My older guinea pig is dying... I'm trying to decide if euthanasia would be best, or not.

CavyMum58

CavyMum58

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My piggy is over 6 years old and is about to pass. He does not seem to be having much pain, just an occasional whimper squeal. Otherwise he is just very quiet lying in his favorite spot in his hay bin. He has stopped eating and drinking completely, is extremely weak, almost limp, hasn't pooped except for 10-15 little poops yesterday, and I'm not sure if is peeing at all now. I've never been through this before with a piggy. But I was a Registered Nurse for 40 years and have cared for many dying humans. The two things we focused on for people were comfort, and not being alone. My piggy boy is still somewhat aware of His surroundings, changes position every now and then, but otherwise isn't doing much. I honestly would prefer keeping him with me until the end but it seems to be a very long process. Plus I don't want him to be suffering for an extended period. He doesn't appear to be right now, but I don't know if that is actually true. Anyway... any sage advice that could be offered would be greatly appreciated. 😟❤️‍🩹
 
I’m so sorry to hear this.

The guide below may help you.
Generally speaking you’re looking for him to be comfortable, warm (but not hot) and not too distressed.

Be aware that the process is rather a physical one.
I have had many animals in my 35 or so years of small animal keeping but I’ve never been present for a natural passing (the others had either gone overnight or been PTS by the vet) until it happened back in March. It was a bit a shock and I spent time wondering whether I was doing right by allowing him to stay at home but the reality is, he was as comfortable as he could be and was able to have the comfort of his cage mate. It took all day for him to pass.

Sending you hugs

Wiebke

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

1 Your mental health, sensitivities and work commitments
- Mental health and support resources
- Sensitivity aspects
- When work and other commitments clash
2 Life or death emergency – Can my piggy be saved?
- Contacting a vet clinic at all times and link to life and death emergencies list
- What to do if I cannot access vet care instantly?
- The need to save up for emergency vet access
3 Is my...
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I am so sorry for what you and your piggy are going through. How long hasnt he eaten and drank for? 😢
 
I’m so sorry that your beloved boy is crossing over the rainbow bridge 😞

I can not add to the advise that has already been given but I am thinking of you. It isn’t a nice process but keep him comfortable and warm and be prepared to take him to the vet to be helped along if he becomes distressed or shows signs of being in discomfort (((hugs))) I hope his passing is quick and peaceful x
 
I know how heartbreaking this is and I truly feel for you. Let him know you are near. I sat with one of old chaps, Coco, last year as he was dying on my lap, and just talked quietly to him about everything we had done together. Sending hugs x
 
CavyMom58 said:
My piggy is over 6 years old and is about to pass. He does not seem to be having much pain, just an occasional whimper squeal. Otherwise he is just very quiet lying in his favorite spot in his hay bin. He has stopped eating and drinking completely, is extremely weak, almost limp, hasn't pooped except for 10-15 little poops yesterday, and I'm not sure if is peeing at all now. I've never been through this before with a piggy. But I was a Registered Nurse for 40 years and have cared for many dying humans. The two things we focused on for people were comfort, and not being alone. My piggy boy is still somewhat aware of His surroundings, changes position every now and then, but otherwise isn't doing much. I honestly would prefer keeping him with me until the end but it seems to be a very long process. Plus I don't want him to be suffering for an extended period. He doesn't appear to be right now, but I don't know if that is actually true. Anyway... any sage advice that could be offered would be greatly appreciated. 😟❤️‍🩹
Click to expand...

Hi

It is always hard when you have to judge whether the natural dying process is running smoothly and quickly enough and the decision isn't clear cut. Yours is currently somewhat borderline in my own experience with quite a number of my own oldies passing away naturally at home, as long as they are not in too obvious pain or the process suddenly stalls, a piggy is waking up from a coma-like sleep but without any chance of the dying process being able to be reversed or they are in real agony... So whichever way you take it is OK.

If you feel in your heart of hearts that you'd rather keep him with you at this stage instead of risking him to pass away on the journey to the vets, then that is perfectly fine; there is no right or wrong - just following your heart and any own experience as best as you can and stang on top of the tiger wherever it takes you.

Make sure that he is warm but not hot and - if possible - keep an eye on him without disturbing him every few minutes.

