As poor Linney didn't seem to be able to swallow anything, I got her in to see one of the vets (not my vet, but they all see guinea pigs in this practice) on a more urgent basis. Her teeth looked normal and they really couldn't find any concrete reason as to why she was drooling and not swallowing. However, they did feel a mass in her abdomen that wasn't there before, and the vet suspects it may be an underlying malignancy. I had promised my kids that I wouldn't make any major decisions tonight and I didn't want to do so without talking to my own vet, so we took her home on Septra in case there is an underlying infection and a painkiller in case she is in discomfort. I will syringe as much as I can for her. I have an appointment with my own vet on Saturday morning if she doesn't pass on her own by that time. If she is the same, I will likely have to face that fact that it is kinder to help her go. I think I'm just in shock, as yesterday at this time she seemed to be doing okay, and I had no clue we would be here in this place today. My kids are very upset, particularly my oldest and my youngest who are really invested in the pets (my middle one is more stoic, so it's hard to tell how she feels.) I'm kind of gutted, honestly. I've had Linney for 6 years last month and she has been my constant companion for all that time. I work from home and she is a very affectionate lap pig so we've spent a lot of time together for the past 6 years, and although I know she has had a good, long life, I'm pretty heartbroken right now.
She was in my arms right up until the end, and it was very peaceful. I'm heartbroken that she has passed, but am so thankful that I know she passed surrounded by love. The hardest thing will be telling the kids tomorrow, and I feel awful for Sundae. I gave her some time with the body so she would know that Linney had passed, but she seems so upset and frantic and agitated. She nuzzled and licked Linney when we let her see and then rested her head on her side... it was heartbreaking. 
