[Gpdd] ((Snowy Bear)) HEALTH and Some Other Things

Fri Aug 14 08:27:19 EDT 2009

Dearest Corrine,

I am apalled that a vet would do that to a guinea pig, I have never heard of that before, to cut off a penis because there is a stone in it.  I have been reading a bit about Peter Gurney's suggestions with guinea pigs.  I know that cranberry juice (pure) is the best for them in need, that it helps dissolve stuff (I think) in the urinary tract like it does in people.  I will read up on that and also I think he said that boiling your own barley water from pearl barley and giving them that will help since it is a demulcent.  I am not British although my ancestors were, but I do recall the song from Mary Poppins (which I loved) by Jane and Michael Banks, regarding their Nanny specifications,  "and never smell of bar-ley wa-ter"....well, I guess it works...anyway, I have great empathy and my heart goes out to you for your loss of Snowy Bear.  I know how it feels to love a guinea pig with all your heart.  They do not live in the physical world very long and there is a reason for that.  I do not want to get too spiritual here but I do believe in reincarnation and that the animals do not have any problem going in and out of the physical world.  Humans do, however, but we do not have to have such a problem with it.  We (Whee) as humans seem to be cursed with the ability to reason and discern.  If your passion is animals like mine is, what goes along with it is an intense emotional, nurturing caretaking state of being.  I recall when my Li'l Guy was, as the vet said, critically dying, I had come home from work and found him in a very bad way, all convulsing etc. I called the vet who said to try to make him feel comfortable and what did I have in my medicine cabinet? not too much stuff.  I ended up giving him a tiny bit of melatonin, ibuprofin, and zoloft, and then it ws like he went to sleep.  I still was in so much denial that I just did not believe he had crossed over.  I always thought I could have done something more.  He was at least 6, maybe 7.

I always think it is important that we know what are the best vegies for guineas and --as with ourselves--remember that none of us are immortal here on planet earth.  The spiritual giants state that if we want to affect our pets health in a positive way, then just think good thoughts when you are around the animal, about anything.  Humans tend to become very attached (I know I was) and it makes it so hard to let go.  Corrine, I do encourage you to let yourself feel your feelings about Snowy Bear, and whee love you and hope you know that Snowy Bear was lucky to have you.  When they are ready to go, to Rainbow Bridge, there are just some things that e have no control over and like me and all the others on the Gpdd you did the best you could with your beloved piggie.  Snowy will forgive you and of that I am certain.  It is the hardest for us who have the human condition to allow us to forgive ourselves...but we can do it, and all will be better because of it.  It is our choice.

Love,

Ellen and Guineas 10

From: gpdd-request at gpdd.org

Subject: Gpdd Digest, Vol 8, Issue 203
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:38:25 -0400

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--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: jaaladog at bellsouth.net
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:31:08 -0400
Subject: [Gpdd] VIRTUAL: An update from Tabitha

Hello Mommy!

I have so much to tell you about!!  As you know, Sammy and I arrived safely 
here on the beautiful Black Pearl.  You should see it!  It's soooo big and 
all the sails are furled... but I don't know what that means.  Lots of food 
and lots of stuff to drink.  Some of it smells kind of funny but if you 
drink a lot of it, you sort of feel funny too.

Sammy found a spy glass rolling around on the deck and decided that it was 
put there so she could spy on Fugly to se what he has been up to when she is 
not around.  She really didn't know how to use it but finally figured out 
that you unscrew the end of it, throw it overboard and back into the tube 
that is left so you can peek out from the end and look at everybody and no 
one knows that you are in there.  Cool, huh?  The only problem with it is 
that it keeps rolling around and around because of the waves and you know 
how Sammy is with motion sickness!She came out, looking kind of confused and 
very, very green!  She said that all she saw was Fugly pinching Igor on the 
bottom!  She said he kind of jumped and squeaked and rubbed his bottom and 
gave Fugly a very funny look.  She said that her rival, Mary, has been 
behaving pretty well but if she finds out that there's any truth to the 
rumor that Mary has pinched Fugly's furry little bottom, there's gonna' be 
one big fight; and I don't think she means virtual, either!

