Noises and weight loss

[Piggies&buns]

Took him to the vet to pick up medication. Lovely vet said that he does have a cold (he was delightfully flinging snot at us) and gave us enrobactin rather than baytril, as well as bisolvon powder to mix into the critical care. She said shes a fan of the forum and has seen enrobactin used here. She left me feeling hopeful for a steady recovery

I’m sorry to hear he is unwell

Guinea pigs don’t get viral colds, they get bacterial respiratory infections which is why you have been given antibiotics.

Enrobactin and Baytril are the same thing - they are brand names and both contain enrofloxacin as the active ingredient.

Fingers crossed for his recovery

 

[Rivervixen]

I’m sorry to hear he is unwell

Guinea pigs don’t get viral colds, they get bacterial respiratory infections which is why you have been given antibiotics.

Enrobactin is essentially Baytril. Baytril is a brand name of a medication containing enrofloxacin as the active ingredient. Enrobactin contains the same active ingredient.

Thank you for the correction she also did say to treat Bruno as well if he starts sneezing or anything but he's been fine so far. I appreciate the information, hopefully he starts to pick up a little soon

 

[LucyP]

Fingers crossed for Ozzy. I used Bisolven once for a pig and it did seem helpful alongside the ABs.

 

[Rivervixen]

Fingers crossed for Ozzy. I used Bisolven once for a pig and it did seem helpful alongside the ABs.

Thank you, lovely to hear that it has helped your piggie too

 

[Truffolo]

Took him to the vet to pick up medication. Lovely vet said that he does have a cold (he was delightfully flinging snot at us) and gave us enrobactin rather than baytril, as well as bisolvon powder to mix into the critical care. She said shes a fan of the forum and has seen enrobactin used here. She left me feeling hopeful for a steady recovery

Excellent news. He should be more comfortable and it's great that he is enjoying his food ❤

 

[Posyrose]

Fingers crossed that he'll improve with his new medication.

 

[Rivervixen]

Ozzy isn't doing too well this morning, he weighed 639g which means hes dropped further in the night, still pooping fine. Gave him his medication and veggies, also syringe fed him, he was taking small mouths full compared to usual but still taking it. I know the antibiotics can take a few days to work but my heart sank at his weight this morning, will top him up before and after work as well. Praying for any kind of progress

 

[Truffolo]

Ozzy isn't doing too well this morning, he weighed 639g which means hes dropped further in the night, still pooping fine. Gave him his medication and veggies, also syringe fed him, he was taking small mouths full compared to usual but still taking it. I know the antibiotics can take a few days to work but my heart sank at his weight this morning, will top him up before and after work as well. Praying for any kind of progress

Sorry to hear he's gone down in appetite and weight. Wishing you comfort and strength

 

[Rivervixen]

Sorry to hear he's gone down in appetite and weight. Wishing you comfort and strength

Thank you, watching him on piggie cam at work, he has been active and in the hay a bit. Hoping his weight holds steady until I can feed him again at 5

 

[Rivervixen]

Just wondering if anyone has any advice please he has maintained at 639 but I had syringe fed him before I left. Am I expecting progress too soon? I know antibiotics take a few days to work, I think being stuck not knowing what is best is taking its toll very much. He is sat taking veg from me, bought him his favourites, but having to rip it all up in to tiny pieces or else he just cant get into it

 

[Wiebke]

Just wondering if anyone has any advice please he has maintained at 639 but I had syringe fed him before I left. Am I expecting progress too soon? I know antibiotics take a few days to work, I think being stuck not knowing what is best is taking its toll very much. He is sat taking veg from me, bought him his favourites, but having to rip it all up in to tiny pieces or else he just cant get into it

Hi

Your first aim with a very ill piggy is always stabilisation and maintaining. Any further improvement is a bonus but not something you expect at this stage.

Please also keep in mind that any antbiotics need several days to build up, maintain top efficiency for a few days and then after the end gradually fade away again over several days but they are not like painkillers who need to work as quickly as possible but will work only for a short while.

 

[Rivervixen]

Hi

Your first aim with a very ill piggy is always stabilisation and maintaining. Any further improvement is a bonus but not something you expect at this stage.

