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Is it wise to give a 5 1/2 year old an operation?

BScran

BScran

Junior Guinea Pig
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We found blood in the urine Barney had done in the hutch last night for the first time so took him to the vet this morning where he was x-rayed. There were not any bladder stones, but the vet could feel something in the abdomen and said we could either monitor it or she could operate to find out what the issue is. Although he's 5 1/2 she thinks that because he's in good condition it is worth trying it. He's booked in Monday. I'm having qualms. He's lost a little bit of weight - about 80g max in 3 months, fluctuating between 1085 and 1117 today. He's got a good appetite at present and seems happy to play with toys etc. Is an operation wise at his age? Might it just cause unnecessary suffering?

I appreciate you aren't vets but you are experienced.

I'd be grateful for any advice forum experts are able to give, please. He's very loved.
 
I’m sorry that you are in this situation with your beloved Barney.

It’s a tough call.
My suggestion is that you use the time until Monday to reflect on the decision as you can always cancel surgery if it doesn’t feel right.
Weigh up the pros and cons of surgery and see which decision feels right to you.
 
Merab said:
I’m sorry that you are in this situation with your beloved Barney.

It’s a tough call.
My suggestion is that you use the time until Monday to reflect on the decision as you can always cancel surgery if it doesn’t feel right.
Weigh up the pros and cons of surgery and see which decision feels right to you.
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Thank you. I think you are totally correct about reflecting. It's hard to make the right decision when in the vet. He's now making an occasional odd choking noise which wasn't so apparent this morning.
 
I’m so sorry your piggy is poorly. If you operate and it goes badly you’ll regret doing it. If you don’t do it and it goes badly you’ll regret not doing it. I know this doesn’t really help you. But my point is you just don’t know how this will go.

You know your boy best. Take guidance from your vet. Go with your heart. Take your time. Good luck. ❤️
 
I'm sorry you're in this pickle.

I'd personally want to have an idea of what the mass might be before operating, can your vet not do an ultrasound?

With that said, if your lad is in good condition and it sounds like he is, it's worth a go. Lots of love, treats and cuddles until then.

Lots of painkillers if the operation works out.

If the operation doesn't work out you'll have done all you can. If you have done all you can with love, that is the best thing to have done.
 
I'm so sorry, my Paddington had something similar, it turned out to be a tumour on the neck of his bladder and he had to be put to sleep. Unfortunately masses in the abdomen seem to almost always be attached to something important, I've never had a piggy develop one that was actually operable if you don't include ovarian cysts. While I've had surgeries done on similarly aged piggies, it very much sounds like there was nothing you could have done and made the right decision.
 
I am so very sorry for your loss. At least by having the X-ray you found out decisively that he wasn’t a candidate for surgery. Sending you a hug.
 
Sorry to hear Barney has passed. You took good excellent of him. Rest easy at the bridge little Barney 🌈
 
Sorry, that should be, you took excellent care of him 🌈
 
I’m so sorry Barney had his call to the rainbow bridge. Popcorn high over there. ❤️
 
So sorry for your loss.
You filled Barney’s life with love and care.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
Hugs 🤗
 
I'm so sorry, I hope it was as peaceful as it could be.
 
Eriathwen said:
I'm so sorry, my Paddington had something similar, it turned out to be a tumour on the neck of his bladder and he had to be put to sleep. Unfortunately masses in the abdomen seem to almost always be attached to something important, I've never had a piggy develop one that was actually operable if you don't include ovarian cysts. While I've had surgeries done on similarly aged piggies, it very much sounds like there was nothing you could have done and made the right decision.
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Thank you. It helps to know that it probably wouldn't have been different with the operation. I think it was the right decision.
 
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