Oreo Cookie

[renonvsparky]

Oreo has never been sick since I've had him. Always been a good and healthy eater. He's never been an overly lovey dovey guy like the rest of my piggies, and is happy and content to mostly be left alone by humans. That doesn't mean that we don't give him love and attention, but his lap time has always been shorter than the rest of the boys and we don't handle him as much as I'd like to. He sure entertains himself though and he likes having another guinea pig in the cage next to him. I'm ok with whatever makes him happy.

You can hear a wheeze when he breathes and he has to suck in his sides to draw a breath. The orbax was for Mr. Bubbles when he had problems in his bowels. I'm very apprehensive about giving it to Oreo without knowing what kind of infection he has and even more so giving to to him after it's been expired for 6 months. It's thickened up too.

[Sef]

If the consistency has changed, it's probably not a good idea to use it. Orbax is in the same general class of drug as Baytril IIRC, but I can understand your reluctance.

Here's hoping he can see the vet right away tomorrow, and you can find out what's going on with the little guy. Keep us posted, okay?

[renonvsparky]

I will. I'm going to be monitoring him throughout the night. He looks and sounds bad. It's next to impossible to get much critical care in him. I can only get about 4 or 5 half syringes down so I'm doing that every couple of hours to hopefully keep some of his strength up until I can get him to the vet.

[renonvsparky]

Poor Oreo Cookie. He passed away this evening. I had been checking on him every 30-45 minutes and at around 10 PM I found him laying down at the front of his cage with his head propped up on the side of it. When I opened the door, he got up and went to the back. I picked him up, held and loved on him him until he went peacefully in my arms. That was less than 10 minutes after I got him out of his cage.

Near as I can tell, he didn't suffer much pain, if any at all. He never squeaked and didn't really struggle or show any signs that he was hurting. It was just his breathing that seemed hard for him. One thing I'm thankful for is that like Scruffy and BJ he died with his family there comforting him and not alone in the dark in the middle of the night. Rest in peace sweet boy.

[Sef]

Oh, I am so sorry! You take such good care of these guys, and it hurts to lose one. I am glad he was there with you when he passed, though. There is some comfort in that.

Sending you my deepest sympathy. I know Oreo Cookie will be missed, but these little ones remain forever with us in spirit and in our hearts.

Rest well, sweet Oreo.

[janlovingcavies]

I am so sorry for your lost of Oreo. RIP Little man. Run free and be forever young in perfect health and breathe easy. He was loved and he loved you. He will watch over you and in time his memories will bring a smile and happy tears.

Reunited with Mr Bubbles,Scruffy and BJ having fun among the clouds and talking about you and how lucky they were to have had you as their slave. Sending big hugs from us and the girls! Be kind to yourself!

[renonvsparky]

Thanks guys. Made the sad trip to drop off his remains for cremation this morning. Mr Bubbles has been restless since last night. Oreo was his little buddy and about as close to a cage mate as he'll ever get. They always grazed together and their cages were next to each other. There's an empty spot there now and he feels it. I put a mirror up so he can see himself. I hope that helps. That, and lots of love. I might have to switch his cage with Sammy and Dean so he can be next to Wilber and Grady. I'll see how it goes.

[Sef]

Aw, poor Mr. Bubbles. That was a great idea to put up a mirror.

[renonvsparky]

The mirror didn't do the trick but there's room to put Gilligan and Skipper where Oreo was and he likes that. He perked up when Gilligan came over to touch noses with him. I think that will help both of them. Even though Gilligan has Skipper he still liked to be near Oreo. There are different dynamics between each of the pigs. Oreo and Mr Bubbles were more like a big brother, little brother while Oreo with Skipper and Gilligan were more like playmates. Mr Bubbles doesn't have as much exposure to the pair as he did with Oreo. Gilligan is quite a little clown as is Skipper, so it'll be interesting to see what dynamic develops between them.

[janlovingcavies]

Hoping they all get on and comfort each other. Sending you and all the piggies big hugs!

[renonvsparky]

So far so good. They like being next to each other. Mr Bubbles gets excited when Gilligan and Skipper do.