Signs of Pain?

AlbertaGirl · Jun 19, 2009

How can I tell if Ronnie is in pain? I've been watching her very closely lately and I'm seeing some things that I can't interpret. First, she moves around a lot during the day. Could this mean she's having trouble getting comfortable and going to sleep? Second, her breathing is very fast. I know hedgehogs breathe quickly, but this seems faster than usual. Third, she doesn't have much of an appetite for the last few days. I don't know if this is due to pain, or simply due to the fact that she doesn't do much and doesn't burn many calories any more.

My vet recommended that I try a reduced dose of the painkiller she was on before, in combination with her Metacam. When we had her on a higher dose of the pain killer, it made her so dopey that she almost drowned in her water dish. I started her on a half dose this morning but don't see any changes yet.

I am sick with worry about what to do. I just want to do the right thing for her. If she is in pain then I don't want to make her suffer, but if she's not in pain then I don't want to cut her life short. I'm going to give it a couple more days, I guess, and see if the reduced dose of the painkiller helps. I don't know what else to do.

Chinniechantel · Jun 19, 2009

I am very sorry about Ronnie. I can't offer any advice other than sometimes it is better to just let go. It is the nicest thing you can do, but hardest. Sorry again.

shetland · Jun 19, 2009

I don't know what to say Sandi. I am sure Nancy will come along with her well thought out advise. I am so sorry for what you are feeling right now. Little Ronnie is lucky to be loved so much.

Nancy · Jun 19, 2009

Loss of appetite is one of the signs of being in pain but it's also a sign of many other things including illness, too cool, too warm, not active so don't require as much food etc.

Is she restless as in getting up during the day or just moving in her bed a lot? The oldies do get up a lot during the day but since what you are noticing is new probably that is not the reason.

By what you are saying and her rapid breathing, it sounds like she is in pain. Would that be from her gum overgrowth? We didn't feel that Peaches gum overgrowth was bothering her but after her eye proptosed and she was put on metacam, her food intake more than doubled so obviously her gums had been hurting her.