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Urgent - dying guinea pig

Hbecooper

Hbecooper

Junior Guinea Pig
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Wellingborough, UK
Our old boy Bruce I think is on his way over the rainbow bridge I think x He's old and vet has said he's steadily losing weight and has cancer so said to make him comfortable, they didn't believe he was currently in pain. He's been okay up until this evening, he's refusing any food and no energy and currently asleep on me which he never ever does, he's quite the independent boy hates to sit still normally. My question is do I keep him on me and just let him rest and hope he passes peacefully, do I call the vet although we had decided no more could be done and would only put to sleep if we felt he was struggling, or do I pop him back I the cage with the other 3 girls, in his little comfy pod so they are with him. I'd love to cuddle him all night but know it can be very important for the other piggies to be with them when they pass also.. just not sure what to do. Been putting off asking really hoping it wouldn't happen 😭
 
Hbecooper said:
Our old boy Bruce I think is on his way over the rainbow bridge I think x He's old and vet has said he's steadily losing weight and has cancer so said to make him comfortable, they didn't believe he was currently in pain. He's been okay up until this evening, he's refusing any food and no energy and currently asleep on me which he never ever does, he's quite the independent boy hates to sit still normally. My question is do I keep him on me and just let him rest and hope he passes peacefully, do I call the vet although we had decided no more could be done and would only put to sleep if we felt he was struggling, or do I pop him back I the cage with the other 3 girls, in his little comfy pod so they are with him. I'd love to cuddle him all night but know it can be very important for the other piggies to be with them when they pass also.. just not sure what to do. Been putting off asking really hoping it wouldn't happen 😭
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BIG HUGS

I am very sorry. It is always tough when you find yourself with a piggy going into into multiple organ failure, especially the first time. Death is usually much more physical than we imagine. :(

If he is asleep on you , then you can leave him where he is or gently place him back in the cage; either is fine!
I have several times made the experience that a piggy passed as soon as I set it down when I needed a by then very urgent toilet break.
The rule of thumb is that you leave a piggy in the cage if they have not formally removed themselves from their companions. Otherwise the companions come before your desire to hold your piggy.

As long as your boy is not in major discomfort when he wakes up, then I would leave nature to run its course and let him die at home in his familiar surroundings. I only take my own piggies for pts if that is not running as smoothly as you'd wish. If Bruce is still around by tomorrow morning, you may want to ring your vet clinic.
There is a often phase in the last stages when the body is closing down and lack of oxygen is making itself felt when a piggy is very uncomfortable; the same goes for fitting or 'running to the Rainbow Bridge' leg movement. If that is lasting more than 15-30 minutes, please contact your vet.

You may find this guide below helpful. The last chapter has practical advice for what you can do when you find yourself suddenly with a dying piggy on your hands: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
 
Thank you very much. I much suspected the above so thank you for your reply he is very peaceful really but I think putting him with his companions maybe a nice thing. I'll certainly take him to the vet in the morning if he's still with us, but don't want to stress him out with a visit overnight knowing what is likely to come unless I feel he's starting to be in pain or distressed etc. It's my first experience of this so was quite a shock but he's lost 600g in 48hrs which isn't great, and has only on the last 24hrs stopped food but he's so lethargic its really sad x I really want to wake my 8yr old up to say by as Bruce is her favourite but don't think it will help her at all x I've had a bad fibro day too so exhausted and sore so this on top has sent me over the edge x I just hope he passes peacefully x thank you for the advice x
 
Sorry for the hard time you’re having. I’m sure inside he appreciated the cuddle you gave him. Let us know if anything changes. Big hugs 💕
 
He just passed 😭 I popped him back in the cage, and they all came over to him,, layed him down on his pad in the corner with a blanket on him, he struggled to breath for a few minutes but then passed gently 😭

I don't know what to do though with him now? x
 
Hugs. So sorry ☹ He passed knowing he was loved. By you and his wives.

I’m not sure. I think you can leave him in for a bit for them to say bye. Then take him out. After that I’m not sure. ❣️
 
Sorry your old lad has gone off to Rainbow Bridge, but at least it was gentle and peaceful.
If your other piggies have all seen his body and said their goodbyes, I would remove it and put it in a sealed box while you decide what to do with him next. Last time I lost a piggie, I did that and put the box in a fridge also (but I'm lucky enough to have a mostly spare fridge, I know most people probably don't.)
:hug: 🌈
 
Thank you everyone x I've removed him and put him in a plastic storage basket on his pad with a blanket wrapped over him x Our daughter wakes up very early (6am) before us normally and goes down to feed them and read her book so didn't want her to find him, hes next to the cage but have left her a note to tell her to not go down and wake me first. I'm hoping he will be fine overnight and then ill take him to the vets to be cremated in the morning, as that's what she chose to do with Chops his brother so we can put them together in our new house x

Such a horrible but peaceful experience and so glad he didn't suffer and got some awesome cuddles with him before hand too. just wish she had but hopefully she can say goodbye in the morning x
 
So sorry you have lost Bruce, sending you big hugs X
Sleep tight little Bruce x
 
I’m so sorry that you have lost your little man. It’s heartbreaking for us to witness their last breaths but I’m sure that he gained great comfort from being surrounded by such love in his final hours. Big hugs to you and your daughter.
 
Hbecooper said:
He just passed 😭 I popped him back in the cage, and they all came over to him,, layed him down on his pad in the corner with a blanket on him, he struggled to breath for a few minutes but then passed gently 😭

I don't know what to do though with him now? x
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Hi!

HUGS

I am ever so sorry but glad that the end has come very gently and quickly for him.

Once your piggies have taken their leave, you can gently wrap him in a blanket or towel and take him out of the cage.
When any companions have taken their leave (or ignore the body), I prefer to wait for another day if at all possible with any burial/cremation plans until the body is cold and the soul has left.

For a cremation either contact your vet clinic or google for a pet crematorium within your reach (the latter may be cheaper but prices can vary massively and so can your cremation options).
If you would prefer a burial, then a planter pot in which you can plant a memorial plant like a rose or small shrub on top would be best as it is something that can come with you if you move house at some point.

Here are our tips for his companions; they are still going to be very subdued for a few days: Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
And here is our grieving guide for humans that will hopefully help you over the coming days and weeks: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
Hbecooper said:
He just passed 😭 I popped him back in the cage, and they all came over to him,, layed him down on his pad in the corner with a blanket on him, he struggled to breath for a few minutes but then passed gently 😭

I don't know what to do though with him now? x
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So sorry for your loss. I was so hoping my Ash who had a tumour could have passed peacefully at home instead of pts but still know whatever way it's still so sad. Xx😢♥️
 
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