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Ricky has a 3rd lump

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Annie59

Some of you have been following what has been going on with Ricky. I'm sick right now and have been crying all night. I spent 4 months getting him well with his abscesses and just last week he got a clean bill of health. He is still a baby and has spent 4 of his 6 months sick. I'm so sad to say while petting him, my daughter felt something on his neck. I picked him up and was just horrified to feel a lump on his throat. I just can not go through this again. He has been sick since the day I got him. I love him so much and just can't bear to have him go through this again. The other previous lumps were both on his side. This one just threw me. I feel like this is a horrible nightmare and I'm going to wake up. But I know it's real. I'm never going to be able to afford the surgery again and I fought badly with my husband over the last two operations. To the point that I thought he would leave me. I hate to sound like this, but we are in such a financial hole over the last two surgeries. My husband is going to tell me to have him put to sleep. I can't bear doing that. I can not tell him about this. How can they operate on his throat? Ricky kept scratching the last two areas that he was operated on and ripped the stitches. So they left it open for me to flush. They had his back paw bandaged to keep him from scratching. He had a bandage on for 4 months. The vet changed it every other week. I may have to go to a regular vet that does not specialize in GP's. My vet now costs a fortune. It cost close to $2,000 in vet bills because she is just fantastic with guineas. My mind is just going crazy. I feel numb. He was so happy again. How can I put him through this again? Has anyone ever had their guinea pig with an abscess on their throat? It would be in the exact spot where an Adams apple would be on a human. Isn't that a dangerous spot? I don't know what to think. I just keep praying and praying that it will just be gone in the morning. I know that won't happen. I'm so sick for Ricky. I don't know why he keeps getting abscesses. He's had such a horrible life so far and deserves better. I'm just so heartbroken. If there is anyone out there who's guinea has had an abscess removed from his throat, please let me know what to expect. It seems like such a bad spot. Thank you to anyone who can offer me any advice. You have all been wonderful to me during all this time.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
 
Oh Annmarie i'm so so sorry to hear that little Ricky has another lump :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(, dam abscesses >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
Are you sure it's an abscess could it just be a fatty lump that you can sort of move ?
I don't know how to help you :'( :'( :'( :'( i'm crossing everything for Ricky :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
Can you talk to the vets and see if you can possibly reduce the costs seen as it seems to be happening in the general area... maybe they could look at letting you pay this off if he has to have surgery :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
It's not fair is it :( :( :( remember i told you that these dam things seem to come in groups and that they can then pop up somewhere else :-\ :-\ He's such a brave little boy to :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Let me know how it goes love :) Have you anyone that might be able to lend you some money perhaps ?
Duke sends heaps of healing wheeks and loves for brave Ricky and i'm sending him heaps of little kisses for his ears and nose :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
I'm sure that the girls will be on soon and help you with some advice O0
 
Oh bless you :-* You and poor Ricky are having such a terrible time :( Certainly pop him to the vet to have a look and discuss him the vet options for payment, I'm sure they will be happy to spread the cost for you :) Sending lots of love and hugs :smitten:
 
So sorry to hear Ricky has more problems :( Maybe explain the situation to your vet, say you've rowed with your husband so badly, and say you have every intention of paying the cost of treatment but are in dire financial situation at the moment. Lots of vets (like doctors, actually!) seem quite cold and distant but they're human too. Having said that not all vets act like humans sometimes! If you can't find a way around this (and many will say I'm wrong to say this) but maybe you should just leave Ricky until you believe the quality of his life is affected then have him pts. It could be that he has these problems reoccuring for the rest of his life, which not only means a great expense but also even with treatement a shortened life span. Again I'm very sorry :'( hugs to you and Ricky :smitten:
 
Its very sad that this poor piggy has had such a hard time of it. I know i will not be popular by saying this but perhaps you should consider having him put to sleep.

If he is going to have this as a recurring illness and it is causing your family such stress it might be best all round. It doesn't mean you don't love him. I had to have my dog put down a few years ago as he was very old and ill. It was not easy but it was the right thing to do.

