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Swelling at base of nipple, signs of blood

S

Sue and Smartie

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Teenage Guinea Pig
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Poor Pippa Pig. She lost her friend Fifi a month ago and I am days away from getting new friends for her, and now she has developed a swelling at the base of her nipple. There is also a discharge which is pink, so signs of blood. It would be on a Bank Holiday weekend wouldn't it! I will be contacting the vet on Tuesday morning, and will get her seen asap, but in the meantime I'd be grateful for any thoughts you have on this.
I have a picture taken just now. Pippa is 7 years old and maintaining her weight, although she has been a bit 'off' the last few days which I had thought was because she is lonely but now I've seen this I think it's also due to feeling ill.

DSCN8322.webp
 
Sorry I have no experience to offer.
It’s not nice when things happen over a holiday weekend.
I’m just offering support.
Hope you can see a vet on Tuesday
 
Sue and Smartie said:
Poor Pippa Pig. She lost her friend Fifi a month ago and I am days away from getting new friends for her, and now she has developed a swelling at the base of her nipple. There is also a discharge which is pink, so signs of blood. It would be on a Bank Holiday weekend wouldn't it! I will be contacting the vet on Tuesday morning, and will get her seen asap, but in the meantime I'd be grateful for any thoughts you have on this.
I have a picture taken just now. Pippa is 7 years old and maintaining her weight, although she has been a bit 'off' the last few days which I had thought was because she is lonely but now I've seen this I think it's also due to feeling ill.

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Hi

I am very sorry, but it looks like you are dealing with a mammary tumour.

They can be either benign or malign but what they don't do is to stop growing so the only treatment is basically operative removal - which at your piggy's age is unfortunately rather bad news; especially as it is bleeding and could go septic. You and your vet will have to have an honest discussion as to how far you want to take it or whether you girl is still healthy and well enough to risk an operation. :(

I do feel for you. It's not something you want to see at the best of times but definitely not in an oldie.
 
Thank you. That's not what I hoped for but it's what I fear it is. I will try to get her in Tues morning. As you say at her age our chances of success at surgery are much reduced. I'm not one for dragging things out, she is obviously not well at all. I'll go prepared for the worst. Fortunately our usual piggy vet is pragmatic also and will not hesitate to tell me when it's time, so if she says it is I will be guided by her.
When they get to a very old age every day is a blessing, she's been lucky to have so many years. And so have I.
 
Sue and Smartie said:
Thank you. That's not what I hoped for but it's what I fear it is. I will try to get her in Tues morning. As you say at her age our chances of success at surgery are much reduced. I'm not one for dragging things out, she is obviously not well at all. I'll go prepared for the worst. Fortunately our usual piggy vet is pragmatic also and will not hesitate to tell me when it's time, so if she says it is I will be guided by her.
When they get to a very old age every day is a blessing, she's been lucky to have so many years. And so have I.
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BIG HUGS

No, I hate to be the bearer of bad news and to give confirmation to your worst fears. It's never easier, whatever you come up against as you just have no control over what gives first in the end. I do feel for you!

But you have an attitude that is very similar to mine. You do not hurt any less but you focus on the good things you have shared and the quality of life you have provided, especially when it has been quite a number of years. That is what ultimately counts in the end.

I am however sure that you and your vet can work out the best and kindest way forward, made with love and concern for your poorly girl's best welfare interests foremost in mind. As each bond is unique and irreplaceable, it never gets any less gut wrenching when you come to that point where you have to consider saying goodbye - but you are also feeling blessed to have had such wonderful company in your life for so long, and that those special memories are going to stay with you.
It would however be admittedly a lot easier if there was a less heart-wrenching and messy crossing from life to the hereafter...
 
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I am grateful that euthanasia is one of our options. I once left it too late and came home to find one of my pigs breathing his last, it was an awful experience and I have carried that guilt for years. So when I have one pts I think of poor Pedro and his last half hour and am thankful that I have avoided it with another little pig.
It is today a month since we lost Fifi so to be facing this feels a bit too soon for me.
 
I’m so very sorry that the news isn’t better for Pippa and that is comes just a month after losing Fifi 😞

I will be thinking of you a Pippa tomorrow. We’ve all been there and I advise you are guided by the vet (((hugs))) it’s never easy having to make hard decisions but you have Pippa’s best interests at heart and any decision you make will be made out of love and compassion x
 
Sue and Smartie said:
I am grateful that euthanasia is one of our options. I once left it too late and came home to find one of my pigs breathing his last, it was an awful experience and I have carried that guilt for years. So when I have one pts I think of poor Pedro and his last half hour and am thankful that I have avoided it with another little pig.
It is today a month since we lost Fifi so to be facing this feels a bit too soon for me.
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BIG HUGS

It is always too soon. :yikes:

I know that it is not any real consolation to you, but I have just lost one of my two youngest remaining piggies, Brangwyn 'White Raven', very unexpectedly on Eclipse Day and now his dad just before this weekend within not even 3 weeks, so I can totally empathise - both boars were just around 4 years old.

It has been so gutting when his dad Barcud 'Red Kite', after seemingly bouncing back quickly after the last heatwave suddenly started to go down very quickly again this past week while I was not well, either... :(
I truly hate stampedes to the Rainbow Bridge. And between being wretched both in body and soul I haven't been in a good mood all week... because it takes its toll.

Thinking of you and Pippa. You will always find the strength to be strong for her, no matter how badly you pay emotionally afterwards. But your love gives you the strength when you need it.
 
Sorry to hear about Pippa, and Fifi, you sound like such a good and caring piggy owner who always puts them first, and it's always heartbreaking to get to a time when you lose them, or that you might lose them, I really do feel for you. I hope you are doing as well as possible.

And of course you too Wiebeke, I didn't realise about Barcud, and I'm gutted for you.
 
Oh I’m so sorry. Fifi was waiting for Pippa over the bridge. Back together forever ❤️
 
Very sorry to hear this sad news 😔 Graze sweetly over the bridge little Pippa 🌈
 
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