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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 17, 2016 21:20:45 GMT
We have all been there love many many times and as Piggles says, it doesn't get any easier. I am sending you a big hug in the hope that it helps a little at least. Please keep us posted.
Hugs JO xx
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 17, 2016 23:44:39 GMT
I just came back from the vet. I felt like I was ready to make the decision, but he came home with me. The vet was actually really nice and good. She spent almost an hour talking to me about the decision and his quality of life. Since he didn't eat much today, she thought I should give him tomorrow and maybe Sunday to see if it changes. He might bounce back to how he was before the lump burst, but even then, is that good enough? I don't think so. She said that she doesn't feel like I'm ready to say goodbye and maybe spend lots of time with him the next day or so and really ask him to show me when he is ready to go. I have tried that, but either I don't see the sign or he hasn't showed me. I don't know. She is afraid that fluids from the tumor/cyst has gotten into his lungs, because they don't sound good and his heart beat too is crazy fast. I just got home and he is sprinting around his cage. It's really weird. He is definitely not acting normal. Maybe he is just stressed from the vet visit and car ride. I'll keep you posted.
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 18, 2016 0:06:46 GMT
Melvin is now all wet on his chest. I wonder if the cyst is draining out of his body? Why couldn't this have happened while I was at the vet? He seems uncomfortable and restless. I'll keep an eye on him, but I don't know what I can really do.
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Post by Bean on Jun 18, 2016 12:09:24 GMT
Is the wet chest definitely from the lump? If it's from drooling, then a wet chest, not eating properly and a moveable lump on his chin/ chest strongly indicate a dental abscess. If they can't eat properly because of the pain of the abscess then the teeth quickly overgrow and prevent them from eating, so it's not a situation that can resolve on it's own. Were his back teeth checked out at all?
I'm really sorry he doesn't seem settled in himself. I think as his owner, you will know if he's had enough. It'd be different if they knew exactly what was wrong, but given all the uncertainty, it really comes down to if he's enjoying life or if his symptoms are preventing that. I'm really sorry you're having to go through all this - let us know how he's getting on and I'll be sending lots of love to Melvin. xx
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 18, 2016 15:19:44 GMT
I'm sure the wetness was from the lump. He ate his veggies last night and I just fed him some critical care right now, so he is eating better today. He has lost a lot of weight again though, but maybe the stress and not eating that much yesterday is the cause of that. I don't know, but I will see how today goes. I am wondering though how the procedure is for putting a guinea pig to sleep. The vet said it's different than cats and dogs, because it's hard to find their big veins. If anybody knows, I would like to know.
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Post by Bean on Jun 18, 2016 15:55:29 GMT
It must be so tough to know what to do with him going up and down so much. I really feel for you.
I might be a bit foggy on the details as it's been a good few years since I've had to have a guinea pig put to sleep, but in the two incidents I can recall best, I remember they administered some gas (isoflurane) to make them really sleepy, so that the injection (which was straight into the heart) didn't cause them pain or distress. As soon as they came out from having the gas, I was allowed to hold them while the injection was given and then sit and cuddle them until they checked the heart had stopped.
Rather than using a mask for the gas (which most pigs will resist having held to their face, and you don't want their last moments to be panic) they have a little transparent box which they sit them in for a couple of minutes and pump the gas in there. It was pretty quick.
I have to say that while of course it was upsetting, I have always found it a very peaceful procedure and have been grateful to be there comforting them at the end and knowing there wasn't an upsetting end for them. If you've got to the point where you know your pet isn't coping well and there's no positive prognosis in sight, that's something you are really grateful for.
I'd be concerned if a vet didn't use the gas first (or some other form of sedation if the guinea pig doesn't respond well to gas), or was unhappy for you to be present.
It's such a tough decision to make, and I hope that if you do have to make it for Melvin, it goes as smoothly as it did for my guys.