All the best what ever you decide
 
Thank you all. I feel a little better today, considering last night I cried myself to sleep! I felt it today (the lump). It feels just like the abscesses, but that does not mean it is one. It does move a little. I'm gonna wait a few days. If it grows, I'll take him in. It doesn't seem to be bothering him. There is another vet near here. Less expensive but he treats ALL animals. Not just exotics, so I'm a little nervous. The vet he goes to now is great, but just the operation is $300 US dollars. Then visits every week or so are at least another $80. When I didn't have money one week, they wouldn't take him. It's cash up front or they won't see him. That's how they are. It's sad, but not much I can do about it. I've borrowed so much money by now, I just can't ask again. I know the other vet wouldn't be as much. Does anyone think I'm horrible to take him to a different vet. He does treat guineas, just not as much as his current vet. I am just praying it doesn't grow. He can live with it since it does not seem to bother him. I will have it checked just to get the vets opinion. I can't believe it's happening again. I also can't believe I didn't feel it. Oh well. I won't be able to take him until Monday. Thank you all again for your support and thoughts. It means so much. :) :) :)
 
I am so sorry to hear that Ricky has another lump. You have done so much for him and been a great piggy Mum. The vets might be able to arrange a paymeny plan but I totally understand that you have already spent a lot of money and it is difficult.
It would be worth getting him ti the vet to see if it the same problem, have they given you any idea what is causing these lumps.
It is true he has spent alot of time in his life being ill but you need to make the decision you think is best no-one should criticise you for that.
One of our guineas has been battling abscesses for nearly two months and we are doing the best we can for him, luckily he is still bright and perky but if this round of antibiotics does not work we may have to agree to him having another operation, I know what hard work it is looking after them and what a drain it can be emotionally.
The other vet might have a different approach which may help Ricky you never know. O0
Bless you and Ricky you have both been through the wars and are in our thoughts :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
Alex said:
Its very sad that this poor piggy has had such a hard time of it. I know i will not be popular by saying this but perhaps you should consider having him put to sleep.

If he is going to have this as a recurring illness and it is causing your family such stress it might be best all round. It doesn't mean you don't love him. I had to have my dog put down a few years ago as he was very old and ill. It was not easy but it was the right thing to do.

All the best what ever you decide
Click to expand...

Gosh! I was just about to type exactly the same thing! We all have had piggies that we love and can't let go but to be fair these operations are a stress to him too and it looks like he will continue to get them so it may be kinder to let him go now and remember him as he is.
Its not nice having a pet that is sick all the time I had a piggy with enormous bladder stones which the vet said may reoccur as he was so young to have them in the first place so we let him go instead of suffering a constant round of operations and recoveries.
Its not good for you either or your relationship but most importantly for Ricky.....and at the end of the day its not about the money its abour Ricky's continued health.
Good luck with your decision.
 
Hi Alex...just saw your post as I was posting mine. Believe me, I understand about putting him to sleep. I sincerely don't want to. But he has had this since he was born practically. I don't know if this is going to be his whole life. He has never been well. I am going to try to take care of it first. Maybe it's not as bad as I think. I don't want Ricky to live his life with surgery after surgery. He needs to have a happy little life. I'm still waiting for it. My heart just breaks for him and it makes me cry. I had him 5 months and 4 of them have been sickly. I'm still hoping. I'll let all of you know his progress. Please say a little prayer for him. :'( :'( :'( :'(
 
Awww Annie, so sorry to hear this, what a hard decision for you....we are here for you whatever you decide :smitten:
 
Sounds like you have already done so much for him Annie. So if you did have to put him to sleep it would be because you really had to.

Is he your only pig? If so then you have been very unlucky to have such a poorly pig. Owning animals gives great pleasures and also difficult times. Sometimes we have to be strong and admit that we can't make them better. We then have to let them go with love.

I expect that you have years off piggy owning/loving in front of you and it would be sad if your hubby was put of pigs forever by this one poor piggy.

I have never lost a pig, yet, because i am fairly new to pig owning but I have had rabbits and hamsters that i have lost or had to have put to sleep and i sat with my dog when his time came and the vet did the necessary. I felt i was there for him right to the end.