Please also keep in mind that any antbiotics need several days to build up, maintain top efficiency for a few days and then after the end gradually fade away again over several days but they are not like painkillers who need to work as quickly as possible but will work only for a short while.

Thank you

 

[Rivervixen]

The dreaded decision is looming more and more. He is taking his syringe feed, and desperately wants to eat. But hes struggling to pick up most things, hes still venturing the cage and trying his very best to eat, many moments captured on the piggie cam of him taking bits of hay. I just dont know we've seen him quite a few times nibbling through hay, but he seems to give up if he cant grab it. This is honestly the most pain I've ever felt, not knowing if he has quality of life. Hes waddling around and doing piggie things, but also all of the above

 

[Wiebke]

The dreaded decision is looming more and more. He is taking his syringe feed, and desperately wants to eat. But hes struggling to pick up most things, hes still venturing the cage and trying his very best to eat, many moments captured on the piggie cam of him taking bits of hay. I just dont know we've seen him quite a few times nibbling through hay, but he seems to give up if he cant grab it. This is honestly the most pain I've ever felt, not knowing if he has quality of life. Hes waddling around and doing piggie things, but also all of the above

BIG HUGS

It is always hardest when you come up to the grey area where there is no right or wrong, just a different weighing up of the various factors in play and when the whole heavy load of the responsilibity is resting upon your own shoulders - and all you want to do is get it absolutely right.

As long as he is taking syringe feed and his weight is stable, and as long as he is exhibiting normal species behaviour, you are not quite there yet but if you feel strongly that you do not want him to lose all this before you send him on to the Rainbow Bridge, then you are within your rights to ask for a phone consultation and a second opinion from your vet in your discussion about pts/euthanasia and then take it from there.
As said, there is no right or wrong in this grey area where a lot of it is about your own values and emotions. Watching a beloved one gradually decline is a very painful thing, and sparing him that while he is already unable to support himself is a valid reason for pts.

We all feel a little different on how far we want to take this decline but it must feel right for you, first and foremost. Generally, as a more experienced owner you tend to draw the line a bit sooner because you know what comes next than as a first time owner but it still has to feel right in your hearts of hearts because you have to live with it beyond all the second-guessing. And some of us would just rather not even go near that stressful time of constant re-evaluation and questioning yourself with all the inevitable little ups and downs.

I totally feel for you. We never question ourselves more than in the scenario you are currently facing because our heart is bleeding and we feel so helpless to stop it or prevent it from deteriorating - and there is no worse feeling than helplessness in the face of suffering and preventing a slow decline.

Unfortunately, what neither your vet or any of us can tell you is when it right for you to call it shots; that is the true burden of ownership. All I can say is that it is perhaps a little early for most of us on here but if it becomes unbearable for you and your mental health is majorly impacted, then this another valid factor in play that needs to be taken into consideration.
You are not doing it for selfish reasons because you love and care so deeply.

 

[Rivervixen]

BIG HUGS

It is always hardest when you come up to the grey area where there is no right or wrong, just a different weighing up of the various factors in play and when the whole heavy load of the responsilibity is resting upon your own shoulders - and all you want to do is get it absolutely right.

As long as he is taking syringe feed and his weight is stable, and as long as he is exhibiting normal species behaviour, you are not quite there yet but if you feel strongly that you do not want him to lose all this before you send him on to the Rainbow Bridge, then you are within your rights to ask for a phone consultation and a second opinion from your vet in your discussion about pts/euthanasia and then take it from there.
As said, there is no right or wrong in this grey area where a lot of it is about your own values and emotions. Watching a beloved one gradually decline is a very painful thing, and sparing him that while he is already unable to support himself is a valid reason for pts.

We all feel a little different on how far we want to take this decline but it must feel right for you, first and foremost. Generally, as a more experienced owner you tend to draw the line a bit sooner because you know what comes next than as a first time owner but it still has to feel right in your hearts of hearts because you have to live with it beyond all the second-guessing. And some of us would just rather not even go near that stressful time of constant re-evaluation and questioning yourself with all the inevitable little ups and downs.

I totally feel for you. We never question ourselves more than in the scenario you are currently facing because our heart is bleeding and we feel so helpless to stop it or prevent it from deteriorating - and there is no worse feeling than helplessness in the face of suffering and preventing a slow decline.

