Devastating diagnosis

[crittermom]

I am crushed. My dear, sweet 10-month-old Ben has a congenital heart valve defect resulting in a grade 6 heart murmur for which there is no treatment. He could live a bit longer or pass any day. Since he and his brother are past adolescence and Ben hasn't gained the weight that Jerry has (2.1 vs. 2.4 lbs), I had it checked out, but that's the last thing in the world I expected to hear. Nonononoooooo.........

I thought the rescue had had them vet checked. Certainly something that serious would have been evident in an exam at five weeks? I don't know. No matter, I would have adopted and loved him anyway.

I'm probably rambling and incoherent, sorry. I just wanted to let this out to people who understood, not to people who would say "aw, that's sad, but it's just a little guinea pig".

 

[LiciaMommycott]

That's so sad. Poor little thing. How is his quality of life right now? Perhaps you'll get some time to enjoy him before his time is up. I recently lost my cat to cancer and my dog to a spinal injury and it was really hard. Both of them were the best pets and really part of the family. Just make sure the time you have left is well spent. At least you have advanced warning to give yourself time goodbye and give him extra love and attention.

 

[DocDolittle]

Yes, at least now you know to pass as much time as possible with him. Is he showing any signs of weakness, or just not a lot of weight gain?

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Have you discussed heart meds with your vet? I know of several heart pigs who have lived pretty good lives with the aid of meds. I know it is so devestating. To me, they aren't just "guinea pigs". They are my buddies and my children. If you didn't go to an exotics specialist you may want to consider one. Just cherish and enjoy every moment you can with him.

 

[crittermom]

Thank you, Licia, Doc, and Chatty. I think the reason I feel totally blindsided by this is because he's such a bright-eyed, popcorning little squealer. They're the first pair of juveniles I've raised (I adopted adults previously) and they've completely stolen my heart.

Licia, I feel for your losses. My cat of nearly 18 years died in November. When you lose a pet, the pain is so intense that you might swear to never love that hard again. But the pain of parting is perhaps the delayed price for the joy and love received, and it's still worth it.

Chatty, I use the same exotics vet that the shelter uses. No doubt about her expertise. I asked about meds right away, but Lasix and other heart drugs are effective for congestive heart failure, and unfortunately not murmurs. The heart valve needs surgical repair, but Dr. Esposito says a certain ring used to close the valve in other larger species doesn't exist for cavies - it isn't made small enough.

At least he's a happy little guy for now.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Well, I understand about no meds being able to help a heart murmer. I have had one myself since I was 4 months old and I am now 39. There have been times where it acted up severely especially during pregnancies and major illnesses, but I know it is not quite the same as Ben having one. I will say prayers that you and he have a great life together regardless of how much time he has left.

 

[crittermom]

Thank you Chatty, and all my best to you as well. You sound like a person of bravery and spunk!

 

[crittermom]

Huh? Since I posted my last reply, ChattyCoCo's previous two responses turned into Ly's. Did the board act up or am I losing my mind (which is entirely possible since I'm on Day 4 of the flu)? At any rate, thanks for the response Ly, and yes, my best wishes to you too.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

LOL! I had a name change crittermom from ChattyCoCo to Ly&Pigs. Your not losing your mind and the board isn't acting up. Also I have been made a moderator.

I hope you get better soon!