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I believe my guinea pig is dying.

Victoria06

Victoria06

Junior Guinea Pig
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Good evening,

the last time I posted on this forum I was seeking advice for my guinea pig who’s brother had just passed. Today I am seeking advice on comforting my boy the best way I can.
I believe he is ready to let go and run over the rainbow bridge as last week he wasn’t very good (just stood not really moving around) so I moved his cage into my bedroom so he could have my company most of the day as they love being in my room anyway. For a couple days he was brilliant, running around the cage and seeming very happy. I’ve noticed yesterday though, he’s gone downhill again. His eyes are dull and have receded, his coat is fluffed up even though my bedroom is the perfect temperature, I’ve noticed he’s not really eaten much, and I’m finding him just stood doing nothing for quite a bit of time.
Bare in mind that he is 6 years old and does have a tumour which we didn’t bother operating on due to his age, and it’s never bothered him once! But I know and he knows that his time is coming to an end.
I’ve tried giving him a small syringe of sugar water which he did take and I was advised to try him with but my question is how long do you think he has left? It’s my last day off work (I work nights) and I’ve been spending time with him snuggled comfortably on my lap or if I haven’t got time to get him out, you’ll find me laid on the floor stroking his head for a while.. is this enough to comfort him through his last days?

Thank you in advance.
 
Victoria06 said:
Good evening,

the last time I posted on this forum I was seeking advice for my guinea pig who’s brother had just passed. Today I am seeking advice on comforting my boy the best way I can.
I believe he is ready to let go and run over the rainbow bridge as last week he wasn’t very good (just stood not really moving around) so I moved his cage into my bedroom so he could have my company most of the day as they love being in my room anyway. For a couple days he was brilliant, running around the cage and seeming very happy. I’ve noticed yesterday though, he’s gone downhill again. His eyes are dull and have receded, his coat is fluffed up even though my bedroom is the perfect temperature, I’ve noticed he’s not really eaten much, and I’m finding him just stood doing nothing for quite a bit of time.
Bare in mind that he is 6 years old and does have a tumour which we didn’t bother operating on due to his age, and it’s never bothered him once! But I know and he knows that his time is coming to an end.
I’ve tried giving him a small syringe of sugar water which he did take and I was advised to try him with but my question is how long do you think he has left? It’s my last day off work (I work nights) and I’ve been spending time with him snuggled comfortably on my lap or if I haven’t got time to get him out, you’ll find me laid on the floor stroking his head for a while.. is this enough to comfort him through his last days?

Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...

Hi!

HUGS

Please contact your vet and speak to them so re. emergency appointment; it may help you make an informed decision as to whether you can care for for your remaining boy round the clock with syringe feed top up as long as he is willing/able to take it or whether it is kinder on him to send him on to the Rainbow Bridge in order to spare him pain and any unnecessary suffering. especially when you can't be around for longer stretches of time.
Sadly at the sharp end there are no easy decisions but it will be ultimately easier for yourself if you can seek a professional opinion to have help with the hard choices and to put your boy's welfare before any other considerations.
Keep in mind that any vet can only advise; they cannot force you to do anything; but if you ask them for their honest opinion, they will give it.

Please take the time to read this guide here; it has a chapter about looking after a dying guinea pig: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
 
Thank you for your help. I’ve just put him away in his cage for the night so I can grab some food myself and he’s gone to his fresh hay and veggies which is a positive note. I will contact my vet in the morning.
Thank you again!
 
Thank you, I’ve actually just read a post on the process of a guinea pig dying. He’s unfortunately in the middle of that process. I have him beside me currently, with a soft blanket on his back. He refuses to lay down though, which I’ve seen is quite common. Thankfully he’s had a little sugar water and a slice of cucumber. Lots of cuddles and stroking to make it easy for him.
 
I’m afraid this will be the last time that I post.
Thank you again for your love and support for Percy but unfortunately he passed away an hour ago. I stayed with him in my lap whilst he took his last breath and he peacefully went to sleep.

he kept nuzzling my hand to tell me he knew I was there, I’d like to think of it as a thank you for being there.. He’s with his brother now, and they can play together in the lush grass over rainbow bridge.

thank you again x.C76B8E2D-0C02-4788-ACB5-705071256A57.webp
 
You have shown him the ultimate kindness in simply being with him as he passed. He knew how much he was loved, and loved you back. Huge hugs.
 
So sorry that you lost Percy.
He died know he was safe and loved.
That is a precious gift.
If you would like to at some point you can post a tribute to him on the Rainbow Bridge thread.
We are here to support you as you grieve
 
Thank you all for your kind words and support. He definitely knew that I was there for him to the very end. He was loved just as much as his brother and they’re together now playing in the fields up high.
It’s very quiet without them both but I’m at peace knowing they’re at peace.

thank you so much x.
 
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