There could be a more painful stage shortly before the end when the last organs break down and oxygen deprivation is hitting hard. This stage should ideally no last longer than 15-30 minutes but it can be traumatic when you are not braced for it. Thankfully, by that stage the piggy is no longer really with it. I often liken this stage to climbing the really steep part of the Rainbow Bridge.

Each passing is different, depending on how frail a piggy is, how strong the individual organs are and in which order they are breaking down so there is no exact tick list that you can follow.

If you have any serious doubts or concerns, contact your (or any open) vet clinic for advice as to whether it would be advisable to bring your piggy in or not.

Because there is so little you can do and you love so deeply, just sitting there and listening to the process is a rather unsettling experience; especially when it is your first encounter with a natural dying process or any death.

One thing you can do, whether that is with a dying piggy or a dying human during occasional periods of unrest is to send them sensory thoughts of a favourite place or activity of theirs with you imagining the scents, feel, sights etc. It can really help to calm them down. If your boy likes burrowing in his hay, then you imagine that.
With my mother-in-law I imagined her sitting on her bench under the apple tree in the garden with listening to the birds and insects, feeling the dappled sunshine on the skin, the soft grass under the feet and smelling her lilac on the gentle breeze, just as an example. It did the trick a couple of times. See whether that helps yours. It also helps you incidentally.

HUGS

My thoughts re with you.
 
Thank for your kind responses. My boy crossed that bridge quietly this past Sunday at home with me. He never did seem to be in major distress or pain. His breathing just got more shallow and faster for a while then slowed way down until it stopped. By then he was not responding to any stimulation at all. I stayed close by so he could sense my presence, and removed the partition from between his portion of the pen and his cagemate's portion so he could maybe sense his old buddy too. Plus it gave his cagemate an opportunity to be aware of what was happening. After he passed I left the pen as is for a bit more than a day, the I cleaned it thoroughly and changed all the bedding. My remaining piggy has been doing very well so far and seems to be adjusting. I am keeping a close eye on him, and spending lots of time with him, especially cuddle/lap time. He honestly seems to be loving it, which is actually helping me adjust also. I'm trying to decide now whether or not to try to adopt a buddy for him, but he truly does seem to be happy and I don't want to ruin that. I love when my piggies are happy. We will see how this goes. For now we are ok. I am thankful. Thank you again for your thoughts... very much appreciated. 😊
 
I am so sorry for you loss. 💔🌈
 
I’m so sorry your boy has made his way over the rainbow bridge. ❤️
 
So sorry for your loss.
It sounds as if he had a peaceful ending surrounded by love
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
 
Thank you everyone! Such kind and informative responses... It's been a while and I think my remaining piggy has adjusted a bit too well. Should I get him a buddy... or not? He is just a bit over 4 y/o. I really don't want to spoil his seeming contentment and joy, but I also don't want to deprive him of a good buddy either, if that is what's best. I would love if you could share any recommendations and/or insights... THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE! 😊
 
CavyMom58 said:
Thank you everyone! Such kind and informative responses... It's been a while and I think my remaining piggy has adjusted a bit too well. Should I get him a buddy... or not? He is just a bit over 4 y/o. I really don't want to spoil his seeming contentment and joy, but I also don't want to deprive him of a good buddy either, if that is what's best. I would love if you could share any recommendations and/or insights... THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE! 😊
Click to expand...

Please do get him a friend. It’s not in his best interests to be alone - he could have up to another four years of life so too long without a friend.
He will be feeling loneliness and lack of interaction even if he doesn’t show it as they’re wired to survive (but need a friend to thrive).
 