Word has it that there is going to be a wedding between Jody and Shipwreck 
Sam!!  Oooooh, I'm all shivvery just thinking of it.  Brrrrr.  Jody has a 
really beautiful sparkly ring thing on her toe and you should just see 
Samantha looking (glaring?) at it.  I think she is jealous of it but I'm not 
gonna' say that to her!  I don't want her chasing me around this deck.  It 
gets kind of slippery sometimes and I don't want to be the first Piggy 
Overboard on this voyage!
One last thing.... in case you get a really big bill from a store, don't 
worry about it.  Sammy and me went by Pirates-B-We and picked up a few 
things.  They had everything in the world that a good piggy pirate could 
need or want to have a fun pirate adventure.  We promise to give up one of 
our favorite treats for a while in order to pay back the bill to you. 
Honest.  Well, sort of.  Well, maybe.  Uhm, we'll talk about it later, OK?

With lots of love and hugs and whisker kisses from me and Sammy,

Tabitha

P.S.  All the other piggies are saying to tell you to let all the other 
slaves know that everyone is fine and having a wonderful time.  Hershey and 
Igor sound as if they have been drinking that funny drink.  They keep 
giggling and hiccuping.  hmmm....

They are all also  yelling AAAARGH to you and all the other slaves who are 
waiting to hear from them.  We miss you all

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: faststats at faststatschecks.com
To: Gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:12:04 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] virtual: Pooky Pirates

Dear Slave,
Miss Muffet here. Whee are having a fun time
now after our kind of rocky start.
Yesterday we went riding on a giant turtle's 
back and it was kind of scary.
I'm getting used to all the water, but I'm not
sure if I like it too much. Brrrrr.
We've heard that Chico and Toby might be
coming after all, and if they do, they'll be
going to the wedding (squeak!) with us.
But Gingerpuff is worried about Toby and
we're both wondering if we should get our 
hopes up again.
Mommy, all the other girls have Egg cards.
Why don't we have one? Is it ok to use
one of the other girls if we want to get all
dressed up for the wedding? Puffy is 
looking quite gorgeous, as the girls have
done up all her long fur real fancy-like.
Missing you,
Miss Muffet and Gingerpuff

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: dogcatpiggymom at yahoo.com
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:14:50 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] misc: BENITO

Oh, Benito is precious!  I love his coat!  How old is the little guy?
Congratulations!!!!  Enjoy him!
Joanne, Spicy, Merri, Maci, Teddy, Baci, Sweetie

"As long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields." 
                                                                             -- Leo Tolstoy
www.chooseveg.com

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: pandameisje at gmail.com
CC: gpdd at gpdd.org
To: jocelynm at umich.edu
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:14:37 +0200
Subject: [Gpdd] Announce: Benito, difference between Rex and Teddy

Hi Jocelyn,

Benito looks very cute!!!
You say you don't know it he is a rex or a Teddy.
The big difference between the is that rexes have coarser hair then Teddies.
A Teddies fur is usually very soft, where a Rexes fus feel more coarse.
Not having felt both of the breeds and softness of the furs it's still quite
hard to determine.

However there is an other way which is easier:
REx piggies have curled whiskers, Teddies have straight whiskers.
This is true for Chico, straight whiskers and a Teddy
and for Woopy, curly whiskers and a Rex.

I hope this helps,
Enjoy the new little furry!