I hope your pig gets better but if not be strong. Thinking of you and please stay in touch x
 
It's ok to take him to a non exotics vet if that vet is willing to take suggestions from you. I often ask the forum what their opinions on my guineas illnesses are then or research them throughly on the net then go to the vets and talk it over. Vets are highly trained but they can take a bit of advice now and then ;D I'm thinking of you and Ricky and hope this is his last lump x
 
Why did the vet do surgery on the abcess? Throat abcesses are fairly common in gps.I have had 3 pigs with this problem.The abcess was lanced and drained without aneasthetic,the whole was kept open for a few days for the pus to drain,and the abcess backflushed twice a day for 4 days.They can sometimes reoccur,but antibiotics will help.
 
Oh no Annie, I am so sorry. Poor Ricky!
I was surprised to hear about the cost and the treatment though - I thought as Maryh said that abcesses were lanced, flushed and treated with antibiotics... try the other vet - they might be better AND cheaper!

Good luck, we will be thinking of you and Ricky! They are a worry aren't they?

x
 
am so sorry to hear about ricky annie! :'( :'( :'( perhaps you get private message maryh and ask her to email your vet and maybe they could just lance the abscess. her vet emails other vets all around the world, even here in oz and she helped with zoe's surgery. it is worth a shot. i remeber your post earlier this week when you were happy ricky was running around and popcorning. :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: i could almost cry with you, am thinking of you both and sending you both hugs and cuddles :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: perhap PM maryh or see this other vet and talk to them, am here if you need me. :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: may god be with you all, thinking of you all :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
Thank you all again for such kind words. In answer to your question Maryh, I actually don't know why they did surgery. I was so new at this and the vet never gave me any other option. She told me she was going to put him under and take out the abscess surgically. I thought that was just the normal He came out all stitched up and I needed to do nothing. This absecss was on his side. But he ripped the stitches out. She redid it (and recharged me for another operation!) and he ripped it again, even with his paw bandaged. Then she left it open for me to flush everyday. The second abscess was just about an inch away and popped up as soon as the first one healed. Once again she did surgery but left it open this time for me to flush again. This all was over a four month period. All the while he had to keep getting that bandage redone. I go see the vet every 10 days where she cuts it open again and drains it. Finally the pus was gone and the bandage came off his paw. That was only last week. The vet never told me there were any other options. She never told me they could lance and drain it. She just said he needs surgery and that was it. Maybe she felt they wouldn't get all the pus out if she didn't operate? I'm just guessing because I can't figure out any reason why they had to do it that way. Does it hurt them to not have anesthesia? I get so nervous thinking about it. This is the first time he has one on his throat. All I keep thinking is of Ricky scratching it. This time he could reach it with all four paws and they can't bandage all of them. Mary, did your guineas pigs try to scratch the area? Ricky constantly tried to get at the ones on his side. For some reason, this animal hospital really makes you feel like it's major surgery. The followup visits make you go broke. And when I told them I didn't have enough money for one visit, they wouldn't see him. And as one of you suggested, they do have a payment plan, but they have to check your credit first and I'm embarressed to say that my credit does not qualify for a payment plan. I know I could pay it off, but my prior credit is not good enough. She's a great doctor, but you are going to pay the price. I would love someone to suggest lancing, but I know how she is. A couple of times I suggested something and she gets really offended. She said something like.." I did'nt go to school for this if I didn't know what I was doing". Something like that. Now I'm afraid to say anything to her. I am going to call this other vet. It's a guy this time, but he does treat guinea pigs. He treats all animals and that's why I got a little nervous, but I looked him up on line and he's actually better than I thought. His big thing is birds. I'm so confused! I want to do the right thing. Ricky hasn't been able to enjoy his life. I don't know if it's going to be a life of abscesses. I think about putting him down and I cry. How could I do it? What if this is the last abscess? I can't even tell my husband. Gosh, I'm in love with this little guy. I see a lot of you have lost animals. This is my first guinea pig and my heart breaks for him. I'm thinking maybe he was sent to me for a reason. Maybe someone else would have given up on him with the first abscess. Most of my friends said they would have put him to sleep right away. I'm an animal lover and couldn't think of it! Now that he's been sick since he's been born, I'm rethinking it. What kind of life could he be having? Well, I'm not making any decisions today. I will bring him for a consultation to see if it actually is an abscess. I'm assuming it is since he's already had 2. After reading Maryh's post, I'm thinking maybe all this should have not been as serious as the animal hospital led me to believe. Poor Ricky. Two big surgeries and one redone and he's been on 4 meds for the past 4 months. I'm wondering now if this should have been easier. I'm going to talk to the other vet to get his input. I'll let all of you know what happens. I want to thank all of you for your replies and wonderful information. I must say, I was surprised at all the posts and it made me feel so much better! God bless all of you!
Annmarie
 
