Heavy topic-need advice

Ezio · 01-17-2017, 01:47 PM

Hello everyone, I have decided it is time to put Bilbo down he dosnt seem to be enjoying life anymore, he's having trouble eating even soft food, and he's just seems like he's in pain. Plus he's very, very old. I talked to my vet but they said for small animals to euthanize them they inject a needle straight into their belly or heart. I think it would be best to have him put to sleep, but would this hurt him much? Or would it be a quick process? I'm having trouble figuring out what is best, and of course I don't want it to be like this but if it would relieve his suffering this might be best

alpacassei · 01-17-2017, 02:21 PM

I'm sorry to hear this

but I think that everything would happen rather quickly and without much pain. If he's in a lot of pain and can hardly eat, then it would be better to end his suffering than prolong it.

Pebbles82 · 01-17-2017, 02:30 PM

I'm sorry little Bilbo is suffering. What does your vet say? Sometimes pain medication can make their lives more comfortable so they can pass naturally in their home cage.

Our hammy is 2 years and 7 months and he is also having difficulty eating and I think he may be in pain now too as his ears are down quite a bit. But I know he still likes his food and his teeth have got long (he probably avoids hard food if he has toothache). So he is going to the vets this week for a whiff of gas, his teeth shortening, and some Metacam (pain relief anti-inflammatory). And that should mean he could enjoy eating as long as he wants and have be more comfortable. He can't walk very well and falls over a bit sometimes, but I know he wants to do things.

Have you managed to get a look at his teeth? I know that is making our hammy a bit miserable at the moment, that he can't get things in his mouth properly.

Sometimes if their teeth keep getting too long they can actually grow into the roof of the mouth and they can't open their mouths.

It might be an idea to have his teeth checked and trimmed by a vet, and some pain relief medication and then see how he is. If his teeth are find and he is not really eating, then yes maybe it would be kinder to help him on his way.

The euthanisation does sound unpleasant by that description and yes I think it would frighten or hurt him. Would they be able to sedate him/give him a whiff of gas first if it came to euthanisation? I am not an expert on the topic but it sounds like it would be cruel without putting them under/asleep first.

It did amaze me though, what a difference it made to Charlie when he was 2, just having his teeth clipped shorter. Suddenly he was eating everything, chewing his chews, putting on weight and enjoying life again.

Ezio · 01-17-2017, 02:31 PM

I agree, thank you so much for replying

. I'll make an appointment for the poor little guy today

Pebbles82 · 01-17-2017, 02:32 PM

Not sure if our post crossed

Maybe get his teeth looked at before deciding on the euthanisation. How old is he now?

Ezio · 01-17-2017, 02:35 PM

Bilbo yawned this morning and I saw his teeth, they didn't look to long so I don't think that's it. My old Guinea pig had to have his teeth trimmed a few years ago and even though he was old he seemed so much younger in spirit afterwards until he died about a year later. I think he might just be old, he is 4 after all. I'll see about giving a reliever pain or gas first, I don't mind paying more as long as it makes him more comfortable

Ezio · 01-17-2017, 02:36 PM

I think our posts did cross, haha. And he's four and a Syrian

Pebbles82 · 01-17-2017, 02:37 PM

Four is a very great age! What a little trooper he is. Apologies if I was suggesting something you already knew

It does sound like helping on his way would be the kind thing to do now but I would want to know that he was not going to suffer, just as you asked about. If sedating or gas first isn't something they normally do, you might need to ask specially xxx

Ezio · 01-17-2017, 02:44 PM

It makes me feel a little better knowing that he's so old. And it's okay, haha, thank you for suggesting it!

I'll defiantly make sure he can get some gas first, or if the vet won't do that then I'll find another vet, I wouldn't want my little special friend feeling hurt

Pebbles82 · 01-17-2017, 02:54 PM

Hope all goes well xxx