He didn't fall or get dropped, so I think what happened was he had a stroke. He can't use his back legs, and he can't push poop out. I have to put gloves on and dig poop out several times a day. I love him and don't mind doing this, but he seems to be very uncomfortable because the poop builds up there really fast, and I don't always get to him before the poop has built up. Plus, since he can't walk it is sad to see him drag himself across his cage. Should I keep him alive, or would it be best to put him down?
2007-01-02 15:44:23 · 21 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I just want to say thanks to everyone for your kind and sympathetic comments. They are much appreciated!
2007-01-02 16:32:03 · update #1
Its always hard to put a pet aka family member down. I have a guinea pig also if he had that problem i would deffinately put him down, yes its going to be hard but hunny hes suffering and its only hurting you and him more to see him go through this. He will always be in your memories. Another piggy will never be good enough but it will help you from hurting so much to get a new babie after you put him down im sure your current piggy wouldnt want you to be lonley when he goes.
I am sorry about your little guy give him huggs and peegy kisses for me.
2007-01-02 18:58:49 · answer #1 · answered by catieann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have some advice before putting him down if this doesn't work . First since he's not getting around well set a water dish out because he may have troubles getting enough water from the normal drinking receptacle . Also feed him fruit preferably apple slices as guinea pigs don't produce vitamin c naturally as rabbits do and need that in their diet to prevent scurvy and it may help his bowel movements. Perhaps some lettuce also even though it has little nutritional value the water content in it may help his digestive tract if he's impacted badly enough inside this may cause his inability to walk. If the guinea pig is 6 years old or so he may well have had a stroke and need put down to ease suffering. Good luck , I raise a few of the little critters myself and am very fond of them.
2007-01-02 15:57:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off i'd like to say what a wonderful person you must be to care for this animal the way you are. I had my guinea for 71/2 years and he was a wonderful pig but I probably would have put him down if this happened to him.I think you should call the vet and ask their opinion.The vet may know whether or not this will get better or worse.I feel your pain and I don't envy you your decision so all I'll say now is bless you for caring for this defensless animal and I wish there were more people like you in the world.
2007-01-02 15:55:07 · answer #3 · answered by hippiegirl672003 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
*hugs* you for your loving heart. Im sure your pet knows this too.
Observe him a little bit longer, a few days or so, then make a decision with the vet. If it was a mild stroke, he might show signs of recovering little by little. Ply him with vitamins and put him in his back to check if he can wiggle a bit of his legs while prone.
It might not be a stroke but a cancerous growth on his spine. Strokes are caused by a bad diet. Usually their feed does not have all that many fat. It seems unlikely.
2007-01-02 15:58:24 · answer #4 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh my gosh that makes me wanna cry!!!!!:(
take him to a vet, see what he/she says and if what I think is going to happen, the vet will probably want to put him put down. I think it is best not to let the poor little guy suffer, I am so sorry, I have two guinea pigs of my own, so I know how you feel. I had one die too. I even have her urn, lol, im a wierdo! There is still a chance that he could be ok, though. take him to the vet immediately. Give him my love!
I wanna see how he is doing! my email is kt_rox100@yahoo.com
2007-01-02 15:51:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take him to the vet first. .. . I know it is hard, my Spike and Mojo are the world to me. But, I would have to say, if they were in that situation, I would have them at the vet immediately if not sooner. I know medicines for our pets have come a long way, so it is possible it is a quick fix. . . but possibly expensive as well. :( Don't lose hope yet, you never know what tomorrow brings, and what miracles the vet can do. . .just please, if there is nothing you can do, understand that putting him down is not bad, as it may be it needs to be done.
2007-01-02 16:58:44 · answer #6 · answered by Kat Q 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Awww Jeeze, poor girl.
I've been where you are at and it was the hardest decision of my entire life. But letting him go is the kindest thing to do. Take him to the vet to make sure it's the best option and take a close family member or friend with you for support.
God bless.
2007-01-02 15:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by Sara 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
take him to a vet that specializes in small animals...most likely if he is paralyzed he will have to be put down. There are some viral infections that can cause paralysis that isn't permanent, so the best thing to do is get your suspicions verified by a professional.
2007-01-02 15:48:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know this will hurt but it is time for you to do the right thing and put him down.I am very sorry I know what it feels like,A year and a half ago,I put my cat Sammy through surgery for cancer to save her and she suffered a horrible death because of me.Do not make the same mistake I did and make your friend suffer for your own sake.It is time.You know what you must do.I should have and I will go to my grave regretting it.Good Luck and God Bless!!!
2007-01-02 15:51:33 · answer #9 · answered by Mr Bellows 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow! I feel sorry for your little fellow.
I hope that if I get to the point where people have to retrive things from my hind end that I am not alive when they are doing it!
Has he been to the vet??
Did they say he had a stroke?
Make sure you give him some oranges to eat. good fiber.
Good luck!
2007-01-02 15:48:24 · answer #10 · answered by enyates2002 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