Urgent help needed! Guinea pig dying

[Guineahelpneeded]

Hi please can anyone give some advice on what might be going on?
* Please don't suggest taking her to a vet. I'm not taking her to be stressed out at an emergency out of hours vet when she is very clearly about to die. About a year ago I chose to have a very close to death piggy put to sleep by the vet and it was absolutely traumatic. The piggy was so stressed out going there, being prodded and poked by the vet (when clearly nothing could be done) then injected in the belly and took half an hour to slowly die! It was awful... I asked if this was normal and she said it's how piggies are pts. I vowed I would never take a very obviously dying piggy to the vets to be pts again if they were peaceful at home *

So anyway she is about 5 years old. She's always been a fat piggy, very pear shaped, 2/3 days ago she suddenly seemed a bit bigger than usual and I suddenly panicked that our male had accidentally been put in with her (definitely not that I know of but not impossible with the kids handling them a lot... Although I've never seen them out any in the wrong enclosure) (she has never had babies so would obviously be very dangerous if she was pregnant at her age). She was acting her usual self, always first up for food etc, today I went to feed them and she didn't come out... I found her in the sleeping area on her back with her legs wiggling around. I bought her straight inside. She is absolutely huge, literally looks like she's swallowed a side plate! She is pretty non responsive, I've wrapped her in towel to keep her upright and shes not breathing well. It's fairly soft when I'm feeling her tummy. I did think I could feel something smallish in her belly but could be anything, I don't know what I'm feeling for. I would of thought if she was was pregnant she would feel hard and the babies would be filling the space? It's very soft, feels like it's full of water. She's done lots of normal looking poos while shes been in. Not moved.

So the three things I'm thinking it could be are bloat, pregnant and gone toxic or ovarian cysts that have burst. All of these seem pretty conclusive at this stage that she will not make it. She's not suffering and is calm and peaceful. What do you think it sounds like and could I try anything to help? Don't want to distress her. I've attached a photo Thanks from a sad piggy mummy x

 

[Ritika]

I don't have anything to suggest u but my prayers are with u and your beautiful piggy may God bless her❤

 

[Wiebke]

Hi please can anyone give some advice on what might be going on?
* Please don't suggest taking her to a vet. I'm not taking her to be stressed out at an emergency out of hours vet when she is very clearly about to die. About a year ago I chose to have a very close to death piggy put to sleep by the vet and it was absolutely traumatic. The piggy was so stressed out going there, being prodded and poked by the vet (when clearly nothing could be done) then injected in the belly and took half an hour to slowly die! It was awful... I asked if this was normal and she said it's how piggies are pts. I vowed I would never take a very obviously dying piggy to the vets to be pts again if they were peaceful at home *

So anyway she is about 5 years old. She's always been a fat piggy, very pear shaped, 2/3 days ago she suddenly seemed a bit bigger than usual and I suddenly panicked that our male had accidentally been put in with her (definitely not that I know of but not impossible with the kids handling them a lot... Although I've never seen them out any in the wrong enclosure) (she has never had babies so would obviously be very dangerous if she was pregnant at her age). She was acting her usual self, always first up for food etc, today I went to feed them and she didn't come out... I found her in the sleeping area on her back with her legs wiggling around. I bought her straight inside. She is absolutely huge, literally looks like she's swallowed a side plate! She is pretty non responsive, I've wrapped her in towel to keep her upright and shes not breathing well. It's fairly soft when I'm feeling her tummy. I did think I could feel something smallish in her belly but could be anything, I don't know what I'm feeling for. I would of thought if she was was pregnant she would feel hard and the babies would be filling the space? It's very soft, feels like it's full of water. She's done lots of normal looking poos while shes been in. Not moved.

So the three things I'm thinking it could be are bloat, pregnant and gone toxic or ovarian cysts that have burst. All of these seem pretty conclusive at this stage that she will not make it. She's not suffering and is calm and peaceful. What do you think it sounds like and could I try anything to help? Don't want to distress her. I've attached a photo Thanks from a sad piggy mummy x

Hi!

Highly pregnant piggies can unbalance and not right themselves, the same as older/frail piggies. This puts a huge strain on the heart and the digestive tract (bloating), especially the longer she is in that position.
Seeing an emergency vet for gut stimulants/antibloating meds as an emergency may make all the difference; it saved my ca. 8 years old Ffraid when I found her in this position four years ago. We were going to put her to sleep when she suddenly revived, responded to the meds within a few hours and lived for a few weeks more.

In your case, it may hopefully not be too late to save her and her pups if you ring the nearest open clinic for their advice NOW.