Slave Mikey
p.s. Toby is trying to eat by himself, and to some extend manages :D
-- 
pandameisje at gmail.com
pandameisje at hotmail.com

Blog: http://pandameisje.hyves.nl
Cavia website: www.guinygirlz.nl
kleding: http://mist-clothing.blogspot.com/

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: dogcatpiggymom at yahoo.com
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:18:34 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] rainbow bridge: ARTIE

:(
I'm so sad to hear that ARTIE has passed.
It's the one day we all dread most but unfortunately must endure as their
lives are just not long enough.  Artie had a wonderful family to love him 
and that's what's most important.  How I wish ALL animals knew such a
sweet life.  So, remember your good times together... it'll help you through
this difficult time.
I'm sorry.
Rest In Peace, Artie.
Hugs,
Joanne, Spicy, Merri, Maci, Teddy, Baci and Sweetie

"As long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields." 
                                                                             -- Leo Tolstoy
www.chooseveg.com

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: mfug at live.co.uk
CC: jaaladog at bellsouth.net
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:33:49 +0100
Subject: [Gpdd] Silly; message from Fugly

Mummy its happened again, no sooner do I agree to escort Hershey as a friend then Samantha shows up!!

Luckily she is over her wrestling phase and was not jealous, instead she is taking Hershey shopping for a dress for the wedding.

So me and Igor are back to being secret agents and protecting the turtles with our secret weapons.

Life is sooo confusing

Fugly the Fearless (and very confused)

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: piggyfriends at tesco.net
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:39:30 +0100
Subject: [Gpdd] MISC Welcome Benito

What a dear little baby piggy Jocelyn. He looks so tiny between Edgeworth and Flashbang.

Welcome Benito. Such lovely pigtures.

When I have baby piggies here, they get the same food as all the adults. In England, hay is hay and I buy what I can get, usually from a local farm.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: joedee1986 at verizon.net
CC: warmbreath at comcast.net
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:11:52 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] Virtual: Jodie and Shipwreck Sam

Oh my goodness!

I received an email from a very excited Jodie.  It seems Shipwreck Sam has proposed!!!  She said he is so sweet and such a gentleboar and begged for my permission.  She wants all the sows to be bridesmaids and the board groomsmen.  She said Captain Jack could marry them. I don't know what to say to her.  It is so sudden.  I think they should wait until they know each other a while longer.  What do you all think?  Please help me!

Dee
Missing Pegleg Peaches and Jodie the Jolly Cavy

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: joanhess4 at sbcglobal.net
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:20:25 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] VIRTUAL: Problems in Paradise, a postcard from Hershey

Hi, Mommyslave,
This is Hershey. I think I'd better come home early. Fugly has lady problems, and I don't want to add to the mess he's in. He's every bit the gentlepig I'd envisioned, and I enjoyed every moment of our time together. I guess I'm a little afraid *hiccup* of his girlfriend. She's beautiful, and a lot more fun than I am *sigh.*
Other than that awkward situation and the loud, hovering hawk-like device--I think they called it a helicopter--I've had lots of fun. In fact, I wish I didn't have to leave. Let me know what you think I should do. Sapphire says to stay awhile longer and see how it goes, but I'm not that brave just yet. Or am I???
Pigfully yours,
Hershey

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: dogcatpiggymom at yahoo.com
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:51:20 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] Misc: Debbie

Carole, I have passed on your message.
I have still not heard from Pete and am terribly worried.
I'll keep you posted as soon as I hear something which
I hope will be soon.
Joanne

"As long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields." 
                                                                             -- Leo Tolstoy
www.chooseveg.com

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: cmartinez36 at comcast.net
CC: gpdd at gpdd.org
To: oreochockc at yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:13:37 +0000
Subject: [Gpdd] Health: How is Snowy Bear?

Hi Corrine & Michael, 

Just read your GPDD email about our Secret Pal, Snowy Bear. Poor little guy. Sorry I don't know of any medical illustrations of the guinea pig right off the bat. I have seen one on theinternet before, but will have to see if I can find it. I used to have it bookmarked on my old computer, and I don't know how to find my backup files from there. 

About the Metacam, I'll share with you what my vet said: It makes a better quality of life. It is true that it can somewhat shorten their lifespan, but the life that he has will be more comfortable. And if you only do this for a few days, it is probably no risk at all. My little guy Snowball had to take Metacam for about 3-5 days each month after his teeth trims. But I could tell he was much more comfortable. And that way the vet gave him almost two years longer than he would have had with no medication. 

