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Oh No! Not Another Lump On Betsy!

Right, I have had a read of your update.

You have the unenviable choice that most of us face at some point or when another keeping piggies. I would recommend going with your gut on this one, you have quite rightly asked the vet his experience with piggies. But all anesthetics carry a risk and by going down that route there is a chance that things may not go to plan. However if it is cancer then the earlier you catch it the better especially as this is the second lump that has arrived recently.

I don't think he'd be advising an op if hew didn't think it was the thing to do. I am sorry I can't give you an answer to this. Going to tag @pig in the city @Freela @furryfriends (TEAS) @Adelle
 
It's never an easy decision to make. That said, I think that under the circumstances I would want to know what the lumps were and, as they are close under the skin, it's probably not going to be an extensive process to remove them. There is always a risk to anesthesia... that said, I've had three pigs undergo surgery (two of them were under more than once in a relatively short period of time for abscess drainages) and all of them have done well, even the one who was very sick at the time of the op.

Just out of curiosity, have they done a needle biopsy to make sure they aren't cysts? That can be done without anesthesia, they simply stick them with a needle and see if fluid can be drained. Cysts will drain fluid, masses are solid and will not.
 
Oh, how stressful for you poor hon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed even tighter now!

:hug: *sending lots of hugs to you and Betsy* :hug:
 
Its a tricky one this. If its a cancerous lump then removing it might cure her if caught early.
I usually want to know what I am up against so l would tend to go for the surgery. Anaesthetics do carry a risk but in a well piggy the risk is minimal in experienced hands. Good luck x
 
Freela said:
It's never an easy decision to make. That said, I think that under the circumstances I would want to know what the lumps were and, as they are close under the skin, it's probably not going to be an extensive process to remove them. There is always a risk to anesthesia... that said, I've had three pigs undergo surgery (two of them were under more than once in a relatively short period of time for abscess drainages) and all of them have done well, even the one who was very sick at the time of the op.

Just out of curiosity, have they done a needle biopsy to make sure they aren't cysts? That can be done without anesthesia, they simply stick them with a needle and see if fluid can be drained. Cysts will drain fluid, masses are solid and will not.
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No but the vet did mention a needle aspiration in passing.
 
Betsy said:
No but the vet did mention a needle aspiration in passing.
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That might be a good first step. If they are cystic, you may not need further followup. If they are indeed masses, at least you know they are solid and can't simply be drained.
 
It's a tricky decision to make. I have always been of the opinion that once you open them up to operate it can make the cancer spread (if it is cancer you are dealing with) but there are pigs on here that have proved that that is not always the case. My Little Rose has lumps but she is a lot older and so I have decided to leave well alone. At the end of the day you need to go with your gut and it does sound like the vet is confident it will be successful.
 
If they do a needle aspirate they should be able to test it.
 
OK thanks I think I'll go with the needle aspiration as a first step then. I go away tomorrow for 9 days so will make the appointment when I get back.
 
Tim said:
It's hard not to have a favourite isn't it :wub: I really hope she's ok xx
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When she is that gorgeous I'm not surprised she is a favorite. I really hope the Lumps turn out to be benign. Fingers crossed for you and all paws crossed in this house.
 
Just read your posts and send my best wishes to you and Betsy. I know how hard it is to make such a decision. I found my piggy had a lump last night at cuddle time and he has trouble eating although he does want to eat! The vet felt sure its an abscess but ive made the decision to have an x-ray followed by draining the offending lump. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will be fine. Hugs for Betsy and maybe she will send hugs to my Bertie xx
 
Got back yesterday and checked Betsy over. The first lump that she got is bigger and is really easy to feel when stroking her. The other lump is still quite tricky to find. I phoned the vet yesterday and he doesn't recommend a needle aspiration as the lump will probably have to come off anyway and it saves stressing Betsy out with an unpleasant procedure that she doesn't need. It looks as if I'll have to put Betsy through the op at at cost of £100 ish so I'll have to start saving. The spanner in the works though is my OH has said a definite NO when I mentioned the operation and the cost he said it in a voice that I know very well. No means no end of discussion! What do I do now?

Betsy is still her normal lovely self except for the usual in season pyscho pig episodes that I have come to expect. She is eating, pooping, running around with her best mate Dennis, chatting happily away to everyone. Her eyes are shiny and her coat is lovely and soft and shiny. She isn't in pain when I touch the lumps either and they both move so haven't adhered to anywhere.

:help::ple:
 
Only just seen this thread. poor you and poor Betsy :(

Do you mean your OH has said no to her having the op? I know what I'd be telling him.. :rant: but that's probably why I'm single and have been for ages.. nobody tells me what i can and can't do :sly:

Seriously though, if it was one of mine, I would save up and have the op done. xx
 
Yep my OH has put his foot down to her having the op. I did try and bring the subject up again today but he was having none of it. Problem is where I don't work I have no income. I do sell on ebay for a bit of pocket money though so I'll have to save this up and use it for the op.
 
munchmonster said:
Just read your posts and send my best wishes to you and Betsy. I know how hard it is to make such a decision. I found my piggy had a lump last night at cuddle time and he has trouble eating although he does want to eat! The vet felt sure its an abscess but ive made the decision to have an x-ray followed by draining the offending lump. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will be fine. Hugs for Betsy and maybe she will send hugs to my Bertie xx
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@munchmonster how is Bertie doing? Has he had his x-ray yet?
 
Hi and how is Betsy doing? Bertie went for his x-ray and op but i am devastated to say he did not make it. His heart stopped while under anaesthetic. I loved him to bits and will never forget him. Hope you will post an update. Hugs to Betsy
 
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that how devasting for you. :hug: Do you now have a lonely piggie?

I'll keep you updated about my beautiful Betsy!
 
Bertie was always on his own. I adopted him and he was always a placid, gentle soul who loved food and cuddles. I've not been a member of the forum very long, but have learned lots and wish i had known far more when I adopted him. I live alone with an adopted house rabbit (he is in his separate house) but I could not settle as my home was too quiet after Bertie. I had heard of a piggy rescue in a city near me, so on Monday I went there to give a forever home to 2 rescues. I arrived home with 3 six week old baby brothers, born to a rescued sow. OMG. They have been with me 48 hours. I have had them on my lap for 10 mins tonight and 2 seem to be ok with it, but 1 doesn't seem too keen. He is the smallest but is going to be 'the boss' He wants the others' food, pushes them around and squeaks loudly at them. They are currently huddled up all together but without warning there will be a scuffle and squeaks and 2 of them will come running out of their 'bedroom'. I think I will have to consider getting another another gp cage and get a new friend at some stage in the future. I will not visit that rescue again, but a forum-recommended rescue in Doncaster doesnt seem to be there any more as every time I have tried the website a get a message saying website cannot be found. Any info anyone?
 
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