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Specialist Possible abdo tumour/reproductive infection - exploratory laparotomy experiences?

Liz47

Liz47

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I hope it's ok to start a new thread. My 2 1/2 year old piggy Marcie has lost weight recently and since Sunday became lethargic and not as interested in food/water. I've not seen her eating pellets, but she will have a bit of a nibble on hay and eat veggies, although sometimes she is slow to be interested in these. On Tuesday her poo's were very small and wet. She had a thorough examination at the vets on Tuesday and he felt a lump in her abdo but wasn't sure if it was an ovary cyst, he was a locum and advised me to rebook an appt today with the regular vet so she can discuss her opinion/experience with spaying etc. She has loxicom and I've been giving her supportive syringe feeds and she did perk up yesterday afternoon following the pain relief. I am working today so my partner took her, the usual vet isn't as convinced it's an ovary cyst. She doesn't have any hormonal behaviours and she said it doesn't feel like any of the none hormonal cysts she has experienced, on X-ray it looks more like a tumour and her reproductive system feels/looks swollen so she mentioned infection as well although I haven't noticed any discharge/anything unusual there?

She is booked in tomorrow for an exploratory laparotomy and the vet will call me with how things are looking, I've already said I'd like her to be spayed/if a tumour is found to try and remove this. I trust my vets with anaesthetic/spaying a piggy but the vet is realistic in that Marcie is underweight/poorly and we're unsure what we'll find, and warned it's a lot of money for an uncertain outcome but I'm confident it's the right decision as she isn't going to get better without further investigations I believe?

Does anyone have an experience with exploratory laparotomy in piggies or tumour removal from the abdomen? Thank you for any advice.
 
Aw, poor Marcie hope it all goes well for her tomorrow x
My Bill’s has just had two mammary tumours removed on Monday and has been doing very well so far. he came out of the anaesthetic well and has eating well since. he is on 0.25ml of dog Metacam twice a day for 5 days painkiller and anti inflammatory and 0.5ml emeprid twice a day for three days to encourage him to eat.
 
One of my past piggies, Bunny, had an operation for a supposed to be spay. During a checkup for a gassy stomach, vet felt a big lump in her abdomen and thought it was ovarian cyst. But when she was at the op table, they found out that the lump they felt from her wasn't ovarian cyst. In fact her ovaries were fine. Upon further exploratory inspection in her abdomen, the vet found out that the lump she had was and enlarged lymph nodes (4 cm in size) near her stomach. They found ulcers inside her stomach that caused it. So they just stitched her back up after and was given antibiotics and pain killers. After just a couple of days of taking antibiotics, her lump decreased to a much smaller size and her gassy stomach was cured (she always had gassy stomach before and we just made the connection what was causing it after the op).
 
Thank you both, I am glad your piggies did/are doing well x I hope she's strong enough and the vet doesn't find anything too drastic, we will spoil her tonight just incase it's bad news and it would be kinder to let her go tomorrow. I am hoping whatever it is can be removed/we had treat it though
 
Freddie had an exploratory op, just over a week ago, to investigate a deep abdominal lump. It was found to be an abscessed lymph gland, which couldn't be removed in its entirety, so was opened, emptied and stitched closed. He's now on a strong antibiotic, plus anti-inflammatory pain relief and is making slow, but steady progress. He will be on antibiotic for a few more weeks, as we can't risk the abscess refilling.
 
Liz47 said:
Thank you both, I am glad your piggies did/are doing well x I hope she's strong enough and the vet doesn't find anything too drastic, we will spoil her tonight just incase it's bad news and it would be kinder to let her go tomorrow. I am hoping whatever it is can be removed/we had treat it though
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Aw, hope it’s nothing serious, rooting for your little Marcie x
 
Thank you all xx

I weighed her again last night and in 24 hours she's lost just under 35g. :( She wasnt taking much critical care or water at all. I had a very upsetting night as while I was syringe feeding her around midnight my partner rushed in with one of our rats saying he's not well. Long story short he was choking and unable to clear the blockage, I have first aid training (for work as I am a vet receptionist) so left him be while he was trying to retch but he went quiet and was unable to breathe and went pale and then blue. On vets advice I had to 'swing' him which I thought wasn't working until he did one big heave and was able to breathe although was struggling. After a short stay at the vets we were able to bring him home were he is very thankfully recovering well. While we were trying to save him at home I'd out Marcie down on the floor in her blanket and she didn't move, she's normally very skittish.

This morning she only took 1 1/2ml critical care and 2ml water and a tiny nibble of veg. I worry she won't have the strength to survive the GA or recover. :( My partner dropped her off this morning with her cage mate Ellie so I am just waiting on a call now.
 
I've just had an update from the vet, sadly it's not good news :( The vet was still with her on the table and she said she has lesions throughout her gut and abdomen, most likely a cancerous process. She couldn't remove them all and given how poorly she has become in the space of a couple of days supportive care isn't in her best interests. We both agreed it wouldn't be fair to wake her up for us to go and say goodbye, the vet was very sensitive though and gave us the option of saying goodbye to her body when we go back to collect Ellie. I'm gutted she's suffered this at only 2 and a half, but I can take comfort knowing we gave her a chance and she didn't suffer for too long.

Run free Marcie xx
 

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So sorry to hear this. You did all you could and gave her the best possible chance.
Sometimes the pull of the rainbow bridge is just to strong.
Hope little Ellie is ok and your little ratty is back on the road to health.
Sending you big hugs.
Sleep tight little Marcie.xx
 
I am so sorry to read this.
I can understand the feeling of devastation having lost my Keziah in a similar way.
Look after yourself and allow yourself time to grieve.
When you feel ready you can post a tribute to Marcie on the Rainbow Bridge thread.
Holding you in my heart
 
I am so sorry to read this sad news.
You have made the right decision for Marcie. She is now free from pain and suffering.
Popcorn free across the rainbow bridge little one.💕🌈🐾
 
Oh my how sad.
You did right letting her go. No need to put her through any more . . 2.5 not old enough
RIP Marcie.
 
Oh I am so sorry that you lost little Marcie. You gave her every possible care and love. sending you big hugs at this sad time
Popcorn free little piggie 🌈
 
I’m so sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful girl and you did everything you could for her xx
 
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