I Think Beans Is Coming To The End Of Her Time

[Beans&Toast]

I've been trying not to think about this for a while now but it's got to the point where I can't ignore it.

I'm absolutely devastated but I think she's a lot older than I thought she was, and coming to the end of her time..

In the past few months I've noticed a gradual difference in her as time goes on; she's been sleeping more and more, she's been gradually losing weight (even taking into consideration her spay) and in the last two weeks she's lost 70g.
She's gradually been getting bonnier to the point that tonight when I pet her it's like petting a bag of bones - despite the fact that she's still eating as usual.

She's very sleepy most of the time, although she does sill have her fighting attitude and she does do the occasional zoomies (much slower zoomies).

Her dew lap is quite large and saggy now and her nails are curly and thick.

Is there anything I can do to make things easier for her? Should I take her to the vet to get her checked? There's nothing wrong with her, she's just getting old... but is there anything they can do/give? I don't know.. It's horrible to see it happening and I'm heartbroken.

 

[Swissgreys]

So sorry to hear this, and I really am devastated for you.
You know that we are huge fans of your wonderful piggies here in Switzerland.

I am afraid I don't have anything useful to add, except that although it must be extremely difficult to watch, how wonderful to see a piggie age gracefully, and know she has every comfort and all her needs are met.
How beautiful that she can still do zoomies, yet also sleep as much as she needs.
What a blessing that she has good food, a huge cage, companionship, and continual love and attention.
I am sure this is absolutely no consolation to you at all, but Beans is a very lucky piggie to have come to live in such a wonderful home.

Huge hugs to you and your girls tonight.

 

[Beans&Toast]

So sorry to hear this, and I really am devastated for you.
You know that we are huge fans of your wonderful piggies here in Switzerland.

I am afraid I don't have anything useful to add, except that although it must be extremely difficult to watch, how wonderful to see a piggie age gracefully, and know she has every comfort and all her needs are met.
How beautiful that she can still do zoomies, yet also sleep as much as she needs.
What a blessing that she has good food, a huge cage, companionship, and continual love and attention.
I am sure this is absolutely no consolation to you at all, but Beans is a very lucky piggie to have come to live in such a wonderful home.

Huge hugs to you and your girls tonight.

Thank you that means a lot. I'm completely heartbroken. It's obviously something we know will happen one day but it's so different now when I can actually see her deteriorating in front of my eyes.

 

[Kiara]

Maybe just give her a little more treats and cuddles it sounds so sad but you have to have this sadness to have the good times.

 

[*kate*]

It's such a horrible thought that we will, obviously, lose them some day

My Tilly is about 5 and she too has a noticeable dewlap and has lost weight post spay. I weighed her yesterday and am pleased that she is currently maintaining at 1kg, even though she feel quite bony to me. She eats far more than Hettie yet Hettie is the porky one!

 

[Claire W]

As bless you.

I know exactly how you feel as I am going through the same thing with my Emma. Emma is at least 4.5 years old but can be anything up to age 6ish. Although she hasn't lost weight, she is starting to feel boney around her shoulders which is typical as piggies start to age. She also has cataracts.

Emma has always been my top sow and leader but she has recently stepped down allowing Ellen to run the roost whilst she spends the majority of her days sleeping.

However, I went through exactly the same thing with Eliza who enjoyed another 12 months of life until she left for the bridge at 6.5 years old after I first noticed she was showing signs of old age.

Just enjoy everyday you have with Beans and let her enjoy her retirement. That's what I'm doing with Emma.

 

[sport_billy]

Try not to think of it, them aging and getting poorly does make you understandably fearful of the future.
Enjoy all the time you spend with her. Life has taught me a lot the past year, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Enjoy the present and try not to worry about the future because all we really have for certain is the moment a second in front of us. You'll make it count because you love her x

You may have little beans for some time yet, piggies are fighters.... Cookie taught me this.

 

[Beans&Toast]

As bless you.

I know exactly how you feel as I am going through the same thing with my Emma. Emma is at least 4.5 years old but can be anything up to age 6ish. Although she hasn't lost weight, she is starting to feel boney around her shoulders which is typical as piggies start to age. She also has cataracts.

Emma has always been my top sow and leader but she has now stepped down allowing Ellen to run the roost whilst she spends the majority of her days sleeping.

