Piggie Is Dying From A Lung Tumour :'(

[Cjay]

So sorry to not post this in Bailey's other thread but I need advice on a different type of issue. I've just been told his URI is most likely a tumour and he has weeks/months to live. I'm absolutely devastated. She said we don't need to act or anything because he's still bright and happy. I've been told to up his metacam to 3 times a day to keep him comfy and to continue syringe feeding. She based the tumour on an x-ray because the shadow had spread but did offer to put a needle in to take cells and confirm it for us. I don't know if I should do this? She also said there wouldn't be a point in going in to remove it as he'd probably die on the table and if he did survive she'll have broke multiple ribs which would be really painful. What's the best course of action now? Just keep him happy? :'(

 

[helen105281]

I'm so sorry, is your vet certain that it is a tumour and not fluid?

 

[Cjay]

I asked if it was fluid and she shook her head with a sad look and said shes certain its sinister. I asked her if she could feel a mass in his chest and she said no, his lungs are still fine in terms of the way they feel and capacity. Do I ask for the needle test?

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry! I don't have much in the way of good advice, but I feel for you. She was certain it's not fluid or consolidation from a lung infection? Is he on antibiotics right now?

 

[AuntyC]

Very sorry to hear year news. I am not a health/illness expert, but feel sad for you. Our little piggies are SO tough, but certain things are just undefeatable. Hugs!

 

[Cjay]

Thanks everyone! She said the antibiotics have cleared one side but its left the shadow and that shadows got bigger. I thought it was fluid cause sometimes it sounds like he's got that kind of fluidy groggy noise. He's improved the past few days and I honestly thought he was getting better. ! In fact he just spent half an hour running around the living room in circles, bouncing about and squeaking. x

 

[Wiebke]

@Pebble

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

Oh I'm so so sorry. I'm trying to think if it were me. I think maybe I would not go for the needle test because if you were to find out it was something else but to be removed could leave him in a lot of pain or sadly end his life, I wouldn't want to be left with that kind of decision. You say he's fine at the moment, so I think me personally I'd just carry on and do anything and everything I can for him to keep him happy and comfy and enjoy your time together. I'm so sorry you have such a tough call to make. Whatever you chose will be the right thing. My thoughts are with you x

 

[Flutterby]

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news, it must be a terrible time for you.

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Pebble]

Cjay - please ring me!

 

[Cjay]

Oh I'm so so sorry. I'm trying to think if it were me. I think maybe I would not go for the needle test because if you were to find out it was something else but to be removed could leave him in a lot of pain or sadly end his life, I wouldn't want to be left with that kind of decision. You say he's fine at the moment, so I think me personally I'd just carry on and do anything and everything I can for him to keep him happy and comfy and enjoy your time together. I'm so sorry you have such a tough call to make. Whatever you chose will be the right thing. My thoughts are with you x

I don't want to put him through removal. I kind of want the needle test to confirm the vets suspicions so I can come to terms with it though. I keep wondering if it is fluid, because she hasn't gave him a diuretic. Would an antibiotic remove fluid? He's the brightest i've seen him in ages tonight which I guess is making me feel worse because on the outside he genuinely seems to be improving ! Thank you all for your kind thoughts, I really appreciate it x

 

[helen105281]

You would need diuretic to get rid of fluid, if that is what it turned out to be. Not sure if you have spoken to Pebble yet but I would be getting a second opinion from a different vet.

 

[Pebble]

Have spoken at length to Cjay tonight on the dog'n'bone

Looks like we have a plan of action.

x

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

I don't want to put him through removal. I kind of want the needle test to confirm the vets suspicions so I can come to terms with it though. I keep wondering if it is fluid, because she hasn't gave him a diuretic. Would an antibiotic remove fluid? He's the brightest i've seen him in ages tonight which I guess is making me feel worse because on the outside he genuinely seems to be improving ! Thank you all for your kind thoughts, I really appreciate it x

I'm sorry I can't be of any help as I have no experience of this. But judging by the last post, you have got a plan. Hope you and your piggy are ok xx

 

[babydoll]

I'm in Glasgow as well if you are wanting a second opinion I can put you onto my vet she is a guinea pig and rabbit specialist and has piggies herself and knows them inside out

 

[Cjay]

I'm in Glasgow as well if you are wanting a second opinion I can put you onto my vet she is a guinea pig and rabbit specialist and has piggies herself and knows them inside out

Thank you @babydoll, I spoke to @Pebble last night and i'm sorting out an appointment this week with an other vet for a second opinion. Both of my parents are backing me on this so that definitely helps. They can't see how he's suddenly dying from a lung tumour that's developed in 4 weeks so we'll see what another vet says. I'd love to know where your vet is though, as it's always handy to have options if it's easier to get to.

A little update on Bailey - he was totally happy all day yesterday and through the night. We ran out of recovery feed and hadn't blended enough food so I could only feed him a couple of syringes through the night. He only lost 10g which he managed to put back on with his appetite today! He feels sturdier and doesn't look lethargic anymore. I've noticed a big improvement over the past few days even though he's still not touching dry food, just hoping it's not him perking up before going downhill. x

 

[babydoll]

Thank you @babydoll, I spoke to @Pebble last night and i'm sorting out an appointment this week with an other vet for a second opinion. Both of my parents are backing me on this so that definitely helps. They can't see how he's suddenly dying from a lung tumour that's developed in 4 weeks so we'll see what another vet says. I'd love to know where your vet is though, as it's always handy to have options if it's easier to get to.

A little update on Bailey - he was totally happy all day yesterday and through the night. We ran out of recovery feed and hadn't blended enough food so I could only feed him a couple of syringes through the night. He only lost 10g which he managed to put back on with his appetite today! He feels sturdier and doesn't look lethargic anymore. I've noticed a big improvement over the past few days even though he's still not touching dry food, just hoping it's not him perking up before going downhill. x

No worries I go to Taylor Vets in Cathkin near east Kilbride if you do phone make sure to ask to see Laura she so good with piggies and makes a vet visit not so nerve wracking x

 

[Cjay]

Update on the little guy - he's maintaining a weight of 938-945g just now, he's licking us again which he stopped doing when he got ill, he's more vocal and also more picky. We've realised the reason he sometimes refuses a syringe is because he doesn't want that type of food, so we need to blend something else. He also sat and ate 75% of a bowl of grass last night by himself, tipping up the bowl every time he went in to get more out. Obviously worried this could be short lived but it's positive in the short term regardless. He has an appointment on Friday with another vet for a second opinion. x

 

[Wiebke]

Wishin gyou all the best in your battle for your boy's life!