My little ginger hobnob has lymphoma

[Phil n Spike]

We are beyond devastated to receive thus news. He started with rapid breathing a week ago, which turned to wheezing on Monday. We got an emergency appointment with the Vet who took bloods and discovered enlarged lymph nodes which were biopsied.

Today we have received the worst news that time is short with our gorgeous boy. We’ve opted for home treatment as Chemo and bloods every three week and a general seems too much for such a little fellow. We’re trying to come to terms with little time we’ll have with our boy. Worried about his bunk mate Spike. Not sure how he’ll cope with out him.
It’s been the loveliest 3 and a half years, kids are inconsolable and husband is struggling too. Any advice on how to care for my boy before he crosses the rainbow bridge appreciated

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry to hear this
All I can say is to just enjoy the time left - lots of treats and cuddles
Sending hugs

 

[Claire W]

I’m so sorry. I have lost two piggies to lymphoma all I can suggest is to spend as much quality time with him as you can. Make lots of memories and take lots of photos. Were you given a painkiller such as metacam? He may benefit from some in the later stage

 

[Wiebke]

We are beyond devastated to receive thus news. He started with rapid breathing a week ago, which turned to wheezing on Monday. We got an emergency appointment with the Vet who took bloods and discovered enlarged lymph nodes which were biopsied.

Today we have received the worst news that time is short with our gorgeous boy. We’ve opted for home treatment as Chemo and bloods every three week and a general seems too much for such a little fellow. We’re trying to come to terms with little time we’ll have with our boy. Worried about his bunk mate Spike. Not sure how he’ll cope with out him.
It’s been the loveliest 3 and a half years, kids are inconsolable and husband is struggling too. Any advice on how to care for my boy before he crosses the rainbow bridge appreciated

Hi!

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry about the diagnosis. Getting a terminal one is always tough, whether it is a beloved pet or a beloved human. Apart from the loss itself, this is in my experience the second worst time.

Concentrate on quality of life and enrichment. Re-set the clock at zero and cherish every extra day you can spend with Hobnob. See this period as a gift you can live much more consciously and make the most of. It won't make the pain of the loss less hard but it will help you as you go through the grieving process, which starts the moment you realise that you are on the ticker.

Some vets have given steroid injections to guinea pigs with lymphoma in an effort to slow it down. Perhaps something you might like to raise with your vet? Painkillers like metacam or tramadol/opiates in the later stages may come into play depending on how quickly or slowly the lymphoma develops and how far it has already spread.

You may find these guides here helpful in the coming weeks:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

 

[Piggylove82]

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. They are both such cuties x

 

[David Piggie Lover]

First I'm so sorry to hear about I think it's Phil.
Pls try and keep calm
Read info about relative illness and do what you can for the little guy. . . Remember he's does not know he's ill.
I have recently last 2 years had the heart rendering news as you. . Both now at rainbow world but before they left we had a great time and i promised them they would never suffer and my love for them came 2nd to their life.
Guys dig deep and ask anything if we can help.
Phil lots love. Xx

 

[artcasper]

Aw so sorry to hear your news.... lots of treats and cuddles - big hugs - such sad news to deal with x

 

[Phil n Spike]

Hi!

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry about the diagnosis. Getting a terminal one is always tough, whether it is a beloved pet or a beloved human. Apart from the loss itself, this is in my experience the second worst time.

Concentrate on quality of life and enrichment. Re-set the clock at zero and cherish every extra day you can spend with Hobnob. See this period as a gift you can live much more consciously and make the most of. It won't make the pain of the loss less hard but it will help you as you go through the grieving process, which starts the moment you realise that you are on the ticker.

Some vets have given steroid injections to guinea pigs with lymphoma in an effort to slow it down. Perhaps something you might like to raise with your vet? Painkillers like metacam or tramadol/opiates in the later stages may come into play depending on how quickly or slowly the lymphoma develops and how far it has already spread.

You may find these guides here helpful in the coming weeks:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Thank you for your help & support. We’ve been prescribe prednidale, which reading the steroid post has me worried but it was that or chemo, with blood tests and general anaesthetic every 3 weeks. I feel that’s too much trauma for whatever time we have with him & we wouldn’t be able to handle him for a few days after each treatment. At this stage we’ve decided against. We’ve also got antibiotics & a gut stimulant to make sure he keeps eating and a hand feed syringe. So grateful to be in lockdown with him. My teenage daughter is naturally taking it very hard and Phil is Hers and Spike is her brothers.

 

[Phil n Spike]

First I'm so sorry to hear about I think it's Phil.
Pls try and keep calm
Read info about relative illness and do what you can for the little guy. . . Remember he's does not know he's ill.
I have recently last 2 years had the heart rendering news as you. . Both now at rainbow world but before they left we had a great time and i promised them they would never suffer and my love for them came 2nd to their life.
Guys dig deep and ask anything if we can help.
Phil lots love. Xx

Thank you x

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

I am so sorry to read this. As others have said cherish the time you have with him. Over the years I have lost three piggies to lymphoma and I am sad to say the time they had left after diagnosis was short. I think you are right and not going for chemo is the kindest option, that and helping him over the bridge when the time is right. I wish I could offer more solace xx

 

[DMS260820]

Sorry to hear this, I have lost one guinea pig from lymphona. Take care

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, so sorry to hear your sad news, he’s such a gorgeous little man. Make lots of special memories with him and enjoy the time you have left together, I’m so sorry x

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry to hear this, but although you know it, he doesn’t, so it’s all about quality of life as the others have said. So cherish the time you have left, make beautiful memories. And just love the little fellow.