However, I went through exactly the same thing with Eliza who enjoyed another 18 months of life until she left for the bridge at 6.5 years old after I first noticed she was showing signs of old age.

Just enjoy everyday you have with Beans and let her enjoy her retirement. That's what I'm doing with Emma.

It's such a sickening feeling isn't it. Beans has cataracts too and lately she keeps walking onto things..

Is there anything I could be doing to help her at all? And how do you know when it's time. I'm so worried that she'll be in pain? How do I know if she'll go peacefully in her sleep or if I'll need to help her along the way? I have so many questions about this I think I'll speak to my vet. I know there's nothing they can do about old age but I'm so worried I'll miss a sign or something.. if that makes sense?

 

[Wiebke]

I've been trying not to think about this for a while now but it's got to the point where I can't ignore it.

I'm absolutely devastated but I think she's a lot older than I thought she was, and coming to the end of her time..

In the past few months I've noticed a gradual difference in her as time goes on; she's been sleeping more and more, she's been gradually losing weight (even taking into consideration her spay) and in the last two weeks she's lost 70g.
She's gradually been getting bonnier to the point that tonight when I pet her it's like petting a bag of bones - despite the fact that she's still eating as usual.

She's very sleepy most of the time, although she does sill have her fighting attitude and she does do the occasional zoomies (much slower zoomies).

Her dew lap is quite large and saggy now and her nails are curly and thick.

Is there anything I can do to make things easier for her? Should I take her to the vet to get her checked? There's nothing wrong with her, she's just getting old... but is there anything they can do/give? I don't know.. It's horrible to see it happening and I'm heartbroken.

It is always very heart-breaking when you come to the realisation that an old piggy is becoming very frail and there is nothing you can really do to stop it. Enjoy every moment with her and enjoy her still enjoying her life and having a zest for it - it is up to you to make sure that it is not just a bitter time, but a sweet one, too! You can pack an amazing amount of love in a short space of time. Share the little joys of life, little special treats, pets and snuggles etc.

Make sure that she is warm and cosy - not by providing hot snuggle-safes, but by making sure that she has got warmth whenever she needs it and by not heating the snuggle-safes fully, but changing more often if that is possible.

See a vet if you feel that it would help you.

I have just been through it with my old lady Nerys, so I understand.

 

[helloitsbecca]

I'm so sorry!

 

[Beans&Toast]

Try not to think of it, them aging and getting poorly does make you understandably fearful of the future.
Enjoy all the time you spend with her. Life has taught me a lot the past year, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Enjoy the present and try not to worry about the future because all we really have for certain is the moment a second in front of us. You'll make it count because you love her x

You may have little beans for some time yet, piggies are fighters.... Cookie taught me this.

Thank you. You're right and I've been trying not to think of it for ages but the thought of it is making me sick.

They both already live a life of luxury but I'm really going to start pampering Beans now. She loves nothing more than to dive into a massive pile of hay so I'm going to do that for her everyday now.

She is a fighter and she's got such an attitude on her so I'm really hoping she'll still be around for a while yet.

 

[helloitsbecca]

Thank you. You're right and I've been trying not to think of it for ages but the thought of it is making me sick.

They both already live a life of luxury but I'm really going to start pampering Beans now. She loves nothing more than to dive into a massive pile of hay so I'm going to do that for her everyday now.

She is a fighter and she's got such an attitude on her so I'm really hoping she'll still be around for a while yet.

Wee Beans is lucky to have you

 

[Beans&Toast]

Wee Beans is lucky to have you

Thank you, I'm lucky to have her

 

[sport_billy]

It's such a sickening feeling isn't it. Beans has cataracts too and lately she keeps walking onto things..

Is there anything I could be doing to help her at all? And how do you know when it's time. I'm so worried that she'll be in pain? How do I know if she'll go peacefully in her sleep or if I'll need to help her along the way? I have so many questions about this I think I'll speak to my vet. I know there's nothing they can do about old age but I'm so worried I'll miss a sign or something.. if that makes sense?

Just make each day a good day. You'll know when it is time, it is hard to describe but believe me you always know.... Pain normally makes them stop eating and sit huffed up... Even with Cookie who had terminal cancer we kept her pain free with painkillers of two types until it was time.... We found her in distress and had to get her to the vets to help her on the way as nature can take a long time

You won't miss a sign, you have experience a good vet and a forum full of friends to help

 

[Claire W]

It's such a sickening feeling isn't it. Beans has cataracts too and lately she keeps walking onto things..