Unfortunately, what neither your vet or any of us can tell you is when it right for you to call it shots; that is the true burden of ownership. All I can say is that it is perhaps a little early for most of us on here but if it becomes unbearable for you and your mental health is majorly impacted, then this another valid factor in play that needs to be taken into consideration.
You are not doing it for selfish reasons because you love and care so deeply.

Thank you so much for your constant love and kindness, both me and Ozzy are so thankful. My mental health is severely declining, I won't lie, however I will find ways to manage and I will be ok. I've decided to go tonight to have his abcess lanced, as we believe other than the cold, that is more than likely the reason for his struggles. It's very reassuring that the lovely people on the forum wouldn't be considering the rainbow Bridge at this point, as neither Ozzy or I are ready to stop fighting yet. I just feel awful watching him struggle with hay, it feels like each strand is a fight in itself, but he is still fighting and being a piggie. Thank you so much

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for your constant love and kindness, both me and Ozzy are so thankful. My mental health is severely declining, I won't lie, however I will find ways to manage and I will be ok. I've decided to go tonight to have his abcess lanced, as we believe other than the cold, that is more than likely the reason for his struggles. It's very reassuring that the lovely people on the forum wouldn't be considering the rainbow Bridge at this point, as neither Ozzy or I are ready to stop fighting yet. I just feel awful watching him struggle with hay, it feels like each strand is a fight in itself, but he is still fighting and being a piggie. Thank you so much

As long as he keeps trying, he is ready and willing to fight for his life.

I wish you all the best for abscess lancing. Other members can help you better with their advice. Abscesses are my personal bugbear; especially dental ones.

 

[Rivervixen]

As long as he keeps trying, he is ready and willing to fight for his life.

I wish you all the best for abscess lancing. Other members can help you better with their advice. Abscesses are my personal bugbear; especially dental ones.

Thank you so much, I really hope you know how much of a difference you make the vet was hesitant as he feels it will just come back. But a chance is a chance, we were told that he had such a slim chance last time, and he fought through it and won like nothing I'd ever seen, so proud of him

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much, I really hope you know how much of a difference you make the vet was hesitant as he feels it will just come back. But a chance is a chance, we were told that he had such a slim chance last time, and he fought through it and won like nothing I'd ever seen, so proud of him

I am glad if I can help.

As an ex-teacher I have always known that if you want to help a piggy online (the same as a student in your classroom) you have to treat the owner with respect to get them to want to listen and to cooperate but I have also gradually realised over the years just how important it is to support the human owner as well. It can really make all the difference in getting through a crisis or a loss.
Even more so since social media have taken a turn for worse, bullyism has taken over and self-confidence and mental health have taken a wide-spread dive.

There needs to be a place where you can discuss your issues in mutual respect and with kindness, and where we are dealing with realistic individual improvements within everbody's means and not with an 'only the best is enough and you are not it' culture. If I can be part of providing this and building up a community of similar-minded piggy people, then I think that is a life's heart project well done.

 

[piggieminder]

Thinking of you and Ozzy.

 

[Rivervixen]

I am glad if I can help.

As an ex-teacher I have always known that if you want to help a piggy online (the same as a student in your classroom) you have to treat an owner with respect to get them to want to listen and want to cooperate but I also have gradually realised over the years just how important it is to support the human owner as well. It can really make all the difference in getting through a crisis.
Even more so since social media have taken a turn for worse, bullyism has taken over and self-confidence and mental health have taken a wide-spread dive.

There needs to be a place where you can discuss your issues in mutual respect and with kindness, and where we are dealing with realistic individual improvements within everbody's means and not with an 'only the best is enough and you are not it' culture. If I can be part of providing this and building up a community of similar-minded piggy people, then I think that is a life's heart project well done.

This is definitely one of the few spaces online and in the entire world actually, that I have never felt judged or like I wasnt doing well enough. I owe it to this forum that I've gotten as far as I have with my little ones, I remember in 2019 when I knew nothing and gradually learned through reading here and asking questions. I asked my partner today while syringe feeding if this is what he expected when I moved them in, he truthfully said no. To make it this far with them both has been such an honour, I often forget I'm still a first time owner just because I've been with them for such a long time

 

[Rivervixen]

Thinking of you and Ozzy.

