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Post by 3piggles on Feb 5, 2016 15:06:18 GMT
That's how it was with Morty, and I am so glad I didn't take all of the advice to let him go. He wasn't miserable or even in any pain, and he loved his life. Enjoy Melvin as long as he is enjoying life
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 5, 2016 4:01:37 GMT
Update on Melvin. I know there's some more recent info about him in the disciplining a guinea pig thread, but I will make an update here now. Melvin's weight sort of stabilized at about 920 grams for a while and then it dropped suddenly. I think almost 100 grams in no time and now I'm struggling to keep it at 800 grams. It's crazy. He eats and eats, so I really do think it's a thyroid thing, but of course, I don't know. He happily eats his critical care, veggies and pellets, but I have noticed he eats less hay. Some days his poo is really soft and some days it's closer to normal. I clean his cage a lot more now, because it gets really messy some days. He has had a weird snorting kind of sound, strange breathing for a while. It starting getting quite bad and I was really worried about him. I honestly thought I was going to lose him, but then he perked up again. He's definitely not his good old self, but he doesn't seem miserable either, The snorting breathing thing went on for a few days and then went away, but it still happens now and again. It's just really strange. I'm not sure what to do anymore. I will of course keep feeding him Critical Care and regular food, but what else should I do? Should I take him to the vet again? I'm thinking that she won't really be able to do anything for him and then what's the point? Obviously if I feel that he is suffering, I will take him. He seems to have gotten a little more snuggly lately and I can sit with him on my chest and pet him for much longer than he has done since he was a baby. I do think his tumor/ lump has grown slightly, but it's really hard to tell. I wish I could speak guinea pig, so I knew what it all meant :-(
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Post by Bean on Apr 5, 2016 7:19:45 GMT
I'm sorry to hear Melvin's weight is dropping and he's not been himself at times recently. Could you ring your vet and just mention the latest symptoms and see if (s)he has any advice? If it's already been determined that there's nothing to be done besides keep him comfortable, it'd just be about making sure there's nothing extra that could be done to keep him comfortable. If you can do it by phone, it'd save him the stress of going in, but if you have any concerns that you think would be best checked out, I'd take him in.
I think when you're essential keeping an animal alive by hand feeding etc, you need to know that it's in their best interests - both in terms of quality of life and prognosis. If you have a close bond with your pet then you're in a great position to be the best judge, but it's also so important to remember how well they hide pain and discomfort.
It'd certainly be easier if we could talk to them, but you have a close bond with Melvin and clearly spend a lot of time with him. Enjoy your snuggles, and I hope you can run everything past your vet and get some positive advice about something that might help his symptoms or keep him comfortable.
Take care - it's a really difficult situation to be in and we're all thinking of you.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 5, 2016 12:47:01 GMT
The best I can say is that pigs with a terminal illness often go in stages, dropping then leveling out for a while, then repeating. Morty did the same thing. I think they not only know their health is failing, but that we are trying to help them as much as possible. They tend to choose us over the other pigs, as the other pigs can only provide company, not actual help. You provide the food, clean his cage, keep him comfortable and clean. Those things are very important to animals, and they recognize the signs of a helper. He will get more snuggly. He's returning your love and seeking comfort from your presence. Enjoy him.
Morty also stopped eating enough hay to keep his poos firm. I did a lot of washing up after him, which was okay. He was still happy to be here, to be with the girls and with me, and that's all that mattered. He was on pain meds, so he wasn't hurting.
I did consult the vet when there were major changes, but the vet couldn't do anything except to approve an increase in the pain killer, just in case. Still worth giving the vet a call, just in case they want you to change anything in his treatment. If he's not in pain or suffering, he's happy, and you don't mind doing the extra work to keep him clean, I would keep on doing what you're doing.
If you have a food processor, you could try finely chopping some hay, and mixing it with the Critical Care. That might help him get enough extra roughage to firm up his poos a bit.