Thank you for your responses and thoughts. So we did a brief introduction with two piggy boars at my local rescue shelter, both just a little younger than my Abe. One went pretty well with no real signs of aggression, just some friendly humping and rear sniffing. My only concern is that it was brief. The other ended quickly with rumbling and teeth chattering, etc. But I've decided to bring home the piggy that was calmer and give it a try. This will be my first attempt to introduce and hopefully bond guinea pigs... and I know bonding boars is not typically successful. I've read a good deal of the guidelines and articles on here, and been watching some videos to be prepared. And I can do the side by side cage if need be. But I'm so hoping they will be able to adjust and be buddies. Wish me luck! I'll let Y'All know how it goes. 😊
 
CavyMom58 said:
Thank you for your responses and thoughts. So we did a brief introduction with two piggy boars at my local rescue shelter, both just a little younger than my Abe. One went pretty well with no real signs of aggression, just some friendly humping and rear sniffing. My only concern is that it was brief. The other ended quickly with rumbling and teeth chattering, etc. But I've decided to bring home the piggy that was calmer and give it a try. This will be my first attempt to introduce and hopefully bond guinea pigs... and I know bonding boars is not typically successful. I've read a good deal of the guidelines and articles on here, and been watching some videos to be prepared. And I can do the side by side cage if need be. But I'm so hoping they will be able to adjust and be buddies. Wish me luck! I'll let Y'All know how it goes. 😊
Click to expand...

To reassure you, It’s not true that bonding boars is not typically successful. Unfortunately that is a myth that is perpetuated and is still doing boars no favours.

Bonding boars is no more likely to be unsuccessful than bonding a boar with sow(s) or bonding two sows. It simply all comes down to compatibility - if they get on then the bond will be absolutely perfect.
And actually as boars get older bonding them can be much easier than bonding sows. Sows can be very opinionated and cranky as they age and if someone doesn’t fit then they are out! Whereas boars tend to get much friendlier as they age and are more likely to accept a new friend. For boars it becomes a lot more about companionship than about dominance.

I lost one of my boars (at age 6) back in March, leaving behind his 6 year old companion. The one left behind was the dominant in the pair. I also have two single boars who are both 2 years old. They were separated at 18 weeks old due to a fall out. Sadly they were both too dominant. So I’m left with three dominant boars. In June I decided to try to bond the bereaved 6 year old with one of the 2 year olds. My 6 year old immediately was so glad to have a friend again that he completely submitted to the 2 year old. They’ve been happily together ever since.

Good luck for the bonding
 
Good luck, hope it’s a big success, nothing nicer than a pair of well bonded boars. Have a good read of the bonding guide, I found it so helpful
Wiebke

Thread 'Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours'

1 Introduction
2 Pre-bonding
- Quarantine and sexing
- The need for a plan B
- The rule-breaker: Youngsters under 4 months (sub-teenage)
3 Setting up an introduction
- Getting to know each other
- ‘Buddy baths’ – why not
- Scent swapping - why not
- Setting up a neutral bonding area
- How to start the bonding
4 Acceptance phase: Do we like...
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Piggies&buns said:
To reassure you, It’s not true that bonding boars is not typically successful. Unfortunately that is a myth that is perpetuated and is still doing boars no favours.

Bonding boars is no more likely to be unsuccessful than bonding a boar with sow(s) or bonding two sows. It simply all comes down to compatibility - if they get on then the bond will be absolutely perfect.
And actually as boars get older bonding them can be much easier than bonding sows. Sows can be very opinionated and cranky as they age and if someone doesn’t fit then they are out! Whereas boars tend to get much friendlier as they age and are more likely to accept a new friend. For boars it becomes a lot more about companionship than about dominance.

I lost one of my boars (at age 6) back in March, leaving behind his 6 year old companion. The one left behind was the dominant in the pair. I also have two single boars who are both 2 years ol d.They were separated at 18 weeks old due to a fall out. Sadly they were both too dominant. So I’m left with three dominant boars. In June I decided to try to bond the bereaved 6 year old with one of the 2 year olds. My 6 year old immediately was so glad to have a friend again that he completely submitted to the 2 year old. They’ve been happily together ever since.

Good luck for the bonding
Click to expand...
 
Well... on to another dilemma. I am married to a man whose cultural background did/does not place a great deal of importance on animals as pets... especially rodents of any type. When I first adopted my two boars, he relented to my request, but was never very happy about them being in our home. Once my older boy passed, I waited a couple of weeks then let him know I wanted to get a second, and why... due to guinea pigs need for at least one cagemate. He has refused to allow a 2nd piggy. I am not at all happy with his unwilling attitude, but I can't just bring another one home. I know him too well & that just won't work. My single piggy is actually doing great! I spend a good deal of time with him every day, he has a very large pen to play in, lots of stimulating items, chew treats (hay based), hideys and I change his pen layout every 4-5 days. I even put two little stuffed animals guinea pigs in his pen with him, about the size of a 2 month old piggy. He does nose bump them if they are in his way, etc. Is there anything else I can do for him for now, until I can convince my husband to allow #2?!? Thanks in advance... you folks are always so good to respond! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
Piggies&buns said:
To reassure you, It’s not true that bonding boars is not typically successful. Unfortunately that is a myth that is perpetuated and is still doing boars no favours.

