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Feeling Defeated And Deflated With Vets

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Cuddles With Cavies

Junior Guinea Pig
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Bonnie has been ill for a while now with ovarian cysts. The vets recommended spaying (which she's too old for) or pain medication until it didn't work anymore.

I took her back today to talk about the possibility of hormonal therapy with the HCG hormone. They said it wasn't how they treat Iberian cysts.

So then I told them how I was worried about Bonnie having sow feet. They gave me Isathal cream to apply twice daily and baytril to give 0.18ml twice daily. When I asked for a probiotic I was told I didn't need one.

I was then told they could refer me to an exotics vets - emmmm excuse me I was told you were capable and qualified to treat cavies.

I'm sat here feeling so deflated cause it feels like they're saying the only option left for her is euthanasia, which I honestly don't believe it is. I can't help but feel that a 19 year old student knows more about Guinea pig treatment than a vet that studied 7 years!

I'm in the Tamworth area. Which vets do you use?
 
I am going to tag @VickiA as I think she uses a vets in Staffordshire. My geography is awful though, so apologies if it is a completely different area. I know her vet is experienced in ovarian cysts though.
 
I don't live in the same country as you so can't recommend any vets, but can definitely understand being frustrated with the vet. Referring to an exotics vet might not be a bad idea. A lot of vets do treat guinea pigs, but that doesn't mean that they do it often or are up-to-date with their knowledge and methods. I switched vets after an unfortunate circumstance where I lost one of my guinea pigs due to a dental problem (yes, the vet treated her as best he could, but he was not experienced with treating a pretty delicate problem and I think she might have pulled through if the vet had been upfront that he did not handle many guinea pig dentals/abscesses and that she might be better off elsewhere.) I now drive further to an exotics vet, but it's worth the drive... he has helped Sundae through a variety of issues (including a similar problem to the one that killed my previous pig.) And even better, he is very willing to listen to my concerns, to research if I have a suggestion that he isn't familiar with, etc. Vet care is expensive, it's not worth paying if you aren't satisfied you are getting the best possible expertise, so by all means shop around until you find someone with good piggie experience who you feel comfortable with!
 
I'm actually in South Cheshire and the vets I use are Cheshire Pet in Holmes Chapel. If that's not too far for you to travel. Sara Jones and Emily Hardacre are both excellent exotics vets at the practice. People travel from far and wide to see them. Sara does keyhole surgery for ovarian cysts- 2 of my girls were spayed earlier this year. The aftercare and genuine concern and love for my piggies at this practice is beyond price. Can't recommend them highly enough.
 
How old is Bonnie and does she have any other medical conditions apart from her ovarian cysts? as my piggy specialist vet has spayed 3 of my girls - she says that as long as there are no underlying conditions the age of the pig does not make the pig going under anesthetic any riskier - when an older pig passes during an operation it is usually because there is an underlying illness or problem that has not been diagnosed- 2 of my girls were over 5 when they were spayed - because my vet has done loads of spays they were under for a very short time (less than 10 mins) and this has a lot to do with how quickly they recover - all 3 of them up and moving and eating within the hour-
 
Hope all goes well. My sow is over 7.5 years old and is in heart failure, so when she was diagnosed with ovarian cysts last month we knew surgery wasn't an option. She had the HCG injections and after 1 week the cyst had shrunk right down, she had a second to complete the course and is since much happier. Hope this helps x
 
Just wanted to let everyone know that I took Bonnie to the vegs today. The specialist said he could feel two large cysts but also a large mass in her uterus that he thought was a tumour. He said that given her age and size of the mass, the best option was to let her go and I agreed.

Run free across the rainbow bridge my little Bonnie pig :(
 
Just wanted to let everyone know that I took Bonnie to the vegs today. The specialist said he could feel two large cysts but also a large mass in her uterus that he thought was a tumour. He said that given her age and size of the mass, the best option was to let her go and I agreed.

Run free across the rainbow bridge my little Bonnie pig :(
I'm so sorry.You did your very best for her xx
 
I'm so sorry for your loss but at least now she isn't suffering and in pain. You clearly did everything you could. Feel free to leave a tribute in the rainbow bridge section of the forum if and when you feel ready
 
I am so sorry to hear your sad news.
Having a much loved pet go over the bridge is so hard but sometimes helping them on their way is the kindest thing to do.
Sending you big hugs.
RIP Bonnie.
 
I'm so sorry. You were devoted in finding her the best vet and then exceptionally brave in loving her enough to let her go. Hugs to you. Popcorn free beautiful Bonnie xx
 
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