Keep us posted. You're in our thoughts and prayers, 

Carla, Apache and Remy 

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: rzm.2 at juno.com
To: jocelynm at umich.edu; Gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:21:14 +0000
Subject: [Gpdd] MISC- Benito

  Awww... Benito is so cute! He looks like a foster piggie I had a while back. Welcome to the digest Benito!

~Jaime & Mimi~
~Missing Molly, Radar, Albert & Daisy~ 
http://piggiepages001.blogspot.com/

____________________________________________________________
Get your dream car or truck. Click here.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTLa8vIVT6IakNMYN3rmeqRofVlU4xZUXEV1mZsHL49v1a7dKABcQ4/

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: oreochockc at yahoo.com
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:26:07 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] HEALTH: Snowy Bear update 2

The vet again tried to stick a catheter up Snowy Bear's penis to remove and flush out the obstruction.  Again, there aren't many or any gp savvy vets here.  So we have no choice pretty much.  Anyway, she wanted to do exploratory surgery.  She said by the xray and the ultrasound she can't tell where the blockage is.  She said she doubts he'd last the weekend with a blockage.  So we didn't have any choice, or so it seemed.  So we reluctantly agreed to the surgery.  When the surgery was done, she told us that she removed numerous stones from the bladder.  But she couldn't reach the one in the ureter (sp?).  So, and she gave the medical term for it even though I've never heard of it before in my life but she said she's done it on dogs and cats but this is her 'first guinea pig'--SHE CUT OF HIS PENIS.  She said that was the ONLY way to get to the blockage.  I was beyond appalled!!!

My Snowy Bear was running around and eating and drinking today.  He seemed to be doing rather well.  And now a little while ago, we picked him up and his bottom is all bloody from the penis site. He is obviously in a lot of pain.  She said she thought we'd like to take care of him for the next twenty four hours which are critical.  We said we would rather than their staff because no one is onsite during the evenings.  I can imagine the horrible pain he must be in.  She mentioned a pain killer, I forget the name, sorry, but I don't remember it either.  But anyway, I am so sick and I wish I could turn back time.

Upon handing him to me, she smiled and said to me, I hope he makes it!  I couldn't get out of there fast enough.  She had done a little good for another piggie of ours before, but after this, I'm just shaking with rage.  True, I don't know if my little guy could have gone on with the blockage for much longer, but this way is just too much.  I can't even begin to say how furiously mad I am!

Like I said, there aren't any piggie savvy vets around here, obviously.  If there is, it is TOTALLY **MY** FAULT for not finding that vet for my little precious.

Please send healing wheeks Snowy Bear's way.

Corrine

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: DaPiggyPirates at aol.com
To: oreochockc at yahoo.com; gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:26:57 -0400
Subject: [Gpdd] HEALTH: Snowy Bear Update 2

Dear Corrine,

     I am shaking in horror and outrage as I read your post on poor poor 
little Snowy Bear. I cannot believe (but I do believe you) that your vet would 
have had the nerve to have done such a radical surgical procedure without 
your permission. I suppose that by the time you receive this, you'll know 
whether or not it was a sound decision on her part. Did she give you any 
instructions to help the bleeding. If not, call her, even if it's in the middle of 
the night if her home phone is listed. Do you have something soft bedding 
wise --a folded sheet or anything non-irritating to put in his cage or where 
ever he sleeps -- as opposed to pine chips and the like. I use baby 
receiving blankets for my guys and started the practice after an accident. If you 
can stop the bleeding without causing what's left of the penis, if there is 
anything remaining, to obstruct, maybe he has a chance. And do give him pain 
medication.
     My adult daughter is staying with me and came out here a few minutes 
ago. I told her about the situation, myself crying for you and little Snowy 
Bear. She told me that that's what her vet wanted to do for her cat and 
create an outlet for the urine higher up. To her regret and sadness, she did not 
have the $1,200.00 for the surgery but she thinks that maybe she would have 
tried it. Then again, she said, given her kitty's age, even if she'd had the 
$ she's not certain that she'd have put him through surgery. So she has 
some ambivalence there. But her vet has been a good one. So apparently this 
practice is used for larger animals. Incidentally, she had her kitty put to 
sleep because of its discomfort and obstruction though the vet had been able to 
successfully treat him in the past with medications, etc. But this time the 
former remedies didn't work. She still misses the kitty greatly, just as we 
do our piggies when one is lost.
     But this surgical procedure on a little guinea pig? It's done now. We 
can only pray that it works. Please let me know how the little guy is doing 
and whether he's made it this far or not. 
     Aside from the absolute horror of what she's done, had his bladder 
remained obstructed and had it burst or ruptured, he would have died a very 
unpleasant death.
     If he's still alive but truly miserable, not healing and declining in 
health, you still have the option of helping him to the Bridge.
     Please, in no way is this your fault. I am just heartsick for you, 
your hubby and particularly little Snowy Bear. 
     By the way, you spoke of him running around, eating and drinking -- 
was that before the surgery or after it?
     The piggy pirates are sending all kinds of healing wheeks to Snowy 
Bear, and I am praying for him as well -- and for you two also. What ever the 
outcome, you did the best that you could based on the information you had. 
You would have never, in your wildest dreams, expected her to amputate his 
penis. And yet, now that it's done, I fervently pray that this experimental 
surgery works.