Good luck <3
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Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 5, 2016 19:54:15 GMT
Oh darling, you are in a horrid situation and my heart goes out to you. It sounds as if he is enjoying his life at the moment with his snuggles and I believe you will know when it is time. I wish there were some words of comfort I could give but there aren't. I am sending lots and lots of love.
Hugs Jo xx
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 6, 2016 3:07:50 GMT
Thank you for your support. I'm thinking of calling the vet, but I'm fairly sure they will want me to come in with him and I just don't know if I want to put him through a 30 min drive each way. I'll really think about it the next couple of days and decide what to do. What did Morty get the pain killer for? I mean, how do I know if he's in pain? Anyway, I really appreciate your advice.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 6, 2016 13:03:48 GMT
Morty had Metacam. He was also on Baytril tablets, not the horrible tasting liquid, to fight off any infections. I told the vet I refused to give him the liquid Baytril, as it was basically punishing him for being sick and needing help. Once put to them that way, they were much more accommodating, and used the tablets. I will never accept the liquid Baytril again! If the vet knows his situation, and knows he's slowly going downhill, the vet might be more willing to give you something to ease the process, as mine was. If the vet thinks it's something new and unrelated, you'll have to take him in for an exam. Silly as it may sound, the travel accommodations make a big difference to the pigs. If pigs, or any animals, have travel accommodations they enjoy, they don't mind the travel. When I used a regular, hard carrier, the pigs hated traveling. When I changed to this :http://www.rubbermaid.com/en-US/flex-n-carry%E2%84%A2-basket, they play while they travel, and while they're waiting for the vet. I put a fleece pad in the laundry basket, stick the corners through the holes until I have the pigs all set up with lots of hay and some cucumber, then I cover them in the cold/rain/snow so they are all snuggled in. The car seat belts fit through the handles, so the pigs are always safely secured in the car. It's lite weight, and not too bulky, so easy to carry. Good luck
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 6, 2016 13:34:19 GMT
I have used my cat's kennel the other times. I put fleece in there, his snuggle bag and hay and treats and he actually seemed fine, so maybe I shouldn't worry about that part of it. I have some decisions to make now..... So frustrating, because you want to do what's best for them, but you don't know what that is.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 6, 2016 13:41:56 GMT
Only you know how he's feeling about life in general. I know that's not much help, but even once he had the stroke and couldn't move his hind end, Morty enjoyed our company and attention, and it was obvious. He wanted to be with us, and he was until his heart just stopped beating. I wouldn't have done it any other way, because I could tell that he was happy. If you think Melvin isn't happy, is in too much pain or just can't enjoy life any longer, it's an easy decision. Otherwise, you're constantly weighing all the different aspects against each other, and wondering if you're doing the right thing. I wish there were a template to use, but there isn't. Lots of hugs
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Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 6, 2016 20:00:58 GMT
Oh sweetie you are in a difficult place. We are all here for you.
Lots of love. Jo xxxxx
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 7, 2016 21:07:04 GMT
I made an appointment with the vet, but can't get in until April 17th! If nothing changes before then, it should be ok, but of course sooner would have been better.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 8, 2016 12:03:17 GMT
Waiting is the hardest thing. Once we've decided our baby needs to be examined by a vet, it seems to be an eternity before we can actually get to the vet. I hope nothing changes, or if it does, it changes for the better. Hugs
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Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 8, 2016 20:28:22 GMT
I agree, you would think the vets would try and make the appointments like this closer so we do not have to worry so much. We are usually quite lucky with ours and manage to get in fairly quickly. Hugs JO xx
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 17, 2016 21:58:36 GMT
I went to the vet today and it wasn't really good news. It was what I expected, but it's still hard. We are both convinced now, that it's a thyroid tumor he has and that's why he eats and eats, but loses weight at the same time. She mentioned surgery again, but also said that his prognosis isn't good, because of how skinny he is and how dangerous the surgery would be. I don't want to put him through that, so the plan is to keep him comfortable. Keep him warm, because he is skin and bones now and just keep feeding him whatever he wants to eat. She said that the decision is obviously mine, but I have to know that it's probably a decision I have to make soon. She gave me advice on when the time will be based on his weight...and of course if other things change too it could be sooner, so I will take that into consideration. Thyroid issues give him a really high heart beat and he feels hyper a lot and that's a strain on his body. She says he is not in pain, but probably not feeling really comfortable either. He has been really good this week, but I know it's up and down, so I will take one day at the time and see what happens. It breaks my heart to think about it, but I knew it was coming. :-(
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Post by bazookagoof on Apr 18, 2016 0:12:06 GMT
Whimsy, I am sorry you and Melvin have to go through this- it is not an easy thing at all. You are both in my thoughts.