Is there anything I could be doing to help her at all? And how do you know when it's time. I'm so worried that she'll be in pain? How do I know if she'll go peacefully in her sleep or if I'll need to help her along the way? I have so many questions about this I think I'll speak to my vet. I know there's nothing they can do about old age but I'm so worried I'll miss a sign or something.. if that makes sense?

It really is

Unfortunately unless a guinea pig is showing serious signs of illness, there is no way to predict when their time will come.

On the morning that Eliza died, I new straight away there was something wrong as when I went in to feed them, she was facing the corner and didn't want her breakfast. She also kept wanting to lie down but couldn't get comfortable. It all happened so quickly and I just new her time was coming and she died at home surrounded by her friends within a couple of hours.

Please try not to worry. If Beans was in any pain, she would let you know and it doesn't sound like she's in pain to me.

I know it's hard but try not to think about it and enjoy her whilst you can. She could have a long time left with you yet despite showing signs of old age xx

 

[Beans&Toast]

Thanks everyone. I really am greatful for your help and advice.

This may sound ridiculous or over the top but my pigs really are like my best friends.
I have such severe anxiety that I don't really go out (apart from work) and find socialising stressful and difficult so I spent most of my free time with them and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've developed such a close bond with them both. Apart from being worried about Beans, I'm so worried for Toast. Although Toast is the boss (she's not really, Beans just let's her think she is) she follows Beans around like a shadow, she needs her a bit more than Beans needs her so I'm quite anxious for when Beans' time does come.. I know Toast will take it badly.

 

[Eriathwen]

Sorry to hear its always hard, theyre such character filled little foodbags, when they go it leaves such a hole. I still miss each and every one of our past piggies..

I totally get where youre coming from with the anxiety too, I rarely go out because of it, I'm here by myself most days but the piggies always want to talk or have a cuddle xD
Beans knows shes got it good with you, she will stay as long as she can, I'm sure. Just make sure you cram as many memories as possible in while you can and when the time comes, we'll all be here for you, as will toast.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Sorry to hear its always hard, theyre such character filled little foodbags, when they go it leaves such a hole. I still miss each and every one of our past piggies..

I totally get where youre coming from with the anxiety too, I rarely go out because of it, I'm here by myself most days but the piggies always want to talk or have a cuddle xD
Beans knows shes got it good with you, she will stay as long as she can, I'm sure. Just make sure you cram as many memories as possible in while you can and when the time comes, we'll all be here for you, as will toast.

Thank you so much that's lovely

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks everyone. I really am greatful for your help and advice.

This may sound ridiculous or over the top but my pigs really are like my best friends.
I have such severe anxiety that I don't really go out (apart from work) and find socialising stressful and difficult so I spent most of my free time with them and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've developed such a close bond with them both. Apart from being worried about Beans, I'm so worried for Toast. Although Toast is the boss (she's not really, Beans just let's her think she is) she follows Beans around like a shadow, she needs her a bit more than Beans needs her so I'm quite anxious for when Beans' time does come.. I know Toast will take it badly.

Please try to not focus just on the negatives and spoil what is in many ways a special and very precious time that is to be treasured. I am sure that you will look after Toast well; she is also aware that Bean is frail. Concentrate on all the little joys as much as you can, so you have as many wonderful memories to warm your heart on in years to come. it is so much easier to let go when you do not have regrets but know that you couldn't have done anything more for Beans and that she will rest in your heart and thoughts that way.

You cannot choose the time and the way a piggy is dying, but the one blessing when you know that you will have to say goodbye in the not far future is that you can share your love and leave nothing unsaid and undone. Don't underestimate the importance of this boon.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Please try to not focus just on the negatives and spoil what is in many ways a special and very precious time that is to be treasured. I am sure that you will look after Toast well; she is also aware that Bean is frail. Concentrate on all the little joys as much as you can, so you have as many wonderful memories to warm your heart on in years to come. it is so much easier to let go when you do not have regrets but know that you couldn't have done anything more for Beans and that she will rest in your heart and thoughts that way.

You cannot choose the time and the way a piggy is dying, but the one blessing when you know that you will have to say goodbye in the not far future is that you can share your love and leave nothing unsaid and undone. Don't underestimate the importance of this boon.

Thank you so much I really appreciate your kind words x