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Sudden death? Asymptomatic lymphoma

Florrieberry

Florrieberry

Teenage Guinea Pig
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One of our lovely piggies, Florrie, 5 in July) was suddenly unwell sat morning.(not eating) Got straight to vet. No temp, lymph glands up front & back.Chest & heart ok. Slightly clicky upper respiratory. Had ab inj & gut stimulant. Stayed at vets was happy to eat from syringe then died few hours later. One of the senior vets had been to see her and suspected possible lymphoma as all glands were up and said lymphoma often doesnt show unless you have cause to do a blood test. She had had a tiny bit of weight loss and was due for weighing again. The amount was not significant. (agreed by vet) Absolutely no other symptoms except maybe sleeping a bit more (but they all do as they get older) Everything online associates lymphoma with tumours or tatty coat but nil to see. Is this common?
 
I’m so sorry that you have lost Florrie, you did everything you could for her.
I have no experience of lymphoma so can’t advise.
Sleep tight little lady x
 
HUGS

I am very sorry for your loss!

Has your vet considered lympadenitis (i.e. inflammation of the lymph nodes)? I know that it can happen in guinea pigs. alternatively you could consider an infection that has spread very quickly into the lymphatic system; again these can happen.

It is always difficult when we try to make sense of a sudden death and are looking for things that we may have overlooked. Rest assured that you have not failed Florrie in any way and that you haven't overlooked what simply has not been there. Stuff sadly happens; but we are wired to reflect it all onto ourselves or otherwise reflect it as incoherent anger onto others.
You may find this new guide here helpful in this respect: Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
 
The strange thing is she didn't have a high temp which is normally associated with acute infection? Her temp was slightly low so they were going to warm her up straight away. (Possibly from journey as normally travel in pairs but took her alone this time)
 
Clicky breathing fits pneumonia, but i dont think this would be a sudden death
 
Her chest sounded fine that's why they initially thought upper respiratory.
 
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