I just moved out of my parents house and yesterday i finally brought sage my guinea pig to the new house. he won't eat or drink all he does is sleep in his house. he's 4 and a half years old and my best friend i don't want to lose him but if this continues he will die there's no guinea pig vet anywhere near where i live and it feels like i'm just sitting here watching him die i'm constantly depressed cause there's nothing i can do i feel helpless like i did with my hamster who died slowly i suffer from depression outside of this and i'm scared because i have alot of troublel dealing with death i don't know if i should put him down or see if he gets better but he's been like this for 3 days i feel numb with the thought of losing him even though i knew it would happen eventually given his age

Hang in there, Houseki. This is only an interim post to let you know I just read your message and am researching all available information to help you and precious Sage guinea pig. The reason I wanted to say something ASAP is so you'll know I'm conferring with colleagues, case histories and other Web sites just in case you come back before I return ...

This may take anywhere from five minutes to three or more hours. It all depends. Also, I may very well have questions for you before we can figure out just what's going on with your sweet fur kid. It's 7:00 PM EST where I am now and off I go to make some calls and do all the rest I mentioned above. Please know you and Sage are in my thoughts and prayers. Here I go ...

Always,
Angel xoxoxox

Houseki, time is of the essence so I'm going to type out what you need to do right this minute for Sage then will come back later with my guestions to you. You've got between 6 and 12 hours just so you'll know. Chin up and get Sage back on his feet. Okay? Here you go ...

Pellet Preparation

The day's ration of alfalfa pellets can be crushed in a coffee grinder (or ground with a mortar and pestle) or soaked overnight in a refrigerator and crushed by spoon. About 20 grams of powder and 5 mls of water will make a good paste (experiment). A stiffer paste reduces the danger of asphyxiation. Some piggies will appreciate the mash being warmed for a few seconds in the microwave. Pellets work the teeth (especially a drier mash) and stimulate the digestive system more effectively than baby food, though prepared peas, mixed veggies, etc are much smoother than pellets.

Feeding Techniques

Perhaps 20 to 25grams of mash with 15 ml water on the side will be all you will be able to do at one time. Several (4-6 or more) feeding sessions per day will be necessary, to keep things moving through your pet's system and provide adequate nutrition. A 1 cc. syringe with the restrictive tip cut off (to leave a tube of even diameter -- pictured below) and sanded smooth is useful for feeding. A spare 1 cc needleless syringe can be used to offer water (with vitamin C, if needed) in between bites and to administer medications. A straw can be used in a pinch, though it is tedious.



There are many techniques -- most basic is to feed slowly and do not rest your pig on its back ( a greater chance of aspiration). Some people find a vertical position works well. Some people wrap their pet in a little "pouch". Others hold the guinea pig facing away from them. For the truly uncooperative pig, Pinta's technique of administering oral medications may help (see pic). Make sure the pig is swallowing. You do not want to get food into the lungs. A stiffer mix may help prevent aspiration.

...stick the syringe into the side of the mouth directly behind the front teeth, and work it down to the back teeth until the pig starts grinding on the end of the syringe. Then ... slowly depress the syringe contents into the mouth, stopping if the pig stops chewing. As long as there is chewing motion - the pig is swallowing. A little wiggle of the syringe will often get the chewing motion to start up again if it's stopped.

Vicki of JPGPR finds pigs feel more secure when they have their feet on a hard surface. Place your pig on a towel on the counter, corralled in the crook of your arm. Experiment with gently holding your pet's chin. You can be firm if necessary.

Your goal is to get your guinea pig back to a normal eating routine, so offer food occasionally while you are hand-feeding and make sure there is food always available in their living quarters. Some people find their ill cavy responds enthusiastically to grass. If you have fresh, clean, pesticide-free grass available, be sure to offer it to your pet. Avoid areas next to busy roadsides or those frequented by dogs or livestock. Food intake can be monitored by weighing the guinea pig before and after feedings if you question how much is actually being eaten.