Thank you so much

 

[Wiebke]

This is definitely one of the few spaces online and in the entire world actually, that I have never felt judged or like I wasnt doing well enough. I owe it to this forum that I've gotten as far as I have with my little ones, I remember in 2019 when I knew nothing and gradually learned through reading here and asking questions. I asked my partner today while syringe feeding if this is what he expected when I moved them in, he truthfully said no. To make it this far with them both has been such an honour, I often forget I'm still a first time owner just because I've been with them for such a long time

They are a true testament to your love and good care.

We can of course never prevent early illnesses, sudden deaths or problems with vet access but the rest is generally down to your daily normal care.

In order to make pets a bonus in the lives of owners with mental or physical health issues, it is important that there is a place where there is understanding support during a rough spot and for the challenges owners can face.

And there should always be a place where any question can be asked that is not just there as a clear provocation and to cause trouble. The 'silly' questions actually usually turn out to be anything but silly and are generally very thought-provoking indeed. Or something lots of people would like to know but don't dare asking because it should be obvious when it is not necessarily the case.

But thank you for making my day with your appreciation for what we are trying to do on here.

And that is actually an area where members can really help each other with their own experiences in a constructive way. As in any good group, the whole is a lot more than its single parts added up.

 

[Rivervixen]

The abscess wasnt an abscess, when they tried to drain it, nothing came out. They're thinking it was a mass or something of the sort. Ozzy was in too much discomfort, so we have had to make the choice for him to go to the rainbow bridge. Broken doesn't begin to describe it

 

[LucyP]

Oh no, I’m so very sorry. You did everything you could for the lovely Ozzy, he was so loved and you gave him a wonderful life. It is so heartbreaking to have to say goodbye. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Wiebke]

The abscess wasnt an abscess, when they tried to drain it, nothing came out. They're thinking it was a mass or something of the sort. Ozzy was in too much discomfort, so we have had to make the choice for him to go to the rainbow bridge. Broken doesn't begin to describe it

HUGE HUGS

Oh, no! I am so, so sorry about the horrible news. What a shock. But you have made absolutely the right decision and have spared him any unnecessary suffering.

Please don't change anything in the cage (apart from poo patrols) and let Ozzy's mate Bruno have his cozy/blanket from his vet trip. Allow him to grieve and to snuggle into the smell until it fades naturally over about the course of a week or so. For once, it doesn't matter if the cage is getting grotty. Only clean the cage as normal if the companion is behaving like nothing has happened and will appreciate the normal routine to continue.

If Bruno is shocked and not eating - it is more common after a sudden unforeseeable death like a fatal heart attack or stroke, please step in with a syringe full; often it is enough for the eating and drinking reflex to kick in again.
True pining (giving up on life) is thankfully rare but you will have to brace for several days of Bruno being withdrawn.

Please give yourself time to not be OK and to grieve. Seek free trained volunteer help from the Blue Cross next week if you find yourself trapped in one of the weird mind loops that can happen at the onset of the grieving process, if you continue to struggle to sleep and/or function for more than just a few days. All forum members that have come back to us have always given positive feedback.
Pet Loss Support

We are of course here for you for understanding community support, any questions and concerns for as long as needed.

Again, I am so very sorry that it has ended so unexpectedly and dramatically. Try to take consolation that you have spared Ozzy a lot of suffering and that he could make his journey to the Bridge while he could still have an interest in food and life and enjoy a good life to the very end.

But please also feel validated that you are obviously a very sensitive person and that your gut feeling about Ozzy was right. Trust in yourself; there is nothing wrong with your love and your instincts.

 

[piggieminder]

Sending love and best wishes to you at such a difficult time. I am so sorry you had to let him go but it really was for the best and saved him from suffering.

 

[flowerfairy]

So very sorry for your loss. You made some really difficult decisions based on his best interests. Well done.

Grieving is quite a process and as you said it often starts before the actual loss itself.

RIP Ozzy. Big hugs to Bruno and two you as you all gently come to terms with your loss.

 

[Rivervixen]

HUGE HUGS

Oh, no! I am so, so sorry about the horrible news. What a shock. But you have made absolutely the right decision and have spared him any unnecessary suffering.

