Having a guinea pig euthanased, has anyone done it recently and the guinea pig wasn't distressed by the procedure?

[starpatch]

Sorry not the most cheerful topic. I have a six year old guinea pig and she is starting to look a bit unhappy some parts of the day, she is generally enjoying feeding and looking OK, I just realise that things can develop very quickly with guinea pigs so I am thinking about this. We have a home visiting service in this area which specialises in euthanasia. I am just wondering what I would do if she goes downhill as previously I had a guinea pig put to sleep but he was distressed by the procedure, so this has put me off.

I’ve previously had a different animal euthanised. I was told it would be peaceful but it was not. Unless the animal is so ill that it’s barely conscious, I’m put off too. 😔 I don’t want animals to suffer but there are different kinds of suffering.

The vets took the Guinea pig (and hamster) out of the room. They said because of the gas they used we couldn't be in the same room. But assured me it would me peaceful.

I have an 8 year old guinea pig that I don't think is going to have too many months or weeks more. I'm watching but I know, from experience, when the time comes, the vet knocks them out with gas first, then injects them when unconscious. It is apparently peaceful but I've never been invited to stay for it.

So they can either have an injection to sedate them - it stings initially but then they go to sleep with the owners, then the overdose of anaesthetic into their tummy or chest away from the owners. Or they can be given ananaesthetic gas but that isn’t something done with owners present as it isn’t safe, then the same tummy/chest injection after they have gone to sleep.

Both of ours were euthanised (separately, about a year apart). They were sisters and both developed tumours. The vet took them out back, both occasions, then returned them wrapped after about 10 min.

They reassured us that it was quick and peaceful, that as they had stopped eating and guinea pigs were eating machines, that it was much more comfortable for them to die that way.

My rats used to be anaesthetised with gas - as if they were having surgery - then the injection was given when they were fast asleep. It seemed to me like a nice way to go.

Thanks that is really helpful, I will know to check that they can use the gas.

Not recent but I've had three of my piggies euthanised

Two were unwell (and had been for Vet treatment ) one had a tumour in her neck that was quick growing and not in an area that surgery was an option.

One a guinea-pig specialist , the other two with a small animal vet

The process was the same , a small injection first to sedate , then the last cuddle (and in the case of my Himalayan the chance to pee on the table as a leaving gift !)

We took the cagemate with us so the last thing they saw was a fellow piggie , obviously that isn't always possible .
Bit of an wheek with the first needle but more of a protest than pain. It was very calm. an the cagemate wasn't stressed .
We were there the whole time .

Worst bit was the cleverdicks saying to me "£30 to PTS -they only cost you a tenner"

Very and a tough decision to make but often it's the only one

Thank you

Can you take the pig home afterwards? I'm thinking would help other pigs to know what had happened