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The Point Of No Return?

P

pigwigg

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
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Location
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What states have you managed to bring guinea pigs back from?
I have a very poorly boy and was looking for some inspiration and hope for him.

What conditions have you fought with your piggies and how severe did they get?
 
It depends what the issue is, whether your piggy has got the fight in him to overcome the issue, if you have a vet to treat the issue and if you have the time and commitment to get him through the issue. Here at TEAS we deal with piggies with ongoing health issues, some of them very severe and with a fantastic vet, plus a lot of dedication and commitment, we are able to get many of them better. However, there are no guarantees.
 
He has been on and off in himself for the past 6/8 weeks.
He has a lump under his pit on one side that was tested as benign around 4 weeks back. He has episodes where he goes on and off his food,
but we've managed to bring him round the same day.

This time he went down hill very fast, as usual no vet is really cavy savvy and all have their own opinion of what is wrong.
He had his front teeth clipped today as the vet apparently said no issues at the back.
Unfortunately a friend was pig sitting and didn't realise he hadn't eaten his food (I have no idea how, this was Wedsnesday?!) I'm so upset and annoyed.
So he went 12 hours potentially with no food before she started syringe feeding him. Again, the vet checked his teeth said no issues, no temp, no bloat.
I then came home to take him back on Thursday evening where I took over syringe feeding him CC and water. However, the vet today seems to think that he has inhaled some CC or water.

He is extremely lethargic, limp when handled (he can move on his own when he wants to), has a slight rasp and is generally exhausted.
The first vet today administered Vomend? Septrin (0.5ml x twice daily).

I was unsure whether he was in pain or not so I went back to my original vet and he administered a steroid injection as he believes that his liver has been damaged or slowed down through the period of not eating. He also gave him an injection of diuretics to remove any fluid off his lungs.

He is just so lethargic. He doesn't want to swallow but I am terrified of putting fluid in his lungs now x
 
I had no experiences, but the lady of the rescue where I adopted my piggies told me about his 2y.o. piggie who developed a pneumonia and despite the great cares and the best vets he was about to die and she gave it up with all the treatment. And one day he started eating again and "living" normally. He is still alive and in good health.
 
pigwigg said:
He has been on and off in himself for the past 6/8 weeks.
He has a lump under his pit on one side that was tested as benign around 4 weeks back. He has episodes where he goes on and off his food,
but we've managed to bring him round the same day.

This time he went down hill very fast, as usual no vet is really cavy savvy and all have their own opinion of what is wrong.
He had his front teeth clipped today as the vet apparently said no issues at the back.
Unfortunately a friend was pig sitting and didn't realise he hadn't eaten his food (I have no idea how, this was Wedsnesday?!) I'm so upset and annoyed.
So he went 12 hours potentially with no food before she started syringe feeding him. Again, the vet checked his teeth said no issues, no temp, no bloat.
I then came home to take him back on Thursday evening where I took over syringe feeding him CC and water. However, the vet today seems to think that he has inhaled some CC or water.

He is extremely lethargic, limp when handled (he can move on his own when he wants to), has a slight rasp and is generally exhausted.
The first vet today administered Vomend? Septrin (0.5ml x twice daily).

I was unsure whether he was in pain or not so I went back to my original vet and he administered a steroid injection as he believes that his liver has been damaged or slowed down through the period of not eating. He also gave him an injection of diuretics to remove any fluid off his lungs.

He is just so lethargic. He doesn't want to swallow but I am terrified of putting fluid in his lungs now x
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Is she a savvy vet, because you should never give piggies steroids, I think both of your vets seem useless. Look at the green bar, & vet locators all of those vets are excellent & you should find your answers there.
 
It's such a hard choice to make. Like furryfriends mentions it depends on the access to a good vet, as well as the care that you are able to give.

Have you managed to contact a better vet yet? It sounds like you're fighting with a brick wall with your current vet and no matter what you can do yourself piggy is only going to get better with a more guinea pig specialised vet.