Please don't change anything in the cage (apart from poo patrols) and let Ozzy's mate Bruno have his cozy/blanket from his vet trip. Allow him to grieve and to snuggle into the smell until it fades naturally over about the course of a week or so. For once, it doesn't matter if the cage is getting grotty. Only clean the cage as normal if the companion is behaving like nothing has happened and will appreciate the normal routine to continue.

If Bruno is shocked and not eating - it is more common after a sudden unforeseeable death like a fatal heart attack or stroke, please step in with a syringe full; often it is enough for the eating and drinking reflex to kick in again.
True pining (giving up on life) is thankfully rare but you will have to brace for several days of Bruno being withdrawn.

Please give yourself time to not be OK and to grieve. Please seek free trained volunteer help from the Blue Cross next week if you find yourself trapped in one of the weird mind loops that can happen at the onset of the grieving process, if you continue to struggle to sleep and/or function for more than just a few days. All forum members that have come back to us have always given positive feedback.
Pet Loss Support

We are of course here for you for understanding community support, any questions and concerns for as long as needed.

Again, I am so very sorry that it has ended so unexpectedly and dramatically. Try to take consolation that you have spared Ozzy a lot of suffering and that he could make his journey to the Bridge while he could still have an interest in food and life and enjoy a good life to the very end.

But please also feel validated that you are obviously a very sensitive person and that your gut feeling about Ozzy was right. Trust in yourself; there is nothing wrong with your love and your instincts.

Thank you so much. I'm overloading myself right now which is wrong but I'm searching for piggie rescues near me, just in case Bruno doesn't take it well. So far he's doing ok, hes eating and wandering. I did ask the vet to bring Ozzy back so that Bruno could see, he tried nibbling on his feet to wake him up. I know that piggies move on way faster than we do, so when Bruno is ready, we will put his needs first. My anxiety is usually manageable but with illness and death, I just can't cope very well

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much. I'm overloading myself right now which is wrong but I'm searching for piggie rescues near me, just in case Bruno doesn't take it well. So far he's doing ok, hes eating and wandering. I did ask the vet to bring Ozzy back so that Bruno could see, he tried nibbling on his feet to wake him up. I know that piggies move on way faster than we do, so when Bruno is ready, we will put his needs first. My anxiety is usually manageable but with illness and death, I just can't cope very well

It sounds like Bruno is hanging in there.

If you'd wish to continue with piggies, you may also want to consider adopting a bonded pair of boars or sows and have Bruno as a next door companion so you can avoid the same see-saw problem with finding a new friend when Bruno's time has come.
Just as a practical off-piste long range idea and to show you that there are different options for you to think through so please try not to panic and overthink. We are here for you to talk it all through and consider the pros and cons with you. There is always a way and a solution, even if it not necessarily the most obvious one. Bruno is going to hang on in there for as long needed. You have usually about a month's time to find something suitable.

Allow Bruno to have Ozzy's scent with him while he is doing his own grieving. His own reaction is a normal reaction to an unexpected death; it is a gentle attempt to wake Ozzy up.

 

[Rivervixen]

It sounds like Bruno is hanging in there.

If you'd wish to continue with piggies, you may also want to consider adopting a bonded pair of boars or sows and have Bruno as a next door companion so you can avoid the same see-saw problem with finding a new friend when Bruno's time has come.
Just as a practical off-piste long range idea and to show you that there are different options for you to think through so please try not to panic and overthink. We are here for you to talk it all through and consider the pros and cons with you. There is always a way and a solution, even if it not necessarily the most obvious one. Bruno is going to hang on in there for as long needed. You have usually about a month's time to find something suitable.

Allow Bruno to have Ozzy's scent with him while he is doing his own grieving. His own reaction is a normal reaction to an unexpected death; it is a gentle attempt to wake Ozzy up.

We would like to continue with piggies. It is a good idea, not too sure we have the space but can look at making space. I know there will be a piggie(s) out there for Bruno, if the see saw can't be helped then we will work through it then as well. Going to move the cosie into the cage so Bruno can cuddle into it. Bruno is quite a very codependent piggie, at least he was with Ozzy, I have so much love and care to give him but I know I can't replace that of a piggie