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Post by Bean on Apr 18, 2016 9:44:45 GMT
I'm sorry the vet couldn't give you any hope of things improving for Melvin. Are there not any thyroid medicines that might make him feel more comfortable in terms of slowing his heart rate etc?
It's sad to know a much loved friend is approaching the end of their days. I'm glad he's had a good week though, and know you will be making the most of those sorts of days with him for as long as you think he's still enjoying life. xx
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 18, 2016 12:06:05 GMT
I'm so sorry the news wasn't good I know what you mean about the skin and bones. We kept Morty covered with a piece of fleece, and in a padded cuddle cup, and the last day we had him on a heating pad set to the lowest setting. He loved that. Hubby commented how he just snuggled in and enjoyed the warmth. You will know. That won't make it any easier, but their quality of life is the guide. Morty was enjoying all the attention, even after his stroke, and wasn't willing to go. It was great to have him ring in the new year with him. It was almost as if he waited for that, and then he could cross. Lots of hugs to both of you, and I hope he goes gently
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Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 18, 2016 20:38:53 GMT
I am so very sorry to hear this darling, you are both in my thoughts and prayers Love Jo xxx
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 18, 2016 22:28:13 GMT
The vet said that there's been an increasing number in thyroid issues in guinea pigs lately (not sure over how long a period), so maybe some day there will be medication for it, like there is for cats. For now, there's nothing they can do other than surgery and like I've said before, I won't put Melvin through that, especially not now with how skinny he is. It's frustrating of course, but I guess part of life is also that we all have to die. Maybe that's just how it was supposed to be for Melvin. I appreciate all your kind words and thoughts too. It's pretty difficult, as you all know, but I just hope I make the right decision at the right time. I will definitely enjoy him as much as I can the rest of our time together and just really really hope that he is not suffering. I will try to trust my instinct to when the dreadful call has to be made, but I honestly (for selfish reasons) hope that he will pass away peacefully at home and it would be nice if I could be with him when it happens.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 19, 2016 12:55:53 GMT
When a pet dies, we try to comfort the parent by saying they gave him the best life he could ever have had. It may seem a bit escapist or hokey, but we do that because there is so much we can't control in their lives, that all we can ever really do is love them and give them the best possible lives, so the time they have with us is worth celebrating for them. All of our babies will leave us at some point, anyway. Maybe it's better in some ways to know it's coming, so we can make sure they know we love them. I've lost babies to long illnesses, after seemingly successful surgeries when they seemed to be doing better, and suddenly when their bodies simply ran out of time. I can't say one was was easier. None of them were easy, and however my next piggy goes, it will be just as hard. I'm sorry you and Melvin have to go through this, but loving him and caring about his quality of life are what make you a great guinea pig mom. Those are the qualities that, hopefully, will provide future guinea pigs with loving homes with you. We can't stop what their genes, environment or access to medical care does to them, but we can make their lives so worth living, that when they leave us, it's with no regrets on anyone's part. You'll make the right decision for Melvin, no matter how hard it is for you. You'll make the right decision because you love and care for him enough to do what's right for him. Hugs
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