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how long would you wait.

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Glittermupsy

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Hi
I’m new to this forum but just wanted to ask some advice.
We were away on holiday when my dad called and said our piggie hadn’t eaten any greens which was unusual. To cut a very long story short, I came home and took out piggie to the vets, who suspected pneumonia. He stayed in for today had fluids, antibiotics, and analgesia and has come home this afternoon. They said he was eating, but he is not and is on a supplement which I need to syringe feed every 3 hours. He is nearly 7, but they said he was perkier than when I brought him to the vets. I can’t see much difference.
I think my question is, I don’t want him to suffer and don’t want to syringe feed him for longer than is necessary, given his age. How long would you wait to see if there’s an improvement.
Many thanks.
 
My boy Kip who would’ve been 7 in July went to the vet’s a couple weeks back, similar issue of not eating. He perked up but then developed bloat and the vet said found fluid in his tummy and abdomen, so based on that we followed her recommendation to put him to sleep. It felt right at the time, even though I do question it now but I think that’s natural part of grief. I think it has to feel right for you at the time too. It’s really difficult to put a timeframe on it.

I think piggys usually take a couple of days to respond fully to antibiotics at least, but if you think his quality of life has declined hugely or the prognosis from here doesn’t look great for his health or age then I think it would be fair to consider all options. I still think you should play it by ear, I feel like you mostly will just know when’s the right time to let go if it comes to it. I wish I had any better advice than basically “follow your heart” but you know your piggy better than anyone else. Generally vets will tend to make a recommendation too if they feel like things aren’t looking good. It’s a tough decision on all fronts and even tougher to time it.

Thinking of you both and I hope he does perk up and get through this ❤️
 
Hello and welcome to the forum! I'm so sorry you're having such trouble with your boy. Please know that we can't diagnose nor say anything for certain as we're not vets and each case is so very different to the next.

If you normally keep him outside, please bring him(and cage mate) inside. This way you'll be able to keep a closer eye on him and temperatures/humidity will be more stable.

An ill piggy or a piggy in pain won't eat, so syringe feeding every 3hrs is definitely in his best interest and can make the difference between life and death. I'd aim for a minimum of 100ml of syringe feed in 24hrs. Continue to offer plenty of fresh hay and a tbsp of nuggets. If you are able to find any dog/fox pee free grass that hasn't been sprayed or near a road, you may offer some to encourage him to eat.

Certain medications like antibiotics can suppress the appetite and cause tummy pain and upset as it destroys all the good bacteria too. I'd offer him a probiotic 2hrs after each antibiotic dose to help combat this.
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre

Weighing daily, and at the same time each day, will be your best indicator for if he's eating enough. Some digital kitchen scales will do.
Weight - Monitoring and Management

As for how long to go on for, that's tough. I'd give him 3-5 days to see if there's any improvement. If he begins to deteriorate any further then you may need to have a discussion with your vet.
 
Hi and welcome

HUGS
As long as your boy is at least partially eating by himself, he still has the will to live and enough quality of life to have an interest in food. It is always the most difficult time when you come close to the line where you have to call the shots but before you actually get there. There is no set time but things will either get better or get worse over the coming few days.
It is very stressful and awkward when you are stuck in limbo as you currently are and you would like where you stand. Unfortunately none of us can predict outcomes; it is a tiger that we all have to ride wherever it takes us right to a lucky escape or to the bitter end. :(
You may find the last chapter in our feeding guide helpful in determining when a piggy has crossed the line of no return: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

This link here delves much deeper into end of life care considerations to help you with all the challenges that come with the situation and with making any necessary decisions so they are as right for you in your own situation as possible: Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection

Fingers very firmly crossed!
 
thank you so much for your replies and best wishes. He looked a bit perkier at 9pm but now is laying very flat and crying when I pick him up. He is very lethargic and can hardly hold his head up. I’ve fed him a couple of mls of supplement and a half ml of water and given him some painkillers, but think unless there is any improvement by the morning, I don’t want to prolong things for the poor little fella.
 
Glittermupsy said:
thank you so much for your replies and best wishes. He looked a bit perkier at 9pm but now is laying very flat and crying when I pick him up. He is very lethargic and can hardly hold his head up. I’ve fed him a couple of mls of supplement and a half ml of water and given him some painkillers, but think unless there is any improvement by the morning, I don’t want to prolong things for the poor little fella.
Click to expand...
I’m so sorry to hear this. You’ve done all you can no matter what happens. Thinking of you both ❤️
 
I'm so sorry to hear your piggie is not well and I understand you not wanting to prolong any suffering. In my experience when piggies stop eating by themselves altogether and have no interest in food it can signify that they are coming to the end and just do not have the fight left to carry on. I tell you this as this is what happened to two of my piggies late last year.

However, due to him being on antibiotics, this could be affecting/suppressing his apetite so I would try giving him probiotics mixed in with his syringe feed around 2 hours before every dose of antibiotics, this will help to try and boost his apetite. Probiotics do a good job at keeping the gut happy and moving.

Can I ask if he is still pooping normally? Is he eating anything such as hay, pellets, veggies and drinking? I really do hope he improves and I have you both in my thoughts. No matter what you decide, I know it will be out of love and in your piggies best interests ❤
 
If he has completely stopped eating, it is important to try and get at least 40 - 50ml of syringe feed into him over a 24 hr period. Ideally feeding him around every 3 hours. I would also try giving him a little water too, as much as he will take but do not force it as he will get water in his syringe feed anyway. Please get your rest too as caring for a sick piggie really can be exhausting.

When feeding syringe food and water, try only a small amount at first, around 0.3ml, just to see if he is able to swallow and to avoid choking. I wish you and your piggie all the best 🙏
 
So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the fact that he had a long life filled with happy piggy days.
Popcorn free across the rainbow bridge little fella. ❤️ 🌈
 
Oh no, I'm so sorry. Take comfort in the fact that you did everything you could. Take time to grieve and heal. Run free little guy.
 
Awe bless. How nice of you to say. Our mod team and members work really hard to keep this a nice place for all through both good and bad times through our piggies journeys. We hope you stay not just to learn but to have fun with like minded piggy people.

You never mentioned your piggies name. When you are ready, feel free to add his story to the rainbow bridge section.

This may also help you and your children through this difficult time. Take care ♥️
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
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