Take care and hope today is a good day for him. x
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 18, 2016 22:50:43 GMT
You and he are in my prayers love.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 19, 2016 1:07:15 GMT
I agree with Bean. You have to be comfortable with the process of putting Whimsy to sleep. He means too much to you, and if you don't feel right about it, it will gnaw at you. Ask about the full process. Make sure you are totally comfortable with that. If and when you are, you will feel less reluctant to help him over the bridge. It's very difficult to tell exactly what's happening with pigs. They try to hide any illness or injury, as they are prey animals, and it would invite predators. He could be feeling some relief, and be zooming. Zooming is usually a sign of a happy and healthy pig. So he could just be blowing off steam. He could also have had a sudden rush that made him do that, and it passed. You will probably never be 100% certain that it's time, so you will have to decide when he's been struggling too hard for too long, to feel that he's going to recover. Even then, you will probably try to second guess yourself for a while, wondering if you did the right thing, was it really time, etc. Trust me, if you decided to put your beloved boy to sleep, it was time, and you did the right thing
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 19, 2016 3:22:47 GMT
Thank you. He's been eating well today, so I think I will just have to take it day by day and see how's he's doing. I'll enjoy all the time I have with him. The vet did explain the process, but honestly, I was a little out of it and probably didn't listen as well as I should have. I appreciate all your input though and will keep you posted on any news.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 19, 2016 20:03:59 GMT
I am glad he is eating love, that is always a good sign.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 19, 2016 22:19:39 GMT
I'm glad he's eating. I think taking it day by day is the best option. He's not ready to go
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Post by Bean on Jun 22, 2016 19:07:15 GMT
How's Melvin getting on, Whimsy? Hope he's doing okay. x
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 22, 2016 22:58:07 GMT
He is doing well. He is back to how he was before the lump burst. The lump is now really small and on the from of his chest, so the whole thing has kind of changed. He is eating well and has put on a few grams again, which is nice, but I'm very confused by all of this. Will the lump grow again? I don't know, but I guess only time will tell.
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Post by bazookagoof on Jun 23, 2016 1:36:53 GMT
That's good news, glad to hear Melvin is doing better.
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 23, 2016 20:36:08 GMT
That's excellent news, even if confusing. I have no idea what's happening, but for him to be no worse off is great! Did the vet have any idea what was happening, or do you need to wait for your regular vet to get back?
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Post by Bean on Jun 24, 2016 9:13:26 GMT
How very odd, but glad he's doing okay in himself again.
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 24, 2016 13:46:01 GMT
It really is strange. He's gained a bit of weight and seems happy. The lump is still there, so I'll have to monitor it to see if it's growing again. The vet thought he only had a few reasonably good days left, but told me he could bounce back. I guess that's what he's done.....so far anyway. I don't think I will take him to the vet again unless something happens and he gets worse.
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jun 29, 2016 22:21:41 GMT
Update. Melvin is doing pretty well. He is still eating lots and has gained a bit of weight. His poos are for the most part more normal and not as mushy anymore, which is nice. The thing is, I can feel the lump is growing again, so I'm afraid it won't be long before he is back to how he was a couple of weeks ago.
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Post by Bean on Jun 30, 2016 8:25:12 GMT
I'm glad to hear he's doing well. If the lump recurs, given it caused him bother before, it might be worth getting the vet to aspirate it a little to see what's inside and if that information can help provide any treatment?
It's such an odd set of symptoms - I'd definitely be interested to know what the folks over at Guinea Lynx make of it all as there are so many experienced members there, that perhaps you'd get some insight.
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 30, 2016 15:20:35 GMT
That's good news, but I understand your concerns. Do you think he's any the worse for the experience? I remember you said he was off his game for a few days, but it seems he's recovered. I really wish the vet could figure out what's happening with him, but as long as it continues to happen, he may not be in any immediate danger. I'm not trying to give you false hope, just thinking out loud and hoping. Thank you for keeping us posted.
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