I know I've mentioned it already but try to get to Northampton to see Simon Maddock. He really is the best when it comes to dental issues.
 
rome_italy said:
I had no experiences, but the lady of the rescue where I adopted my piggies told me about his 2y.o. piggie who developed a pneumonia and despite the great cares and the best vets he was about to die and she gave it up with all the treatment. And one day he started eating again and "living" normally. He is still alive and in good health.
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I hope he does :(
I just didn't want to have him put to sleep if there was a chance of survival.
Now I just feel guilty and can't stop crying thinking I'm prolonging the inevitable!
 
Tiamolly123 said:
Is she a savvy vet, because you should never give piggies steroids, I think both of your vets seem useless. Look at the green bar, & vet locators all of those vets are excellent & you should find your answers there.
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Jaycey said:
It's such a hard choice to make. Like furryfriends mentions it depends on the access to a good vet, as well as the care that you are able to give.

Have you managed to contact a better vet yet? It sounds like you're fighting with a brick wall with your current vet and no matter what you can do yourself piggy is only going to get better with a more guinea pig specialised vet.

I know I've mentioned it already but try to get to Northampton to see Simon Maddock. He really is the best when it comes to dental issues.
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If he makes it tonight I will give them a call.
I really don't think he will make it through the night.
He is currently laid on my puffy quilt, stretched out laying down with his head to the side.
His breathing has calmed but he is so lethargic.
I've literally spent the last 3 days around the clock religiously syringe feeding him. Through the night too.
I just feel so cruel now :(
 
There are a few good vets in the East Midlands. If you can at all I would try and get in with Simon or his wife Kim at the Cat and Rabbit clinic in Northampton. I have driven the hour a couple of times myself knowing the pigs would get the best care. My regular vets wouldn't be able to help you as it sounds too specialist but there are a couple of other specialist vets in Leicestershire too
 
You haven't been cruel you have to go by what a piggy wants. If you felt he had the will to live help him with syringe feeding, if not let him go. You are his mum do the best you can & then you can do no more. if you feel he's given up, just cuddle him so he knows you're there, he already knows you love him.
 
And like Tia says, you aren't being cruel. You're doing your very best and you're helping him survive. They can go downhill quickly so the fact that you've been battling together since Thursday is a fantastic sign.

You can tell in their eyes when they don't want to try anymore. They lose their spark.
 
He gave him two injections but only charged me for one.
The one on the invoice in Dexafort whatever that is?
I genuinely can't help but feel so so so guilty.
Pregnancy hormones definitely don't help!
 
Although steriods aren't recommended the Dexamethasone will help him with any pain. It can contribute to him feeling drowsier too, so if he seems off since having it then it could be that.

When you go to the vet tomorrow mention he's had some of that as you can't use Metacam until it's out of his system.

The hard part of being a loving guinea pig owner is always doubting yourself and thinking you have done wrong. I had one of my boys euthanised in January, he was ny best friend. I still think I did wrong, I didn't give him a chance. But I know I did the right thing deep inside.

You know what is best. You've been with him and fed him for days. No matter what you're not going to let him suffer. Tomorrow he's going to see a different vet and you'll have a better diagnosis. You're going to fight with him through the night and if the worst happens and he's not doing well you'll take him to the emergency vet and let him go. Please don't feel bad, you're doing everything you can.
 
He's just been very sleepy this evening since having it.
I'm struggling to get him to swallow, I don't want to force it down and risk it going into his lungs.

It's so hard because they have such huge personalities, it was only last week he was running over to the bars doing his 'me me me' face for the red
pepper! I've tried and tried and I hate making that final decision.
I always say its better an hour too soon than an hour too late but I just can't work out what is going off with him.
Whether he is in pain or not :(
 
I am sorry :( try and get him through the night and see a good vet tomorrow as an emergency. Is he swallowing the syringe feed? I take it the vet didn't give you any gut stimulant or anything like that?
 
pigwigg said:
I hope he does :(
I just didn't want to have him put to sleep if there was a chance of survival.
Now I just feel guilty and can't stop crying thinking I'm prolonging the inevitable!
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honestly why should you put him to sleep instead of waiting a possible end of his days? I understand it is hard to deal with, but this is just the nature... and rarely things may change without any explanation. I have lived long ago such bad days, also my piggie was very ill here at home and I had no luck with him...
Anyway, whatever things will end up, you are giving him the best cares and the best love. Only the nature can decide... but you have done (and you are doing) all the best you can.
hugs!
 