Houseki, I'm not going anywhere and will check in frequently to see if you have ant questions so far. Also, make certain Sage drinks even if you need to put some water under his tongue using the syringe. Okay?

Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Angel xoxoxox

ty i don't know if i can find a needless syringe but i'll work on the food and water

I see you're online. Please stand by and I'll edit here where you can get a syringe right now, Houseki. BRB >>>

Sorry, I have an injured arm, hand and wrist so it takes longer to type. Okay, here's what you do ...

1. Do you know the phone number or can get it through information for your nearest guinea pig breeder? If not, please PM me with a zip code or something so I can locate one for you. They always have many supplies on hand including syringes.

2. Most pharmacies carry syringes like the one you need for Diabetics to give themselves injections. They may hesitate to give or sell you a couple, but I'm certain you can persuade them very easily.

3. I know you said there's no guinea pig Vet where you are, but any Vet can give or sell you a couple of syringes. It's late so I'm assuming most Vet offices are closed. Do you have a 24 hour Emergency Vet nearby?

Enough questions and I'll wait here for your response, Dear One.

Big Hugs!!!
Always,
Angel xoxoxox

PS. Those syringes, if they do charge you at all, run anywhere between 50 cents to under $3.00 depending on where you get them just so you know.

ok i should have mentioned this i'm mentally handicapped i have borderline autism i have no way of getting anywhere right now i live in a group home with a staff and its too late for us to go anywhere and i'm barely able to comprehend alot of these instructions my dad has needles i don't know what gauge he's diabetic but i'd have to get him to bring it here i'm really fustrated mainly cause of the situation and my stupidity Sage is getting worse and i know no guinea pig breeders i do have a question though

as far as i can tell sage is pretty much dying from starvation cause he's not eatting does that mean he's in pain????

cause i've been through this before with my hamster and this is like the second time sage has been sick the first time there was a vet in the valley but she moved. and another question

how long will he last without food and water???


i'm sorry if these questions sound stupid and if my ignorance is bad and i'm not a bad guinea pig owner i've taken care of him since he was a month old but honestly i have no idea what to do these instructions confuse the crud out of me and i don't have much resources

{{{{{Houseki}}}}} I'm right here.

Any new developments? Please let me know so I can give further instructions if necessary. Okay? By the way, I've been in Animal Rehabilitation and Rescue for over 30 years to all species. Are you hanging in there?

Big Hugs!!!
Always,
Angel xoxoxox

Stand by, Dear One. I'm reading your post above this one then will respond. Okay. Here I go >>>>>

Hon, you're doing just fine. Honest. Please don't beat yourself up. I do understand your frustration though under those circumstances. Hey, you can do this. Hugs!!! Okay, one question at a time then I'll break down all instructions so you can understand.

1. You said your Dad has syringes since he's diabetic. I'm not sure if you know so I'll tell you this. Those needles come off of those syringes very easy. Now, here's my question: Would your Dad be willing to get one or two of those syringes to you right now or does he live too far away ...

Let's just stick to this: Would your Dad be willing to get one or two of those syringes to you right now?

Angel xoxoxox

Sage has started closing his eyes like he's trying to sleep about soaking the food over night

Soak it in water????

Sorry with me you have to be specific

and tomorrows sunday so i don't think i can get the syringe from my dad because the staff working right now loves to push my problems aside if i can get to a store i can try to find something that would work for tonight i'll work on getting some food that he can eat cause thats all i can do tonight staff change is in 1 1/2 hours so i can't go anywhere else today

I can call dad and find out but he never goes anywhere but church on sunday he does live nearby but he's very strict about sundays

Sweet Houseki, there is no such thing as a stupid question. In fact, those are excellent questions. I'll do my best to answer so that you'll understand and if you do not understand, just let me know and I'll explain another way. Okay?

You said: "as far as i can tell sage is pretty much dying from starvation cause he's not eatting does that mean he's in pain????"

The answer is no. Your precious Sage would not have any pain at all if he were dying from starvation, Dear One. I can tell you all the technical reasons this is true, but it's pretty difficult for most people to take in all that medical talk. Fear not. Sage will be in absolutely no pain if dying from starvation. You are so dear!!!

