jenniferanneharris
Senior Guinea Pig
Hi guys, i wanted to update people on how Haven is doing and also ask for advice.
As some of you know one of my guinea pigs Haven was slowly loosing weight, started drinking more and also urinating loads... well i soon took Haven to the vets, who have been my vets for a few years but (since having guinea pigs the last few years, i have only been for general check ups and respiratory infections that cleared fairly quickly). Now i took along a urine sample and the senior vet who i saw was very nice and loved Haven and tested the urine and was told she had kidney failure. I was distraught and told she could have days/ weeks or months, before she went down hill. I left heavy hearted and soon started being told my vet should have done a blood test to confirm and was directed to a website that was a guinea pig clinic forum and website run by knowledgeable people who may be able to help. Now life seemed to get in the way and before i knew its a few weeks passed and i took Haven for a follow up appointment because i had since noticed a lump on her chin/neck...i also wanted to ask about doing a blood test.
I had a late night appointment after work and was seen be a second vet from the same practice...again Haven had a quick examination and was weighed and had only lost 10grams, so that was good. I asked about her lump and was told it was most likly a tumor and where haven has kidney failure it wasnt wise to put her through the removal. Fair enough, so i asked about a blood test, they said they partially sedate and again with her being so small she felt it wasnt worth the risk of G.A as she was sure Haven has kidney failure. I left confused and unsure.
A few days later i joined the website i was directed to a few weeks previous (www.tkcc.org.uk) . I posted Haven's symptoms and a very helpful woman asked me a few questions about Haven. I posted her symptoms and was told that she didn't think Haven was in kidney failure. She also said that i should have never been told that, and that her lump cant be felt and told its a tumor- it needs to be stuck with a needle and tested. She asked me more questions about Haven. Long story short but she says she thinks Haven may have hyperthyroidism.
Excessive and frequent urination -- Often difficult to observe, especially in a multi-pig cage.
Enlarged thyroid nodules -- Early development may be impossible to detect. Advanced cases may be as large as a pea and easily felt during palpation by owner or vet.
Excessive energy / very active -- May seem to sleep less, run around more, exhibit more energy in or out of cage.
Increased appetite and thirst for water -- May be difficult to observe in a multi-pig cage.
Weight loss -- Even if eating more than usual, an observed steady weight loss.
Higher temperature and/or heat intolerance -- Guinea pig may seek cool surfaces, avoid warm fleece and be warmer to touch than other pigs.
These are all the things Haven has! Finally something that makes sense i thought.
She has given me loads of useful info on how to test and what to ask my vet! . I have since registered with a known pig savy exotic vet from the vet finder on here.... On the 1st November (first date i can get to him and that he is free). He's about an hours drive from me- and my mum is kindly driving me to see him...
What i wanted to ask was dose anyone here have experience with hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs? I have trailed the web for knowledge and as mentioned the kind lady i spoke to had given me loads of info on it. I just wanted to know dose anyone have first hand knowledge? I am excited and also nervous to see the new vet.
I would also appreciate any positive vibes for Haven, through out she has been strong and is still the amazing piggie she is!
Wish me luck, i know its over a week away, but cant stop thinking about it!
Thanks in advance
As some of you know one of my guinea pigs Haven was slowly loosing weight, started drinking more and also urinating loads... well i soon took Haven to the vets, who have been my vets for a few years but (since having guinea pigs the last few years, i have only been for general check ups and respiratory infections that cleared fairly quickly). Now i took along a urine sample and the senior vet who i saw was very nice and loved Haven and tested the urine and was told she had kidney failure. I was distraught and told she could have days/ weeks or months, before she went down hill. I left heavy hearted and soon started being told my vet should have done a blood test to confirm and was directed to a website that was a guinea pig clinic forum and website run by knowledgeable people who may be able to help. Now life seemed to get in the way and before i knew its a few weeks passed and i took Haven for a follow up appointment because i had since noticed a lump on her chin/neck...i also wanted to ask about doing a blood test.
I had a late night appointment after work and was seen be a second vet from the same practice...again Haven had a quick examination and was weighed and had only lost 10grams, so that was good. I asked about her lump and was told it was most likly a tumor and where haven has kidney failure it wasnt wise to put her through the removal. Fair enough, so i asked about a blood test, they said they partially sedate and again with her being so small she felt it wasnt worth the risk of G.A as she was sure Haven has kidney failure. I left confused and unsure.
A few days later i joined the website i was directed to a few weeks previous (www.tkcc.org.uk) . I posted Haven's symptoms and a very helpful woman asked me a few questions about Haven. I posted her symptoms and was told that she didn't think Haven was in kidney failure. She also said that i should have never been told that, and that her lump cant be felt and told its a tumor- it needs to be stuck with a needle and tested. She asked me more questions about Haven. Long story short but she says she thinks Haven may have hyperthyroidism.
Excessive and frequent urination -- Often difficult to observe, especially in a multi-pig cage.
Enlarged thyroid nodules -- Early development may be impossible to detect. Advanced cases may be as large as a pea and easily felt during palpation by owner or vet.
Excessive energy / very active -- May seem to sleep less, run around more, exhibit more energy in or out of cage.
Increased appetite and thirst for water -- May be difficult to observe in a multi-pig cage.
Weight loss -- Even if eating more than usual, an observed steady weight loss.
Higher temperature and/or heat intolerance -- Guinea pig may seek cool surfaces, avoid warm fleece and be warmer to touch than other pigs.
These are all the things Haven has! Finally something that makes sense i thought.
She has given me loads of useful info on how to test and what to ask my vet! . I have since registered with a known pig savy exotic vet from the vet finder on here.... On the 1st November (first date i can get to him and that he is free). He's about an hours drive from me- and my mum is kindly driving me to see him...
What i wanted to ask was dose anyone here have experience with hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs? I have trailed the web for knowledge and as mentioned the kind lady i spoke to had given me loads of info on it. I just wanted to know dose anyone have first hand knowledge? I am excited and also nervous to see the new vet.
I would also appreciate any positive vibes for Haven, through out she has been strong and is still the amazing piggie she is!
Wish me luck, i know its over a week away, but cant stop thinking about it! Thanks in advance
- what ever the vet says and even if it cant be treated or isn't this condition - at least i will hopefully get an answer soon.. x
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