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[Emx93]

Sending hugs, sorry I'm not a medical expert but wanted to offer support, I wouldn't rule out that a vet could help especially if she's still able to process food, is she eating and pooping? a vet could tell you exactly what you are dealing with and possibly fix it? I know you said you don't want to stress her with a vet visit but it's what I would suggest as without knowing exactly what you are dealing with you don't know for sure that it cant be treated. It could make all the difference between life and death if you get her to a vet ASAP

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

Thank you for your advice. Honestly I do not believe she will live with any treatment and it will only stress her. She is totally non responsive and not moving /barely breathing. She's 100% dying so I will leave her. Plus as much as I love her I won't spend £250 plus (which they've quoted me) on an out of hours vet when I know nothing can be done.
If she was pregnant would her belly feel hard?

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

Hi!

Highly pregnant piggies can unbalance and not right themselves, the same as older/frail piggies. This puts a huge strain on the heart and the digestive tract (bloating), especially the longer she is in that position.
Seeing an emergency vet for gut stimulants/antibloating meds as an emergency may make all the difference; it saved my ca. 8 years old Ffraid when I found her in this position four years ago. We were going to put her to sleep when she suddenly revived, responded to the meds within a few hours and lived for a few weeks more.

In your case, it may hopefully not be too late to save her and her pups if you ring the nearest open clinic for their advice NOW.

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your advice. Honestly I do not believe she will live with any treatment and it will only stress her. She is totally non responsive and not moving /barely breathing. She's 100% dying so I will leave her. Plus as much as I love her I won't spend £250 plus (which they've quoted me) on an out of hours vet when I know nothing can be done.
If she was pregnant would her belly feel hard?

No, that sounds like severe bloating; which is generally extremely painful, especially when the belly is feeling concrete.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

Please read the link and also the emergency care link (which has a chapter on what you can do for dying piggies at the end).

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

Sending hugs, sorry I'm not a medical expert but wanted to offer support, I wouldn't rule out that a vet could help especially if she's still able to process food, is she eating and pooping? a vet could tell you exactly what you are dealing with and possibly fix it? I know you said you don't want to stress her with a vet visit but it's what I would suggest as without knowing exactly what you are dealing with you don't know for sure that it cant be treated. It could make all the difference between life and death if you get her to a vet ASAP

Thank you x no she's not eating or moving, not holding her head up she's lying flat out shallow breathing. She definitely can't be saved, she is dying. X

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

No, that sounds like severe bloating; which is generally extremely painful, especially when the belly is feeling concrete.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

Please read the link and also the emergency care link (which has a chapter on what you can do for dying piggies at the end).

Thank you ill have a look. Her belly is not hard... Its very soft, feels like it's full of water x

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

This sounds like severe bloat. It’s very painful and if your piggy doesn’t pass soon, you really should get her put to sleep, as she’ll die a very painful death. It does sound like she’s close to passing though, so hopefully it’ll be quick!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you ill have a look. Her belly is not hard... Its very soft, feels like it's full of water x

It may be a blockage - but without a hands-on examination, all we can do is guess based on our own experiences.
Please take her for pts if she is not dying anytime soon or if she is showing signs of being in distress.

I am very sorry; it is always a desperate and deeply upsetting situation.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

It sounds like a liquid bloat, rather than a gas bloat.

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

No, that sounds like severe bloating; which is generally extremely painful, especially when the belly is feeling concrete.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

Please read the link and also the emergency care link (which has a chapter on what you can do for dying piggies at the end).

Thank you. I don't think it's bloat as it's not hard. But she does have blue lips and feet which it says are a sign of heart failure. She is so close to death, is there anything I can do to help her gently on her way? I know it sounds horrible but it's so heartbreaking. Or is it best just to leave her. She's not in pain and very nearly is dead x

 

[Black piggies]

I'm so sorry about your lovely piggy. Just to say I've just had to put a pig to sleep and it was quick and painless - I sat in on it happening. Secondly I've had to go to out of hours vet several times, and it was never anywhere near that much. Another one might be cheaper. Good luck.

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

It sounds like a liquid bloat, rather than a gas bloat.

Just looked at that, yes could be that. She now has liquid leaking out her eyes sorry its awful. But I can assure you she's very peaceful, not in pain or struggling at all x

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

I'm so sorry about your lovely piggy. Just to say I've just had to put a pig to sleep and it was quick and painless - I sat in on it happening. Secondly I've had to go to out of hours vet several times, and it was never anywhere near that much. Another one might be cheaper. Good luck.

