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OAP pig gone down hill rapidly

Spudthing

Spudthing

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Apr 22, 2020
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Location
Bromsgrove
Hello

my 9 year old pig Minstrel was having treatment for a respiratory infection. She’s deteriorating over the last 24-48 hours. eyes are sunken and crusty, blocked nose (no squeaking) she’s dragging her back legs around and is incontinent. That last bit has been the last 24 hours. She doesn’t seem to be able to see me either.

I know she is mega old but I don’t want her to suffer. Hopefully the vet can fit me in tomorrow as they were fully booked today.

does anyone think that she has a chance of survival?

Thankyou.
 
Spudthing said:
Hello

my 9 year old pig Minstrel was having treatment for a respiratory infection. She’s deteriorating over the last 24-48 hours. eyes are sunken and crusty, blocked nose (no squeaking) she’s dragging her back legs around and is incontinent. That last bit has been the last 24 hours. She doesn’t seem to be able to see me either.

I know she is mega old but I don’t want her to suffer. Hopefully the vet can fit me in tomorrow as they were fully booked today.

does anyone think that she has a chance of survival?

Thankyou.
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They vets have to leave emergency slots for things like this, can you not get an emergency and say your animal is suffering badly? Sorry to hear this.😔 Been here myself with a 7 year old pig
 
Spudthing said:
Hello

my 9 year old pig Minstrel was having treatment for a respiratory infection. She’s deteriorating over the last 24-48 hours. eyes are sunken and crusty, blocked nose (no squeaking) she’s dragging her back legs around and is incontinent. That last bit has been the last 24 hours. She doesn’t seem to be able to see me either.

I know she is mega old but I don’t want her to suffer. Hopefully the vet can fit me in tomorrow as they were fully booked today.

does anyone think that she has a chance of survival?

Thankyou.
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

What a great age to live to! Sadly because their immune system is also aging and no longer as flexible and strong as at the height of their lives, when something breaks through it is usually hitting hard and with devastating speed. :(

Please concentrate on keeping your old lady as comfy as you can. Keep her warm but not hot with the option to move away from the source of heat if she wishes to. Sadly she is rather unlikely to see the sun rise again or even live all that long past sunset. if she does, then please take her to the vets. :(

Here are our tips on what you can do for a dying guinea pig: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

I am very sorry not to have any better news.
 
Spudthing said:
View attachment 139716
I’m heartbroken. Her best friend
will miss her
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It is always such a punch to the gut isn't it? Minstrel is a beautiful lady that will always have a special place in your heart!

Please take the time to read the guide link; it will help you to make Minstrel's last hours as easy on her as possible and will hopefully help you to cope with it, too, knowing that you have done what you could.
 
Thinking of you and your beautiful girl. Her great age is a great tribute to your love and care.💕
 
Spudthing said:
Wow such lovely responses. It’s made me feel better
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9 is an awesome age that all of us wish for with our own pigs, 7 is the best I've had yet for an old boar of mine, he didn't have any health issues until sort of 7 going on mid 7. His bro got to 6 but struggled his whole life with chronic respiratory issues then 3 bladders stones all at once. That pig cost me tsround 2 to 3 grand over the years to help him. But all worth it 👍. I have a sow who's 4 now and her boar friend who is 1. 5 ish
 
She had recurring ovarian cysts which I had to have drained every 6 months, but all the staff at the vets love her because of how old she is. I’ve set my alarm throughout the night to go and check on her. Fingers crossed she will still be here in the morning and I can get her to the vet.
 
I bought her from a local pet shop in Bromsgrove 2011, the same year we had the dog. She’s always had a youthful appearance but her fur is grey when you part it. She’s also got old lady toenails! When we first had her she had a companion, Tracy who was a really outgoing pig, she knew how to work a room and everybody loved her. Minstrel was always grumpy and wasn’t fond of attention. When Tracy passed away, Minstrel became a different pig. She was vocal and playful. She and my dog are really fond of each other and the dog protects her in the garden ( even though minstrel did bite the dogs nose a few times). I think Minstrel sees the dog as her companion and vice versa.
By the way, minstrel is still with us.
 
Aw, just caught up with your thread. Minstrel was a gorgeous girl and lived to an amazing age. Her life was long and full of love. You must be heartbroken, give your little doggy extra cuddles as you both grieve together x
Sleep tight little Minstrel x
 
Just going through photos of her. Didn’t realise I had so many. I always have a big one on the wall of each pig so I’m looking for Minstrels. She was very photogenic. I hate the new silence when I open the fridge 😔
 
Spudthing said:
She was PTS. HEARTBROKEN
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BIG HUGS

The pain of the loss is sadly never getting any less, especially after such a long time together! :(
You have given Minstrel a very long life; over 100 human years in comparison. She could not have wished for a more loving home.

Please try to take pride in that you have done the right thing and have made her passing as easy on her as you could. When the chips are down, we'd rather bear the pain ourselves than leaving our beloved one to suffer.

This guide here helps you to make sense of what you are experiencing now and in the coming days and weeks. I hope that you will find it helpful as you go through the grieving process: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
Wiebke said:
BIG HUGS

The pain of the loss is sadly never getting any less, especially after such a long time together! :(
You have given Minstrel a very long life; over 100 human years in comparison. She could not have wished for a more loving home.

Please try to take pride in that you have done the right thing and have made her passing as easy on her as you could. When the chips are down, we'd rather bear the pain ourselves than leaving our beloved one to suffer.

This guide here helps you to make sense of what you are experiencing now and in the coming days and weeks. I hope that you will find it helpful as you go through the grieving process: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Click to expand...
Thankyou so much. 🤧🙏🌻
 
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