vets here only prescribe a small dose of cat loxicom here so its no use.

He walks about sometimes and seems relatively bright apart from the not eating..I just cant see a way out for him if he wont eat the teeth will grow badly again and need another trim which stresses him massively and he still probably wont eat..How long should i go on syringe feeding him like this?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,
My Lynx (due to be 3 in September) had a dental the other day as he was gradually losing some weight. One of his molars was starting to grow inward so it was trimmed. He was so stressed after the vet he developed a UTI and was on antibiotics for a week for that. The whole time Ive been syringe feeding him as he is eating nothing, maybe a piece of grass or two sometimes but slowly. I thought it was maybe the antibiotics but I think now its dental..he seems to have difficulty chewing still. The trim was so minor and it wasnt that bad so i dont think he will still be in pain and the vets dont either, even if he was the vets here only prescribe a small dose of cat loxicom here so its no use.

He walks about sometimes and seems relatively bright apart from the not eating..I just cant see a way out for him if he wont eat the teeth will grow badly again and need another trim which stresses him massively and he still probably wont eat..How long should i go on syringe feeding him like this?

Hi

We cannot tell you when to call it shots as there is a grey area between clearly too soon and clearly too late. Everybody also defines 'quality of life' a bit different and the fear of letting go or getting it right is also playing a role. Financial aspects also play a justified role with today's massively risen vet cost.

Please take the time to read the link below. The questions are designed to help you work out for yourself where you stand on a range of aspects so you can make any decisions with a clearer mind if not with a less aching heart. It's the most painful thing you can be asked to do as a loving owner. I hope that it will help you ease the burden for yourself enough to allow you to define for yourself where you draw the line. It is always the most difficult when you are coming closer but are not quite there yet as we all want to get it as right as we possibly can forour beloved ones.
Operation or Terminal Care/Euthanasia? - Helpful Questions to Ask Ahead or in Hindsight

 

[joalison]

Hi

We cannot tell you when to call it shots as there is a grey area between clearly too soon and clearly too late. Everybody also defines 'quality of life' a bit different and the fear of letting go or getting it right is also playing a role. Financial aspects also play a justified role with today's massively risen vet cost.

Please take the time to read the link below. The questions are designed to help you work out for yourself where you stand on a range of aspects so you can make any decisions with a clearer mind if not with a less aching heart. It's the most painful thing you can be asked to do as a loving owner. I hope that it will help you ease the burden for yourself enough to allow you to define for yourself where you draw the line. It is always the most difficult when you are coming closer but are not quite there yet as we all want to get it as right as we possibly can forour beloved ones.
Operation or Terminal Care/Euthanasia? - Helpful Questions to Ask Ahead or in Hindsight

thank you!

 

[Wiebke]

thank you!

My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

 

[LucyP]

So sorry you’re going through this and I have no expertise.. just wanted to add support and also say that it’s a shame your vet doesn’t know about the correct metacam doses for pigs - is it worth getting a second opinion on the whole situation just in case a more piggy savvy vet has advice? Or maybe your vet is great otherwise. I do appreciate it may not make a difference or it might not be possible to see someone else.

Thinking of you.

 

[joalison]

So sorry you’re going through this and I have no expertise.. just wanted to add support and also say that it’s a shame your vet doesn’t know about the correct metacam doses for pigs - is it worth getting a second opinion on the whole situation just in case a more piggy savvy vet has advice? Or maybe your vet is great otherwise. I do appreciate it may not make a difference or it might not be possible to see someone else.

Thinking of you.

It is a shame I live in rural Ireland so these vets are the best available sadly. There is a more exotics savvy vet but she is 2+ hours each way and I dont want to put him through the journey as he was very stressed after it last time

 

[LucyP]

That’s understandable. I’m sorry it’s so difficult. You sound like you’re doing a great job caring for Lynx.

 

[exia]

When was the trim?

It can take some time for them to come back. One of my dentalpigs was so stressed out from the whole syringe, vet, trim and pain he needed stronger/more relaxing pain relief than Metacam. Just a couple of hours after the first dose he ate his first hay in two weeks without any problem in the world. Talk to your vet about his meds, and if theres something else you could try?

 

[joalison]

When was the trim?

It can take some time for them to come back. One of my dentalpigs was so stressed out from the whole syringe, vet, trim and pain he needed stronger/more relaxing pain relief than Metacam. Just a couple of hours after the first dose he ate his first hay in two weeks without any problem in the world. Talk to your vet about his meds, and if theres something else you could try?

Its been 11 days now. Sadly they will only prescribe very low dose metacam i wouldve hoped he would gradually be getting better but hes as bad as the first day

 

[joalison]

Just to update, today we brought him to the vet to be PTS. she did a little exam of him first and thinks he could have had tumours in his head area which she didnt notice the last time, it wouldve only been seen if we did a scan. She thinks that could be the reason his molar on that side overgrew to begin with and the nerves in his tongue werent responding normally on that side so he wouldve found it hard to eat or swallow recently. He is now no longer hungry or in pain. He left 3 bereaved sows, the two younger said their goodbyes to him but the older one didnt even when he was moved closer to her. we were surprised but she must have already known he was ill..anyway thank you all for reading and your support

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry Lynx had to go over the rainbow bridge. Popcorn high over there. Eat all the freshest, greenest grass.

 

[CTWC]

I am so very sorry to hear this
We never know how long we have with our beloved guineas but you're right she probably already knew and had said her goodbyes, he will be with you all forever watching over you

 

[Wiebke]

Just to update, today we brought him to the vet to be PTS. she did a little exam of him first and thinks he could have had tumours in his head area which she didnt notice the last time, it wouldve only been seen if we did a scan. She thinks that could be the reason his molar on that side overgrew to begin with and the nerves in his tongue werent responding normally on that side so he wouldve found it hard to eat or swallow recently. He is now no longer hungry or in pain. He left 3 bereaved sows, the two younger said their goodbyes to him but the older one didnt even when he was moved closer to her. we were surprised but she must have already known he was ill..anyway thank you all for reading and your support

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry that you had to make the most loving but also most heart-breaking decision any of us can be called upon but at least I am glad that you have found some answers that will help you make peace with your decision, knowing that your heart and your instincts are sound and in the right place but also that there are still plenty of things that we can now start to realise/understand but that are still well beyond any vet's capacities when it comes to guinea pigs.

You have given Lynx what he wanted out of his life: happy todays in your good care as well as your love and compassion at the end. You have not failed him in any way.

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

We now have a special End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner if you feel that talking about your emotions helps you.
End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner

 

[Wheekallweek]

I'm very sorry to hear Lynx has crossed the Rainbow Bridge

 

[Merab]

So sorry that your loss have lost Lynx.
You gave him so much love and care.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
Hugs