Intermittent bleeding

[LondonLady]

Sorry this is a bit long. I feel a bit out of my depth and just want to share what's happening with Spice.

The story started just before Easter. I noticed some smears of red on the fleece and at first wasn't sure if it was blood or red pepper, which they had been eating. But when I picked Spice up there was some dried blood round her 'opening'. The next day when I looked, she was actually bleeding. Not a lot but there was definitely blood coming out so I immediately phoned the vet and they saw her the same day. By the time we got there there was no sign of any blood and I felt a bit silly. The vet did an xray to look for stones, couldn't see any and concluded she had a UTI. We left with a 10 day course of antibiotics, which I gave her and as there was no further blood and Spice seemed happy I assumed everything was ok.

Then this afternoon I picked her up and she was bleeding again - more than last time. I immediately went into panic mode again and phoned the vet. They said they would fit her in if I could get there by 6pm. Again the bleeding had stopped by the time she saw the vet and while on the examination table she did a lovely clear wee - no sign of any blood. The vet examined her but couldn't really say what was causing the bleeding and advised bringing her back tomorrow for an ultrasound.

So Spice is booked in for 10am tomorrow and I've got to leave her there. He said Toffee can go with her. I'm not very happy about her being prodded about but we do need to know what's going on... The good thing is that she will this time be seeing the 'guinea pig expert' who I trust.

Spice doesn't seem to be in any pain, and is still eating. She's not very interested in her veggies but still eating hay and hasn't lost any weight. She's obviously not quite 'herself' though. and watching them this evening I get the feeling that Toffee knows there's something wrong. He's been following her around, which isn't the way they normally interact. But maybe I'm just imagining that.

I don't know if this is something serious or trivial and I'm feeling very miserable this evening.

Oh and just to add - I'm supposed to be going on holiday in a week and a half . I don't know how this is going to affect anything.

 

[Freela]

I'm sorry you're going through that, any unexplained bleeding is always scary. Bleeding from the urogenital opening is either going to be coming from the bladder or reproductive tract... hopefully the vet can help pinpoint which is the problem. Fingers crossed the ultrasound gives you a clear diagnosis and plan to handle it. Please keep us posted and good luck to Spice tomorrow!

 

[LondonLady]

Well, Spice is back home - for now. I dropped her off at 10am and collected her this afternoon. The vet was frantically busy and couldn't talk to me then but said she would phone me this evening, which she did.

I had a very long conversation with the vet - who is really lovely. She explained in detail what she had done and what she found and what it meant - and as a result I'm taking Spice in on Monday to be spayed. My head is spinning. I really didn't expect this and I'm not sure if I've made the right decision, though the more I think about it and go over what the vet told me I think I probably have. I'm scared though. The vet said the ultrasound showed that the bleeding was coming from her reproductive tract not her bladder, and she mentioned uterine tumours. She didn't pressurize me at all but felt that it would be risky to do nothing, and because I'm going away in just over a week we agreed it would be best to get it done first rather than waiting until I come back.

This vet is very experienced, but I know the op is risky and I'm frightened for my beautiful little girl.

 

[VickiA]

Oh I’m so sorry to hear this. But please be reassured that many of us have had sows spayed. In your shoes I would make exactly the same decision. But I would also say that if you have any concerns about the surgery it’s a good idea to schedule a call with the vet.
Please do take the time to read the threads about supporting post op piggies. After a full spay it’s likely that you will need to offer support feeding as well as medications and it’s best to be prepared for that (whilst hoping it won’t be necessary).

Tips For Post-operative Care

All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

 

[Truffolo]

Sending support

 

[Freela]

I'm sorry to hear this... but absolutely, don't leave it, the best case is to address it while the bleeding is minimal and your piggie is thus is good, strong shape for surgery. Wishing all the best for her and hoping everything goes smoothly!

 

[Tory93]

Awww it's never easy on the heart and mind when our babies have to go through surgery.

Will keep everything crossed for Spice on Monday

 

[LondonLady]

Thank you. I'm feeling really nervous but going by what the vet said, not doing anything is more of a risk than operating. If she goes on bleeding she'll just get weaker. This isn't something that's going to go away by itself

As I mentioned before I had a week's holiday planned from 7th June. Spice and Toffee were booked in with the lovely boarder I've used before. I thought we could leave the surgery until i came back but the vet wanted to get it done straight away so I've decided to cancel my week away - there's no way I can leave Spice while she's recovering, and couldn't ask or expect the boarder to look after her now. Anyway, I want her with me. But - and I know this sounds terribly selfish - I'm really upset that I'm not going to have my week's holiday. Ah well, maybe later in the year

 

[VickiA]

Thank you. I'm feeling really nervous but going by what the vet said, not doing anything is more of a risk than operating. If she goes on bleeding she'll just get weaker. This isn't something that's going to go away by itself

As I mentioned before I had a week's holiday planned from 7th June. Spice and Toffee were booked in with the lovely boarder I've used before. I thought we could leave the surgery until i came back but the vet wanted to get it done straight away so I've decided to cancel my week away - there's no way I can leave Spice while she's recovering, and couldn't ask or expect the boarder to look after her now. Anyway, I want her with me. But - and I know this sounds terribly selfish - I'm really upset that I'm not going to have my week's holiday. Ah well, maybe later in the year

I think I’d have done exactly the same as you. You can reschedule your holiday at a less stressful time when you can enjoy it more. If you did go away you’d be constantly worrying about how she was going in your absence. Big hugs xx

 

[Tory93]

Thank you. I'm feeling really nervous but going by what the vet said, not doing anything is more of a risk than operating. If she goes on bleeding she'll just get weaker. This isn't something that's going to go away by itself

As I mentioned before I had a week's holiday planned from 7th June. Spice and Toffee were booked in with the lovely boarder I've used before. I thought we could leave the surgery until i came back but the vet wanted to get it done straight away so I've decided to cancel my week away - there's no way I can leave Spice while she's recovering, and couldn't ask or expect the boarder to look after her now. Anyway, I want her with me. But - and I know this sounds terribly selfish - I'm really upset that I'm not going to have my week's holiday. Ah well, maybe later in the year

I totally get it. My piggie has stone removal surgery last year and I was due to go away 8 days later and cancelled my trip.

We all deserve a break away, but if the boarder had of been okay with it and you had gone away, it would have only played on your mind and ruined your trip.

See if you can rebook for a future date and have something to look forward to x