The area I live in theyre all ridiculously expensive. I promise you I'm not someone that wouldn't take a suffering animal but she's not suffering. I spend most my wages on vets bills but I'm trying to be more realistic these days as there's only so much that can be done x

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. I don't think it's bloat as it's not hard. But she does have blue lips and feet which it says are a sign of heart failure. She is so close to death, is there anything I can do to help her gently on her way? I know it sounds horrible but it's so heartbreaking. Or is it best just to leave her. She's not in pain and very nearly is dead x

No, only a vet can send her on her way. blue lips unfortunately mean that she has gone into acute heart failure.
Brace yourself for some discomfort (fitting, flailing legs) when oxygen deprivation hits the body/limbs in the later stages just before she dies.
(see the emergency guide)

 

[Emx93]

So very sorry

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Practices vary greatly in how much they charge for an out of hours appointment. This could be long and drawn out and may be very distressing for both your guinea pig and you. Please ring around other practices and ask about their fees.

 

[Black piggies]

The area I live in theyre all ridiculously expensive. I promise you I'm not someone that wouldn't take a suffering animal but she's not suffering. I spend most my wages on vets bills but I'm trying to be more realistic these days as there's only so much that can be done x

I agree the bills can be awful. I live somewhere where things are overpriced and the local medivet PTS was about £50. I've never had a £200 add on for out of hours. It isn't usually much more than regular hours x

 

[Darcey15]

So sorry you are in this situation. I hope she passes peacefully & quickly. Big hugs ❤

May I ask what is her name?

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

Practices vary greatly in how much they charge for an out of hours appointment. This could be long and drawn out and may be very distressing for both your guinea pig and you. Please ring around other practices and ask about their fees.

Even if it was free after my last experience I truley believe it would be in the best interests of th guinea pig to die peacefully at home. Obviously if it were distressed or in pain it would be totally different and I would be straight down there. But I truley regretted taking my lats one who was totally peaceful at home and ended up suffering badly. This little girl is very peaceful, not moved a muscle or made a noise in about 40 minutes. She's hardly breathing. I honestly believe it would be more cruel to bump her around in the car, have her prodded about an ultimately have poison injected in to her stomach. X

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

I agree the bills can be awful. I live somewhere where things are overpriced and the local medivet PTS was about £50. I've never had a £200 add on for out of hours. It isn't usually much more than regular hours x

Honestly sevenoaks vets are outrageous in their pricing!

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

So sorry you are in this situation. I hope she passes peacefully & quickly. Big hugs ❤

May I ask what is her name?

Thank you. She's called Bear. She's been such a wonderful pet. Got her when my 7year old was a toddler and they're best friends. He's totally heart broken she licks him like a dog, comes when called, does tricks. Very very sad x

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Guinea pigs should not be put to sleep the way your previous one was. I’m sorry it was such a traumatic experience. It shouldn’t have been like that.

 

[Ritika]

I am really really sorry to ask this question at such a time❤ but how do u know she's not suffering at all? I mean yes she may be quite but don't they go totally quite when they are not feeling well at all and pets can't tell us if something is hurting them or not❤ I m really sorry but please keep us updated

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

Guinea pigs should not be put to sleep the way your previous one was. I’m sorry it was such a traumatic experience. It shouldn’t have been like that.

How do they usually do it? She told me that was normal. I'd even asked for him to have anaesthetic gas first so he was unaware (said I was happy to pay more) and she said it wasn't necessary! X

 

[Guineahelpneeded]

I am really really sorry to ask this question at such a time❤ but how do u know she's not suffering at all? I mean yes she may be quite but don't they go totally quite when they are not feeling well at all and pets can't tell us if something is hurting them or not❤ I m really sorry but please keep us updated

Obviously I can't say 100% but she's so close to death she can't be aware. She's hardly breathing at all. Even when I pick her up or move her she doesn't move or respond. I'd say she's in a coma x

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

How do they usually do it? She told me that was normal. I'd even asked for him to have anaesthetic gas first so he was unaware (said I was happy to pay more) and she said it wasn't necessary! X

They should be given anaesthetic gas prior to the final injection being given. It must’ve been an awful experience for you and your guinea pig!

 

[Black piggies]

How do they usually do it? She told me that was normal. I'd even asked for him to have anaesthetic gas first so he was unaware (said I was happy to pay more) and she said it wasn't necessary! X

The PTS I just had was putting Atticus into a plastic tub with gas going in to knock him out and then an injection into the heart. It was instant. The vet was gentle and kind. I get quite upset taking my pigs to the vet but that wasn't a bad visit apart from the reason obviously.