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Post by prestonsmum on Jul 19, 2018 14:24:27 GMT -8
Thank you, I do too! Gerbils are such fantastic little pets. I'm totally hooked! They're so interesting to watch and very busy, but he will also have a little nap on my lap. I'm going to do everything I can keep him comfortable for as long as possible. I hope you have a lovely day  |
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Post by prestonsmum on Oct 17, 2018 19:08:48 GMT -8
Just a little update... Preston is still going strong at 4 years and 5 months old. He's had his SGT for the last 5 months, and it doesn't seem to be hindering him. He's still getting metacam once in the morning and once at night. It's really helped keep irritation and picking to a minimum. I also still swear by not having anything in his tank that he can rub his scent gland on has contributed to extending his life. I feel very lucky to still have him around! Just wanted to share a happy update with you all.
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Post by betty on Oct 18, 2018 8:33:52 GMT -8
That is really good news prestonsmumI'm glad the painkillers are working their magic for him - although I didn't take out all the rubby things from my last guys tank and so perhaps that would have worked for him too? Something for next time... |
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Post by catnut on Oct 18, 2018 13:48:06 GMT -8
Glad Preston is doing well, hope he will stay healthy and it doesn't spread or affect his internal organs, that is what happened with my Adam but not for many months so had him longer than I thought I would. Enjoy each day. |
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Post by prestonsmum on Oct 28, 2018 12:55:14 GMT -8
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Post by catnut on Oct 28, 2018 14:14:19 GMT -8
soo sorry to hear, may Preston rest in peace. You gave him a good end of life and he looks like he was smiling in one of the photos. Take it easy on yourself. Hugs, Tammy |
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Post by prestonsmum on Oct 28, 2018 14:20:38 GMT -8
Thank you so much Catnut. He will be missed by many of my family members. I think he succumbed to some kind of internal bleeding as you had said of your dear Adam. I don't want to bring up painful memories for you, but can you tell me about the internal bleeding Adam experienced.... only if your comfortable talking about it. I have many unsettling thoughts as to what happened to Preston. It was actually very traumatic for both of us.
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Post by catnut on Oct 29, 2018 13:54:11 GMT -8
It is hard to see when they get very ill. Adam had heavy breathing and was very uncomfortable so I had him put to sleep as I didn't want him to suffer, it was a hard decision but know I helped him. Adam never bled much with his tumour although it did look very nasty at the end. It will take time but good memories will help with the healing.
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Post by prestonsmum on Oct 29, 2018 16:48:29 GMT -8
Thank you for sharing that with me! I've had some many questions because Preston was doing fantastic before Tuesday evening. On the Friday of the week before I had noticed that he had a scab just below his right ear. I was quite shocked because it happened overnight. I have him out every day and few times a day. He also had a little bit of hair loss around the right ear. I'm positive that he didn't have mites. I was treating the scab, and by Sunday it was completely gone. He was his normal friendly, curious and interested in life self on Monday. He was sleeping a fair bit on Tuesday when I arrived home in the afternoon until about 6:30PM. His tank is right next to where I sit in the living room, so this all happened in my full view. He woke up very abruptly and took a few steps in my direction, before spraying blood all over the glass. I was absolutely mortified and was certain I was going to watch him violently die before my eye. It was horrible! I couldn't do anything to help him. I did the only thing I could do to help him at that point, and took him to the vet to say goodbye.
I'm not sure what happened and I wondered if perhaps it was internal bleeding, so when you had mentioned that I thought it may have been. I actually think it may have been aural cholesteatoma. It may have caused an abcess that ruptured. Since the ears, nose and throat are all so connected. I thought from day one that his SGT would be the cause of his death. I really have a gut feeling that this wasn't his tumor that caused this.
I may never know the cause, but I think I've just been in shock. I've never heard of anything like it. I've had numerous rodents in my life and I've never seen anything like it. Thank goodness!
Have you ever heard of anything like this or have any idea what could cause anything like this?
Thank you for your time again. I really couldn't go into the traumatic details in my previous post. I guess I just feel like an answer may feel slightly comforting.
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Post by catnut on Oct 30, 2018 15:51:50 GMT -8
I really don't know but your guess sounds like what could have happened. How did he seem after? Tumours can spread. I don't know if you will ever get answers but know you cared for him and gave him a great end of his life with letting him run around and love.
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Post by prestonsmum on Oct 30, 2018 16:08:34 GMT -8
He actually survived! I was stunned really. I was bringing water to him and tried to give him his metacam. He drank the water, but reluctantly took the metacam. I just knew he was done. He just didn't want anymore of anything. I knew there was nothing else I could do to help him or make him feel better. I was terrified of what may happen to him over the following days, and I was fearful he may go into respiratory stress.
I love him too much to let him suffer. I'm having him cremated so that he can be placed with me... then I'll have him forever, in a way.
Thank you for your insight. You're so kind. I've really enjoyed our conversations. I'm really glad that I didn't have to go through the process of a SGT alone. You and Betty have been so wonderful <3
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Post by catnut on Oct 31, 2018 13:54:25 GMT -8
you are welcome, I like to help when I can. I hope you will sometime save another gerbil as they make fabulous pets, I've had them for 27 years and even though I am very sad when they get ill and pass away, I always want to rescue another that needs love and care.
Take care, Tammy
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Post by prestonsmum on Nov 2, 2018 9:04:28 GMT -8
I love the gerbils! They're fantastic indeed. I'm always rescuing animals, and will continue to do so in the future. I've had allergies to my pets all of my life, and had my first severe asthma attack after bathing my guinea pig this summer. He's 3 years old and I hope he lives a long life! I'll always have a pet/pets in my life. I recently rescued a crested gecko and I'm really enjoying him.
I would jump at a chance to love some more gerbils if it weren't for my allergies. They make fabulous little companions and are packed with personality!
Keep doing what you do!
Take care,
Jenn
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