Hello sadly I have just had my older boar euthanased , I am happy with the decision to do this but the process was horrendous, I cannot think that the vet had any experience with piggies. Basically I knew the usual process as have had many piggies , my piggy was taken into the back area for the gas, I was expecting that this would be a few minutes with the injection as well, however 30 mins later I was still waiting, when he was returned to me , the vets explanation was that it was a delicate process and that he had been given a sedative first and then the gas, I expressed my shock at the length of time taken and that I was immediately thinking that this hadn’t been a peaceful process , he assured me that it was - I suppose I am now racked with horrible thoughts that he wasn’t ready to go and had fought against things, please can anyone offer any words of wisdom - I am bewildered about this process , thank you.
BIG HUGS
I am very sorry for the very long wait.
Your vet has actually chosen the kindest method of gassing by sedating before putting a piggy in the gas chamber. Unfortunately, this way can take a long time if the vets really make sure that the sedation and gassing has processed enough.
I know from having piggies sedated and then lethally injected in my presence on the examination table so I could hold them the whole time that the sedation can take as much as 20 minutes to fully take hold and that it may sometimes take a bit more than expected. But having been present during this process several times I can assure you that it is a very peaceful and gentle process, if that helps you. There is a crucial difference between just falling lightly asleep for a scan and becoming deeply unconscious for euthanasia if that makes sense to you?
Euthanasia is never an easy procedure, and of course you cannot help but worry with a prolonged wait, considering the state of your own mind. I try to focus on sending my piggies behind the scenes my love and to call up happy memories during that time.
Please try to see it as an assurance that when the end of your wait finally came, every care had been taken to ensure that it was the gentlest way possible and that every care has been taken to ensure that it really happened as it should. It is actually the lessons from too quick jobs with unfortunate incidents in the past that are resulting in extra time being taken that guinea pigs are really firmly under that are behind the long wait and new directives.
You are at all times welcome to discuss with your vet whether you would prefer gassing or sedation/lethal injection at the table with you (and even a companion) being present, which is a peaceful process but the piggy instinctively squeaking at feeling the first needle going in (short discomfort) can upset some owners. Not all clinics offer all options and vets may also have personal preferences, resulting from their own practical experiences. But having a chat can help.
Vets have become a lot more flexible now as the impact on the owners is taken more seriously.
I hope that this can help to ease your mind? We have this in-built human guilt/failure mechanism at the onset of the grieving process, which in your case is lacking the usual issues to latch onto but has instead found something else to fixate on - your long wait.
Anyway, I am ever so sorry about your loss. Knowing that you have absolutely done the right thing doesn't make the pain any easier. But please try to take comfort in your vet having done their part in the process as well.
My thoughts are with you.