You poor thing, you sound really stressed! That first vet sounds a bit of a mare - remember you are paying so don't be afraid to question her! But I would defo try the other guy.
Hope you have some good news soon!

Lots of love from me and my pigs!
x
 
Sorry Alex, I forgot to answer your question. Yes Ricky is my only piggie. He is my first. He is only 6 months old and has been sick almost his whole life. I am also new at piggies. I never expected to fall in love with him. I'm going to try to see if as bad as I thought before I do anything! Wish me luck!
 
Hi Anne-Marie,

I'm so sorry to hear abour Ricky. I would try the other vet they may be cheaper. We are all here for you. I've no experience with this but know that having an ill pig is just so hearbreaking.

Big hugs to you and Ricky,

Louise
x
 
These little furries grab our hearts and wont let go! :smitten: We all understand you not wanting to have Ricky PTS, especially with everything you both have been through. It should have been simple to lance the abcesses, an operation under GA didnt sound necessary to me. Maybe try the other vet, my vet treats all animals too but has a keen interest in piggies. Dont be worried about making suggestions, ask him if it is an abcess to lance it and you can then flush it at home. It shouldnt cost that much!

Big hugs to you and Ricky :smitten:
 
anne marie DON'T listen to your friends about PTS they have NEVER been loved by a guinea pig or maybe an animal, so i would pity them :tickedoff: :tickedoff: :tickedoff: i would try this new vet, talk to him, tell him the treatment poor ricky has had, stupid statement but try NOt to worry :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: and it is NOT a sin to love ricky! we have spent over $1,100.00 on zoe in last 3 months and $500.00 on cats which in US money would be around $1,200.00. if it makes our babies well when then it is worth it. thinking of you and sending you both hugs and prayers and good vibes :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: girls send ricky :-* :-* :-* explore all opitions and talk to this vet i am so :tickedoff: :tickedoff: :tickedoff: with the other vet, know how you feel when zoe was sick she needed to see a vet but as pension day was 2 days away no one would see her :tickedoff: :tickedoff: :tickedoff: our vet said she'd see her but not treat her. i know vets are there to make money but what about for the love of the animals? :tickedoff: :tickedoff: :tickedoff: wish we were closer so i could give you both a big hug! take care and enjoy ricky and see this vet monday. :smitten:
 
Well guys, in these last few minutes, I just called the other vet. He does not do surgeries, but the girl that answered said he lances abscesses all the time. She said to bring him in, he'll take a look and if it's an abscess, he'll just lance it. Why the heck did my vet make me go through all these surgeries if I didn't have to? I can't believe I didn't know this. Will a lancing hurt? I get all worked up if he's in pain. I would never be a good doctor. Well, after I bring him in, I'll let you all know!
 
good luck at the vets, sending you both hugs and prayers, if you didn't worry you wouldn't be human. :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: you were new to guinea pigs and your vet just does things a different way, now you know better maybe ricky will be in less pain and happier :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: don't forget to mention he likes to scratch at his wounds and chin up, don't be afriad to ask questions, ricky is your baby and the only dumb question is the one never asked, smile and good luck! :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
That sounds positive!
I am not sure how painful it is for piggies - so far none of mine have had an abcess, but it can't be anywhere near as bad as surgery.
Yeah, let us know how he goes on! O0
 
I have just read through all the posts here and I'm so sorry for you Annie and for Ricky. I can understand you wanting to try and cure Ricky and not wanting to let him go but maybe as a couple of others have said it might be kinder to let him go. BUT before you make this very hard decision I would certainly speak to this new vet and see what they have to say. Sometimes it can be beneficial to get another perspective on things.