Bonding boars is no more likely to be unsuccessful than bonding a boar with sow(s) or bonding two sows. It simply all comes down to compatibility - if they get on then the bond will be absolutely perfect.
And actually as boars get older bonding them can be much easier than bonding sows. Sows can be very opinionated and cranky as they age and if someone doesn’t fit then they are out! Whereas boars tend to get much friendlier as they age and are more likely to accept a new friend. For boars it becomes a lot more about companionship than about dominance.

I lost one of my boars (at age 6) back in March, leaving behind his 6 year old companion. The one left behind was the dominant in the pair. I also have two single boars who are both 2 years old. They were separated at 18 weeks old due to a fall out. Sadly they were both too dominant. So I’m left with three dominant boars. In June I decided to try to bond the bereaved 6 year old with one of the 2 year olds. My 6 year old immediately was so glad to have a friend again that he completely submitted to the 2 year old. They’ve been happily together ever since.

Good luck for the bonding
Click to expand...
CavyMom58 said:
Well... on to another dilemma. I am married to a man whose cultural background did/does not place a great deal of importance on animals as pets... especially rodents of any type. When I first adopted my two boars, he relented to my request, but was never very happy about them being in our home. Once my older boy passed, I waited a couple of weeks then let him know I wanted to get a second, and why... due to guinea pigs need for at least one cagemate. He has refused to allow a 2nd piggy. I am not at all happy with his unwilling attitude, but I can't just bring another one home. I know him too well & that just won't work. My single piggy is actually doing great! I spend a good deal of time with him every day, he has a very large pen to play in, lots of stimulating items, chew treats (hay based), hideys and I change his pen layout every 4-5 days. I even put two little stuffed animals guinea pigs in his pen with him, about the size of a 2 month old piggy. He does nose bump them if they are in his way, etc. Is there anything else I can do for him for now, until I can convince my husband to allow #2?!? Thanks in advance... you folks are always so good to respond! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Click to expand...
 
Today I attempted my first true bonding. I adopted and brought home my new boy Joey on Friday. He is 4 years and 5 months old, is golden brown with black flecks in his hair...American short hair, I believe. And he is small compared to my other piggy, Abe. Abe is big at 1500 grams. Joey weighs in at 1056 g. I hope to fatten him up a bit. 😁 I put a couple of C&C grids together to separate them in the pen and left it that way for two days. This morning I used my bathroom as a neutral zone and placed them together on the floor. They chased each other and did a lot of humping, nose bops, and noise making, but they did not fight. Eventually they each did some grooming, they took breaks to eat hay and Abe ended up lying down a bit. Then they would resume their antics. I decided to give them each a bath (they needed it by then). Whew! I cleaned out their pen and removed the partition... then put them in it. They've slept, been eating, and exploring the cage with occasional complaining at each other and facing off. No more humping and I've not heard any teeth chattering. The cage is large and I have provided two of everything such as hideys, water bottles, hay bins, pellet bowls, etc. I don't feel like it's completely over yet, but I'm hopeful this continues to be fight-free. Would love for them to be buddies. Any further suggestions are welcome.
 
The saga continues... As the evening went on my bigger fella, Abe, that I've had since April demonstrated increasing bullying of my newly adopted small fella, Joey. They seemed to be getting less tolerant of one another as time passed, with more face offs and louder teeth chattering. So I decided to avoid injury and put the partition back in their pen. I suspect my boy Abe would have continued to bully the little guy which is just not fair or good for him, even if they didn't fight. He used to do that to his previous cagemate also. 😔 This morning all is peaceful and quiet. They both seem pretty content. They each have a 2x3 area of a C&C cage which is the best I can do size-wise. So... cagemates with their own space. Not such a bad deal...
 
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