Guinea pig days are numbered

[AtSea1979]

I've had her since she could sit in the palm of my hand. She's now 6 and has cancer. The vet said they can't operate and it's a matter of days-a couple of weeks.
She's got a huge tumour which is growing by the hour. She was fine a week ago. I've noticed she's sitting on her own a lot, not inside the bedding box. Have her friends noticed she's ill? Will they push her out? I just want her to be comfortable and snug for her last few days. Should I bring her in or would the isolation upset her more?

[PurpleDaisies]

So sorry to hear this.

I mean this really kindly but if she's in pain and the prognosis is hopeless, might it be kinder to have her put to sleep? We had to make that decision for one of ours recently and it was heartbreaking but ultimately the right thing.

[AtSea1979]

I asked the vet yesterday (when they said she might start to chew it ) I was horrified and questioned whether it's better to let her go now before she's in pain but they weren't happy to euthanise her when she wasn't in pain and said as she's still mooching about the garden and eating etc then keep going for now.

[PurpleDaisies]

I'm quite surprised by that. I'd ask for a second opinion. Our lovely vet has always said it's better not to wait too long rather than say goodbye too early.

I'd just give her loads of cuddles, extra treats etc and as soon as she starts to deteriorate take her in.

It's the worst part of having lovely pets.

[AtSea1979]

I'll monitor her closely, any sign of her chewing it, or it rupturing or being off her food and I'll take her back to be pts.

[fortifiedwithtea]

Whilst your gp can eat, drink, poop and wee she is fine. Leave her with her friends they will know she is ill. IME the rest of the herd won't push her out.

Signs to look out for - sitting huddled facing a wall, slightly rocking indicate pain. Not eating, change to poop out put. If these signs are seen return to vet as it will time to say goodbye.

Sorry this is an upsetting time I'm dreading the day I have to make the decision for my own elderly piggy

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Oh . Sometimes a pig that's ill will take themselves out of the group (our GP5 did , she chose to sit slightly apart which was one of the early signs) and 'nodding' like a tiny rocking horse.

If she has a warm safe area to sit , cosy fleece maybe and hay , and she can still chatter to her cagemates , then play it by ear .
Maybe bring her in to handfeed her?

You'll know yourself when its time or she might choose herself and slip away .