My sweet boy Ham

Orion

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
May 29, 2026
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Utah
Some of you might remember me from months ago. My baby Ham has had a very rough 6 months. It started with kidney stones and blood in his urine. Then we were dealing with that and an advanced arthritis diagnosis. His stones got better. He kept losing weight. The vet suspected a URI. At this point, we were in the vet for an emergency visit once a week. Mostly because of my anxiety. Then he got mites. We got all of that treated, and he was finally cleared for 3 months between visits. I should have known it was too good to be true, with the luck we’ve had. He isn’t doing great now.

When he didn’t come out of his hide for dinner, I knew something was wrong. Ham has always lived up to his name, he eats like a hog. I mixed up some critical care and he ate one bite of it excitedly and then wanted nothing to do with it. I tried a carrot. Same thing. He doesn’t want to walk, though he will if he has to. His paws are colder than usual and so are his ears. He doesn’t seem to be in pain, though he is on pain meds for his stones. I think it’s just his time. My baby is 7 years old and has had a rough go the past little while. I held him for an hour and a half singing to him and kissing him, but he’s never been one for lots of love, so I put him back where I know he’s happiest. Times like these, I really wish him and his brother got along. They had to be separated. They’re bar buddies. I’m not sure he’ll make it through the night. I’m going to call the vet first thing tomorrow (it’s 2 am) and see what they suggest if he’s still hanging on. I’m hoping he can have a quiet passing in his home where he’s comfortable. I love him so much and I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. I got him and his brother at 11. They’ve been with me almost as long as I can remember. Always been my constant, the thing that gets me up. I cannot believe I could wake up tomorrow without the sounds of his wheeking for breakfast.

How do you guys deal with this? He’s been with me so long. I’m in a sort of denial I think. I can’t believe there’s a possibility I’ll wake up tomorrow without him. I love him so very much. I hate that this is an inevitable part of having pets.
 

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Hi there, it is completely heartbreaking, it's the price we pay for the deep bond we share with our beloved guineas.
I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts keep talking and singing to him it will comfort both of you 🙏
 
I'm very sorry. It's always heartbreaking to loose a piggy baby. And if this is your first loss like this, it's probably worse.
You're doing everything you can for your little boy.
Bringing him to the vet tomorrow, if it's necessary, and making the final decision is going to be even harder.
But you must always remember that it's the last gift of love. 💔

You have probably had a look around here already but if not, here is the link to a collection of threads that you might find helpful: End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner
 
Poor you and Ham 😕 It’s so horrible just waiting to see what happens…
I hope if he is to pass away, it is peacefully at home with you and his bar buddy there x
 
So sorry to hear that Ham is coming to the end of his life.
It is heart breaking 💔
I pray he will slip away peacefully at home.
Be gentle with yourself.
Hugs 🤗
 
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