I agree, it is always better an hour too soon than an hour too late. That is how I would want to go.

@rome_italy Sometimes we have to make the tough choices, especially when they aren't going to get better. I had to do it in January and it sucks. But I would hate myself if I had let him pass away of his own accord.

@pigwigg Our choices are limited after closing time at the vet. We can see the emergency vet and say our goodbyes or fight on until morning when our options are wider. He really is in the best hands with you. You have been there for him for days and will be there for him tonight, so I would fight on until morning.

The steriod has probably zonked him out. We won't know if he is in pain but the steriod may mask it for him for now.

I've had to handfeed a pig with little response and it is very hard. But you can do it. Little and often. Take your time.

How is his pee and poop output? Is he still managing okay? If his digestive system is still moving then he's in a good position for the night.

I hope you're feeling okay, not too stressed and tired. I'll be thinking of you tonight.
 
I'm sorry your little guy is so unwell. I have had pigs recover from illnesses and I have had some who, in spite of good care, just didn't make it. To a certain extent it depends on their ability and desire to fight. I've had pigs survive illnesses and situations that were fatal for other pigs. It is very hard when syringe-feeding to figure out when it's just not helping anymore. Generally my pigs who swallowed well and were interested in syringe-feeding did better than the ones who refused to swallow food that was syringed to them. Hang in there, and I hope he shows some improvement. You are doing the absolute best you can to help him through... the rest is up to him to a certain extent.
 
Jaycey said:
How are you both this morning @pigwigg ?
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He is now running free over rainbow bridge.
I made the decision around 9:30pm last night to take him to the emergency vets.
He went downhill and was so lethargic he could barely lift his head, I couldn't bare the thought of the medication wearing off and then
him being in pain all night and to suffer.

An hour too soon is better than an hour too late.
He fought hard with me for four days but whatever it was he just couldn't fight it off and he was just so exhausted.
Spike stopped taking his CC mix completely and almost had an inability to swallow.
When we initially returned from the vets we sat cuddled up in fleece blankets watching guinea pig videos for 3/4 hours on youtube
whilst he was still taking the syringe.

It's awful but he isn't in pain any more and certainly not suffering.
I'll always question what caused the initial loss of appetite, I presume the lump had something to do with
it even though it was tested as benign. I'll always miss my little happy dinosaur face!
He spent 3 lovely years in piggy luxury! I'll forever kick myself wondering 'what if?' but we can only do what we can do at that time.
I did my best for him and he went knowing he was loved, cared for and not alone.

I'm absolutely heartbroken and a mess today. My eyes feel like someone has pulled them out with a spoon, I have a lovely dehydration head ache and still no sleep!
I'm now down to 8 boys.

R.I.P My Little Dinosaur Spikey xxxxx
 
pigwigg said:
He is now running free over rainbow bridge.
I made the decision around 9:30pm last night to take him to the emergency vets.
He went downhill and was so lethargic he could barely lift his head, I couldn't bare the thought of the medication wearing off and then
him being in pain all night and to suffer.

An hour too soon is better than an hour too late.
He fought hard with me for four days but whatever it was he just couldn't fight it off and he was just so exhausted.
Spike stopped taking his CC mix completely and almost had an inability to swallow.
When we initially returned from the vets we sat cuddled up in fleece blankets watching guinea pig videos for 3/4 hours on youtube
whilst he was still taking the syringe.

It's awful but he isn't in pain any more and certainly not suffering.
I'll always question what caused the initial loss of appetite, I presume the lump had something to do with
it even though it was tested as benign. I'll always miss my little happy dinosaur face!
He spent 3 lovely years in piggy luxury! I'll forever kick myself wondering 'what if?' but we can only do what we can do at that time.
I did my best for him and he went knowing he was loved, cared for and not alone.

I'm absolutely heartbroken and a mess today. My eyes feel like someone has pulled them out with a spoon, I have a lovely dehydration head ache and still no sleep!
I'm now down to 8 boys.

