Phils Lymphoma

[Phil n Spike]

We’ve had quite a good 7 days, with varying degrees of success syringe feeding. He has however been chomping quite merrily on hay nuggets& veg so I haven’t worried to much about syringe feeding him today when he was totally uninterested and a bit lethargic.

I emailed the vet to confirm his diagnosis of lymphoma after the biopsy as it had been diagnosed in blood results alone. I had rejected Chemo initially treating with Prednisone but do I’m wondering if I should.....

this is part of his reply....
“
The prednisolone treatment alone will help, but I would consider adding the cyclophosphamide injections in addition. There are no widespread studies in cancer treatments in guinea pigs, but we have used this treatment in guinea pigs before usually with no side effects (although as discussed with you, there are some important side effects to watch out for.)
In other animals (and humans) a combination of cancer treatments is well proven to have a better effect than a single drug. Our aim with animal chemotherapy is to improve quality of life (and survival times) so whilst the drugs can potentially have side effects, we choose combinations and doses that will minimise this. This is in stark contrast to human chemo, where high doses and severe side effects are expected in an attempt to achieve a cure.”

Your thoughts and experiences greatly appreciated.

thank you
Love (on behalf of) Phil and his owner

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, poor little Phil, I can’t comment on Lymphoma but hope you have lots of precious times together and he stays happy and well for a lot longer x

 

[Claire W]

As already mentioned, I’ve had two piggies now who had lymphoma Ena we had to have pts the day we found out and Erika about two weeks later. We opted for palliative care and made memories everyday and took lots of photos etc. I also let Erika eat what she wanted but pain killers were paramount towards the end x

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry, I have no experience with this treatment. But you may want to take the pain medication up another level.

It is always very difficult to weigh up just how much you want to put a piggy with a terminal illness through. The ultimate decision is always yours, and it has to be feel right for you in your gut so you can live with it in the long term once you have worked your way
through all the inevitable doubts and soul searching before and after death.

You may find this guide here helpful as it deals with this ethical dilemma to help you making the decision that is the right one for you: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[VickiA]

I can’t offer any help or advice, but just wanted to send you and Phil support.

 

[Phil n Spike]

I can’t offer any help or advice, but just wanted to send you and Phil support.

Thank you x

 

[Phil n Spike]

I am very sorry, I have no experience with this treatment. But you may want to take the pain medication up another level.

It is always very difficult to weigh up just how much you want to put a piggy with a terminal illness through. The ultimate decision is always yours, and it has to be feel right for you in your gut so you can live with it in the long term once you have worked your way
through all the inevitable doubts and soul searching before and after death.

You may find this guide here helpful as it deals with this ethical dilemma to help you making the decision that is the right one for you: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Thank you. I’ve had to leave him in the care of my husband and daughter today as I have to come in to work and I did not feel good. He’s gone downhill since yesterday and I’m so conflicted. Thanks for the links x

 

[Phil n Spike]

As already mentioned, I’ve had two piggies now who had lymphoma Ena we had to have pts the day we found out and Erika about two weeks later. We opted for palliative care and made memories everyday and took lots of photos etc. I also let Erika eat what she wanted but pain killers were paramount towards the end x

Thank you. I fear the end is speeding towards us after a lovely week. Today not so good x

 

[Claire W]

Thank you. I fear the end is speeding towards us after a lovely week. Today not so good x

Just take things day by day (((hugs))) x

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. I’ve had to leave him in the care of my husband and daughter today as I have to come in to work and I did not feel good. He’s gone downhill since yesterday and I’m so conflicted. Thanks for the links x

BIG HUGS

You will know when the time has come to let him go. Unfortunately in many cases lymphoma can progress very quickly.

 

[Phil n Spike]

Aw, poor little Phil, I can’t comment on Lymphoma but hope you have lots of precious times together and he stays happy and well for a lot longer x

Thanks. I fear we now

BIG HUGS

You will know when the time has come to let him go. Unfortunately in many cases lymphoma can progress very quickly.

He passed this afternoon while I was at work on my daughters knee. We are all beyond heartbroken. I put Phil on my knee and took out spike for him to say goodbye but he ignored him. Is that normal? Should I expect problems further down the line and will he even want a new buddy? Thank you x

 

[Phil n Spike]

Just take things day by day (((hugs))) x

We lost him this afternoon. X

 

[Claire W]

We lost him this afternoon. X

I’m so sorry x

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks. I fear we now

He passed this afternoon while I was at work on my daughters knee. We are all beyond heartbroken. I put Phil on my knee and took out spike for him to say goodbye but he ignored him. Is that normal? Should I expect problems further down the line and will he even want a new buddy? Thank you x

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry but not quite surprised. When you have never witnessed before how quickly a piggy can downhill when their time has come, it is easy to underestimate the signs; especially when you are still fully geared towards keeping him going. When the chips are down, piggies are unfortunately just small animals with a much faster metabolism. It can really knock you for six!

Please try to take consolation in that Phil was spared a slow painful death and being put through the ringer; he could go on his own where he was happiest, feeling at home and loved.

Spike did fully well know that Phil was dying and has taken his own leave beforehand; so the reaction is perfectly normal for that scenario. Very ill guinea pigs will remove themselves from their group in order to not spread any contagion. In a cage situation, their mates will keep a casual eye on them, but from a distance once they have said their own goodbye.

Please see how he how Spike is coping in the coming days and if possible take him dating at one of our recommended good welfare standard rescues that you can get to once lockdown conditions are loosened enough to be safe again. This means that he can have a say who he wants to be with and you come home with a healthy/fully quarantined new mate only after acceptance or - in the case of residential dating - full bonding has happened. Because it is Spike's friend and his choice, you do not have the pressure to love the new mate or see him as Phil's replacement. You will find that will come on its own and in a very different way than you expect - and it won't take any conscious effort on your part. Every bond is unique and unlike any other.

Please take the time to read these guides here; if necessary share them with your family. You should find them very helpful in the coming days and weeks. Be kind with yourself. You haven't failed Phil in any way; he has simply made his own decision.

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Rescue Locator (please note that we can only vouch for the listed rescues since anybody in the English speaking world can call themselves a rescue or a breeder without licensing or control; the results can be accordingly and very often any shade in between the two as well).