Next, you asked: "how long will he last without food and water???" Well, Houseki, that depends. I could give you a whole lot of reasons, but we'll keep it simple. The answer is that if Sage is not eating or drinking anything at all, he could have up to 12 hours or so ...

But! Is he just sleeping like you said? Have you taken your eyes off him to perhaps go to the bathroom or kitchen or ... You know what I mean? There is a chance he has either nibbled and ... Or had some water when you were away from the room for a few moments. Is that possible?

More Hugs!!!

Angel xoxoxox

Dearest Houseki, it's very true that you do not know me. However, if you're willing to send an email to me with the phone number at the home where you live due to your special circumstances, I will promise to put the fear of the lord in the staff if they don't help you and Sage pronto. Word. Why is that? It is against the law what they're doing. Several laws ...

IMPORTANT: Do NOT tell any of the staff or other people who live there what I just shared with you. If you do, you may or may not receive poor treatment cuz they would be angry with you ...

Wait! I have a very good idea.

Question: Is there any way at all that you can get one of the main staff members to read all of what we have posted and do that right NOW? If so, please do so. NOW. Do you understand all I've said, Dear One?

Always,
Angel xoxoxox

last night cause of some new meds i was on i slept from 11 am to 1:30 am the whole time i kept watch on him he never ate anything and i've been in my room most of the day his food hasn't changed the little ducky floating in his water is still at the top he looks at it almost takes a sip of water but then stops before he starts drinking and goes back to laying down same with the food i even gave him some of his favorite treats and their still in the food bowl now his bowl has fresh food again because this morning i cleaned his cage i have to clean it every day sometimes i'll hold him and he just lays there i kind of pick him up slightly to make sure he's still alive but most of the time his eyes are closed

its not that i don't trust you its just a personal rule of mine not to give out personal information and the staff are nice but she has to worry about my room mate too if i didn't know that sage doesn't have much time i'd have my dayhab person help me out but she's not here till monday i am thankful that sage isn't in pain though that gives some form of relief but i don't think i can get anywhere to get the things he needs i don't know if the same staff is working tomorrow or not i'll know in an hour when staff changing time occurs if no one comes through the door then its the same person but either way nothing can be done till tomorrow

Wow! Sage is really sticking in there. If you are in the same time zone that I am, it's been about ... Just a moment ...

You said: "i slept from 11 am to 1:30 am." Is that right? Or did you mean you slept from 11 AM to 1:30 PM?

Please let me know. Okay? Hugs!!!

Oops i got the am and pm wrong 11pm to 1:30 am

That is very wise, Houseki. I could learn a thing or two from you. Honest and for true.

Okay, plan B. I'm off again to find a very simple way you can get some food and water into Sage this very minute. Maybe even peanut butter. Do NOT do that yet though. Please wait until I return and I'll hurry as fast as I can.

Here I go >>>

Angel xoxoxox

EDIT: "Oops i got the am and pm wrong 11pm to 1:30 am."

I thought that happened. No worries, Hon. And here I go >>>

Houseki, I'm on the phone with people who know more than I do.
I've got 3 books open ...
And am at a Website working as fast as I can ...

BUT! There is something I should have told you right away. How stupid of me and I'm so sorry, Hon!

Please do what I list RIGHT NOW ... If you have not already done the following ...

1. Make sure Sage is warm. Cover him with a clean soft wash cloth or winter shirt or anything like that.
IMPORTANT! Make sure when you cover him that you can see his eyes and nose. In other words, you may cover most of his head and DO COVER HIS EARS AND THE TOP OF HIS HEAD. JUST DO NOT COVER HIS EYES AND NOSE. Okay?

(No, I am not shouting, Dear. Just using CAP LETTERS to tell you what is important.)

2. Get a very clean wash cloth or dish rag or something like that. Make sure it is CLEAN. Put water on it. If you use water from the sink MAKE SURE TO COUNT FOR 20 SECONDS BEFORE YOU WET THE CLEAN CLOTH. Okay?