Tell them Ricky's history and ask for their opinion as to whether they think he is going to be prone to these coming back all the time.

We have a piggy that is disabled because his front legs are crooked, when he was first born I thought it would be kinder to have him PTS but I didnt, now I find myself in a situation where I am constantly worrying that he is in pain and suffering. I keep thinking should I take him to the vets and see what they say but in a way I'm scared too because I think they will confirm my worst fears.

I dont envy you making a decision on what is best but wish you and Ricky all the best.

Thinking of you both.

Vicky xx
 
Lets hope the new vet has some answers. Your other vet sounds like she thinks she knows whats right but possibly she doesn't. I always question professionals, it's part of my job as a non-professional and a pleb to challenge vets!;D If a vet got offended by me asking a question I'd be out of there!
If it was YOU having the operation you'd ask the doctors, and not take any old answer, so don't let them do the same to Ricky :)

Hope this new vet helps you out and isn't too expensive. Maybe ask him why he thinks Ricky is having all these abcesses? Can you not bandage up Ricky's paws your self? I would get some soft bandage type stuff and wind it round the paws gently and not too tightly then make a knot to tie it up. If you're not sure ask the vet if it's ok. But that's what I'd do.

sending good vibes to you and Ricky and thinking of you both :smitten:
 
Thank you all again. I asked the vet last time if it looks like Ricky will be getting abscesses all his life and she just said "not necessarily". But I think that maybe they have just spread. They all seem pretty close to each other. This one may be on his throat, but it's slightly closer to the side where the old abscesses were. I'm sure I could bandage the paws myself, but Ricky is so fidgety. I'm not to good at it. Boy Vicky, I'm so sorry about your little piggie with crooked legs. That is so sad. Maybe he's not in any pain. Does he show any signs of pain. Doesn't it stink to see your piggie in pain? I have a hard time with it. I'm not good at this kind of thing! I have to wait till Monday to bring him in. I'm so scared to go through this again. I wonder if they could lance it under anesthesia. I'm such a baby. I just want him well. Well, I'll check in tomorrow. Good night all and thank you all again. Love to all your little piggies. :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
I am not brilliant with this kind of thing but it may be worth asking the vet , as the others have said, about possibility of future abcesses? If he has a stong course of antibiotics (a piggy safe one such as baytril?) as well as lancing and flushing, it may help to kill the underlying infection for good. Sunny was originally on 0.2mls baytril twice a day but when it was increased to 0.4mls twice a day and I saw the difference in a few days. His course is for 21 days. It is worth asking the vet about this.

As you know, I did lots of my own research on Sunnys symptoms and enlisted the help of some very kind experienced GP people and this is how I knew what to ask my vet for and what to discuss with her.

Wishing you the best of luck, let us know what he says :)
 
Lancing is not painful,just uncomfortable for a few minutes,but better than aneasthetic and surgery.

As Fiona said,in severe infections anti biotics can be given at a much higher dose than would normally be given.0.4 mls Baytril for at least one week after the lancing would be worth a try.The abcess must be baclkflushed 3 times a day for 2 days then twice a day for 2 days,then if there is still any pus coming out or the area smells,back flush once a day for at least one day.Diluted Hibiscrub is the best thing to use.

I had a boar once with recrurring abcess in the neck,but a higher dose of Baytril stopped the reinfection.

PTS is my very last option for any piggy problem.
 
First apologies i've not been on... busy at work and home :embarassed:

Love do not go with that first option >:( PTS :'( :'(
I agree with Mary, Fi and Vicky and all our other wonderful people on here :smitten:
Yes go for it for Ricky he's had a real hard start but i'm sure with TLC which you're happy to give him will help him thru O0 O0 O0
I asked myself the same question regarding if our boy had not had me batting for him.... yeah sadly i think he'd not have lived this long :(
It's people like you Annmarie who are loving and caring for their family and animals and that's why Ricky is in your life :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: but if it comes to the day when like me you might have to make the decision get the advice from somebody you trust and respect first O0

Loves to you all special ones from Duke for his little friend in the US who's such a bloody bonza of a man O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: and i'm sending him lots of sweet kisses for his nose and ears mmmm :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
 
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