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My piggy is suffering, what’s the best option?

adussiaQ

adussiaQ

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Hello everyone, I’m looking for your opinions
My skinny pig Jelly is suffering a lot. He has been showing signs of aging (although only 4 years old) for a few months now but since this month it’s been getting worse and worse.

since summer he’s lost a lot of weight despite eating well. He then started to look more lethargic,doesn’t come out much other than to eat, won’t interact with others anymore.

He then started to get swollen feet and eventually open wounds. The vets said it’s bumblefoot and prescribed antibiotics (baytril).He also gets salt water foot soaks as recommended by the vets. We’ve been visiting the vets for over a month now every week to check up on him and although his feet are getting slightly better he himself doesn’t seem to be doing good.

he’s now had antibiotics for nearly a month and his feet keep getting better than worse and better again. For 3 weeks now he’s also had painkiller as he seems to be in a lot of pain.

2 weeks ago he’s started to have trouble pooping which the vet said is impaction which is common in older males and recommended to help him get the poops out of his bottom to help him poop. It’s only been getting worse and it’s harder and harder to help him not to mention the pain and uncomfortableness it’s causing him.

and now for the past few days he’s also had trouble moving. He seems to fall over all the time, can’t make a step without wobbling, and only moves to his food bowl and hay.
His eyes no longer have a spark, they seem tired and dull. His starting to get even more skinny despite eating well, his body is getting cold to touch and he cries a lot even after painkillers.

I have a vet visit today in about an hour but I’m worried what they’ll say. I don’t want to let him go yet because he’s still eating well but I also don’t want to keep him suffering.
I’m not sure if it’s the time yet for him to go but I don’t want to be selfish and keep him alive if he’s in so much pain.
What do you guys think?
is there anything else I can do to help him?
 
adussiaQ said:
Hello everyone, I’m looking for your opinions
My skinny pig Jelly is suffering a lot. He has been showing signs of aging (although only 4 years old) for a few months now but since this month it’s been getting worse and worse.

since summer he’s lost a lot of weight despite eating well. He then started to look more lethargic,doesn’t come out much other than to eat, won’t interact with others anymore.

He then started to get swollen feet and eventually open wounds. The vets said it’s bumblefoot and prescribed antibiotics (baytril).He also gets salt water foot soaks as recommended by the vets. We’ve been visiting the vets for over a month now every week to check up on him and although his feet are getting slightly better he himself doesn’t seem to be doing good.

he’s now had antibiotics for nearly a month and his feet keep getting better than worse and better again. For 3 weeks now he’s also had painkiller as he seems to be in a lot of pain.

2 weeks ago he’s started to have trouble pooping which the vet said is impaction which is common in older males and recommended to help him get the poops out of his bottom to help him poop. It’s only been getting worse and it’s harder and harder to help him not to mention the pain and uncomfortableness it’s causing him.

and now for the past few days he’s also had trouble moving. He seems to fall over all the time, can’t make a step without wobbling, and only moves to his food bowl and hay.
His eyes no longer have a spark, they seem tired and dull. His starting to get even more skinny despite eating well, his body is getting cold to touch and he cries a lot even after painkillers.

I have a vet visit today in about an hour but I’m worried what they’ll say. I don’t want to let him go yet because he’s still eating well but I also don’t want to keep him suffering.
I’m not sure if it’s the time yet for him to go but I don’t want to be selfish and keep him alive if he’s in so much pain.
What do you guys think?
is there anything else I can do to help him?
Click to expand...

Hi

You know in your heart when it is time to let your piggy go because their quality of life is no longer there. Please let that be your guide. A vet cannot force you to euthanise; the decision is always and only yours - and it can be the last and most loving if at the same time herat-breaking gift we can make our pets.

You may find this guide below helpful. It doesn't make quite easy reading but it touches upon all the questions and conflicts that come with a situation like yours and aims to help you work your way through them so you can make any decisions with a clearer heart and mind and less fears or feelings of guilt at the onset of the grieving process. It is always one of the trickiest and saddest times when you come close to the line and you are torn by very conflicting emotions. I hope that my guide will help you work out where you stand, which direction you want to take, what to expect and what you can do at all times and stages.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility
 
Thank you all for your help,
We’ve made the decision to euthanize him as the look in his eyes told me that’s what we would have wanted. The vets said that Jelly had developed another illness in addition to the bumble foot and that it affected his chest and the only thing they could do is give more antibiotics and stronger painkillers. We decided that he has suffered enough.
he’s joined his brother over the rainbow bridge where he’s better off ❤️
 
adussiaQ said:
Thank you all for your help,
We’ve made the decision to euthanize him as the look in his eyes told me that’s what we would have wanted. The vets said that Jelly had developed another illness in addition to the bumble foot and that it affected his chest and the only thing they could do is give more antibiotics and stronger painkillers. We decided that he has suffered enough.
he’s joined his brother over the rainbow bridge where he’s better off ❤
Click to expand...

I am very sorry; but you know yourself that you have done the right thing when there is no chance of a recovery or things getting better again.

Please be kind with yourself in the coming days.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
So sorry you have lost Jelly. It is heartbreaking when they have to leave us. The Rainbow Bridge has been busy the last couple of weeks with lots of newbies.
 
Thank you everyone for your kind words. It’s very hard ive lost two piggies in not long time between. I’m sure they are happy where they are now and it would have been cruel to make Jelly continue in so much pain :no:
 
We understand here on the GPF what an impact these little animals can make upon our lives. I'm so sorry for you 😪 ❤
 
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