Take the wet cloth to Sage who you have already covered the way I described to you. VERY CAREFULLY put the wet cloth to Sage's lips and MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT GET ANY OTHER PART OF HIS BODY WET or he could go very fast from a chill. Okay?

Sage may even open his mouth and suck on the wet cloth.

I'm off to the phone, books and Websites again but needed to tell you right now what to do RIGHT THIS MINUTE. Okay?

I'll be back. Hang in there, Houseki. You're doing great!

Here I go >>>

Angel xoxoxox

yeah i'm doing it but he's not sucking

i think sage has given up he won't do anything his breathing sounds raspy and i have to go to bed in 2 hours

Houseki, it is very understandable that Sage is not sucking.

We may or may not be onto something so I need to ask questions ...

1. You say you moved out of your parents house yesterday and brought Sage to where you are now.

Do you know the temperature in your parent's house? In other words, do they normally keep it cool in the house ... that is IF they have air conditioning.

2. Is it hotter or cooler or about the same where you are living now ... What I mean the same or different coolness as your parents house?

3. Is Sage breathing more heavily or faster than he always did? I hope I asked that so you know what I mean.

I'll wait here for you to reply then we'll continue.

Please take your time and go into any detail you are able. Even bring up other things you have noticed if you wish. I'm not going anywhere so take your time and I'll read your reply when you're done.

Angel xoxoxox

{*{*{*{*{*Houseki*}*}*}*} I am so very, very sorry. Please know you are NOT to blame and that you'll see your precious Sage at The Rainbow Bridge when that time comes.

You did great caring for him and should be very proud of yourself. You're a Wonderful Fur Kid Parent!!!

Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Angel xoxoxox

my parents keep the house warm we live in alaska so no air conditioning however my mom has a heart problem she had alot of trouble keeping his cage cleaned and i ended up cleaning it when i visited her it was awful his but was full of feces i had to give him a powder bath and comb out the poo and the lack of eatting and drinking started there when i brought him over it didn't take long for me to see something was wrong

his breathing is heavier

Houseki, that is all gosh awful! My very educated guess is that Sage got sick at your parent's house due to all you've said. There are so many illnesses that a guinea pig can get from living in such terrible conditions. It's is also my very educated guess that his symptoms appeared coincidentally when you moved to your new place yesterday. In other words, it would have happened even if you had not moved him.

I could tell you several sicknesses that Sage probably got due to his unsanitary living conditions. It was only by pure chance that he started showing he was sick when you moved. Your move had nothing to do with it. Sweetie, he's not going to make it.
I am so very, very sorry! Oh, I am so sorry!

Please keep coming back to talk about this anytime day or night. It helps to talk, Dear One.

I Wish You Peace!!!

Always,
Angel xoxoxox

thank you for the help and i had a strong feeling that was it i don't blame my parents though cause my dad doesn't really know how to handle stuff like that and like i said my mom has a heart problem its just so hard seeing sage giving up before he got sick he was so spunky and kind of demanding but i knew something like this would happen eventually and of course i had a feeling a vet would be dang near impossible to find i just don't want to see him like this he may not be in pain but to watch him stare into nothing its like watching him leave me slowly still i am thankful he lasted for 4 and a half years everyone who has seen him says he's the longest living guinea pig they had seen and i'm thankful i got to be his friend and he got to be mine my parents are trying to give me their support cause they know this is hard for me i have to get ready for bed thanks for trying to help

Sage is no longer suffering during a short night he passed away more peaceful than i thought he would he's finally in a better place where he can go play with other guinea pigs

{*{*{*{*{*Houseki*}*}*}*}*} Yes, indeed Sage is in a far better place and I have no doubt you'll see him again on that One Sweet Day when the time comes.

It's very comforting to know he didn't suffer. Like I told you, he felt nothing but fatigue and a strong desire to go to sleep.
And that's exactly what he did, Dear One.

Many Comforting Hugs and Love!!! I Wish You Peace!!!

Always,
Angel xoxoxox