R.I.P My Little Dinosaur Spikey xxxxx
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I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
x
 
I'm so sorry @pigwigg . You did everything you could for him, and he will have known that. No matter what we do there is always the 'what if?'. I still think 'what if' for my first piggy who died many, many years ago.

Please look after yourself and try to get some sleep. Looking after a poorly piggy is so draining, so try to take some time out for yourself.

Hugs xx
 
Thankyou x

It's so hard isn't it!
I still think of my first boy too. It never gets any easier.
As long as I know I tried my hardest for them I think it makes the pain ease a little quicker.
I know I did everything I could in my power.

I just really wish that there were more specialist guinea pig vets.
I've got a day of baby shopping and midwife appointment so I'll be kept busy.

I think it's so hard because I'll never know what actually caused the initial downward spiral.
My other boys had bloat, neurological problems etc etc so I knew what the treatments and prognosis were, it's
just so hard when you don't know.

Now he's running free over rainbow bridge being the fat little piggy face he was!
x
 
Jaycey said:
I agree, it is always better an hour too soon than an hour too late. That is how I would want to go.

@rome_italy Sometimes we have to make the tough choices, especially when they aren't going to get better. I had to do it in January and it sucks. But I would hate myself if I had let him pass away of his own accord.

@pigwigg Our choices are limited after closing time at the vet. We can see the emergency vet and say our goodbyes or fight on until morning when our options are wider. He really is in the best hands with you. You have been there for him for days and will be there for him tonight, so I would fight on until morning.

The steriod has probably zonked him out. We won't know if he is in pain but the steriod may mask it for him for now.

I've had to handfeed a pig with little response and it is very hard. But you can do it. Little and often. Take your time.

How is his pee and poop output? Is he still managing okay? If his digestive system is still moving then he's in a good position for the night.

I hope you're feeling okay, not too stressed and tired. I'll be thinking of you tonight.
Click to expand...

Only just seen this one!

He stopped taking the CC mix completely and it was just dribbling from his mouth, even in such tiny tiny quanities.
The steroid definitely did zonk him out, probably for the better tbh!

Just before we went, he was struggling to poo and really straining. When he wasn't trying to poo he was calm and content.
His poo was small, stringy and muscousy.

He also had two episodes that looked similar to a fit? He would almost tic and his body would jolt but not shake and then he would squeak,
so to me that was the time as I didn't want to go through the night with a pig in agony.

I'll never know what the outcome would have been but having a bloat pig die at home on his own accord I would never let a pig die on their own accord.
My bloat boy went down hill so quickly we didn't have time to get to the vets. He was in so much pain and I will never forgive myself even though there was nothing that I could do at all.

Animals are fortunate we can give them the right to go dignified.

He spent 3 happy years in a huge big C&C cage, fresh veggies for breakfast, clean hay and vet bed every day, poo picked 3 times a day, cuddles on his command (He would try and climb your hand when HE decided he wanted to be loved haha) surrounded by lots of happy, talkative boys, houses to hide and play it and his beloved food bowl under his ramp!

I'll miss his little squeaks and that happy little face but they are the amazing memories we get to keep of our piggies!
x
 
Don't hate yourself, you really did your your best. I had a hamster who was dying & l cuddled her all night,
Then she started fitting the rest of the night before she went, l'll never forgive myself, for what I did. You have done the right thing, Spike has gone over the rainbow bridge knowing he was loved. My heart goes out to you.
 
Hello pigwigg. not so often one likes a message that involves the passing of a loved one. I have because through tears I've read your messages and replys. my heart is so sad for you and all who knew Spike. what a very brave and strong piggie slave you are. YOU did everything for the little guy and you need to know that he would have realised that your voice and smell. . To be their helping with his illness and his passin is a brave thing. Don't do what if or why and should I have etc etc that negative. Be bloody proud to have loved the 'Dinosaur' You been great. This is to Spike. well little guy you made your piggie slave very upset. But in time she be smiling at the times you had. ok Popcorn away with all the other piggies. Be freeeeeee
 
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