Osteomylitis

[chuckiexoxo]

My seven 1/2 year old guinea pig was diagnosed with osteomyelitis due to bumblefoot in the front left foot. Antibiotics and soaking have showed no improvement. My only option is to amputate the leg. I guess I am looking for some advice as I have always done everything I could for his health. He has a back hip out and also deals with impaction on a regular basis as we must help him go to the bathroom. He has lived a long life with many trips to the vet and unfortunately it is hard to treat the problems he has now been facing. Do I go through with surgery not knowing how he will do with the back hip also out if socket or do I give him pain medicine and try to keep him as comfortable as possible? He is eating playing and giving kisses as usual but I know his leg bothers him .

[Orlaith]

It's a tough and very personal decision, but if he was my pig I think I would try to manage his pain and then put him to sleep when his time comes. He's a very good age and I don't think he would have a great quality of life without the leg, to be honest. That's just my opinion, but it would be a massive operation at any age, and a lot to put him through.

[petlover2011]

wishing you the best for you & your piggy. your piggy will be in my thoughts & prayers. Our guinea pig jerry is 5 yrs old & still in good health.