Feeling sick inside along with you,
Alge

**************
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--Forwarded Message Attachment--
From: oreochockc at yahoo.com
To: gpdd at gpdd.org
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:07:59 -0700
Subject: [Gpdd] HEALTH: Snowy Bear, my little 'white dude'

In our household, we have nicknames for our piggies.  Since Snowy Bear was all white, a teddy, and a guy, sometimes we referred to him as 'the white dude.'

We brought him home from the vet's AFTER SHE CUT HIS PENIS OFF, and I was horrified that his bottom was bloody but there was a hole where his penis was so I guess that was 'normal' for that procedure.  We put him on soft baby blankets which were on a heating pad and also a portable heater to keep him warm.  I kept telling him I love him and would kiss him on the nose.  He kept turning away from me so I said to him,I guess now you hate me, well, that's okay, because I hate me too.  IF the vet had called and asked if she could do what she did, I would have said NO.

This morning and afternoon, Snowy Bear was actually better even though he was still 'blocked.'  He was actually drinking on his own, something he hadn't done in days.  He was eating on his own and actually chowed down on some fresh foods I picked for him from the garden.  Whenever I put him down on the floor he'd go walking around exploring.  He was so full of life!

Now, three hours after bringing him home, after his 'surgery' he's gone.  I mean I was screaming hysterically, poor Michael tried his best to comfort me, but I'm sure I could have been heard for miles as I was crying and screaming, I'M A MURDERDER!!!  I MURDERED MY LITTLE BOY!!!

I love Snowy Bear with all my heart, I just want to turn back time and say, No, don't do the surgery.  We had found another vet after this one because she didn't seem to know much.  But the second one we had didn't know much either but at least he'd always say so.  But he managed to help us with minor things.  He said Snowy Bear would require surgery and that since he's so small, he wasn't willing to do it.  So he said we'd have to find someone else willing to do it.  Well, we tried the first vet we had, and this is what happened.  *I* called her.  *I*'m the one responsible for his being MURDERED.  I mean how can something like this happen?  Today he was full of life and spunk! and now he's bloodied with a hole and gone?  It doesn't make any sense and SNOWY BEAR DIDN'T DESERVE THIS.  I just want my little 'white dude' back!  I want to feel him cuddle into my neck, he's the only piggie that ever did that to me.  He'd sit on a pillow on my lap as I used
 the computer.  He'd sometimes nap with me.  He kept me company.  Now he's gone and IT'S ALL MY FAULT.  I said to Michael that I don't think I should have piggies as I seem to murder them.  This was the most brutal in my book.  I don't think I can live with myself.

I hope to remember some better moments for my little Snowy Bear later.  But sorry to bore everyone.  I guess it helps me to 'talk' about it to people who understand.

Corrine

_________________________________________________________________
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