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Swelling on chest area

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dolts007

Hi

We have a 4 and a half year old guinea called Betty and around 3 months ago she suffered a bad ear infection that led to her ending up with a slight wobbly head (the vet thinks she may have also had a stroke).

She can eat and drink herself and is squeaking loud as ever.

But a week and a half ago we went on hols and have come back to find that she has a large lump under her chin, or more like on her chest. We took her to the vets who lanced it in case it was an abyss but the liquid was clear.

The liquid was sent off for tests and has come back stating that the growth isn’t cancerous but has something to do with lack of protein which could have caused the build up.

She’s being taken for blood tests this afternoon but I just wondered a) if anyone else’s piggie has had a similar problem as the vets hadn’t come across this before and b) any ideas on what we need to give her by way of protein?

Currently she has bundles of Timothy hay, fresh water daily and we weigh the vegs etc in accordance to the calcium/phos ratios. She also has the excel pellets.

Any help would be much appreciated
 
You could give her mange tout or sugar snap peas or green beans/french beans or whatever they're called. Pea flakes would probably be good too. I'm not sure but I think alfalfa and clover might be high in protein. Oh and beansprouts (fresh, not tinned).

Also maybe some seeds if she isn't too fat, sunflower seeds or something. I'm not sure if all those thing are ok to feed but I have fed them before.

My pigs have never had this before but I've heard of people getting swelling because of lack of protein.
 
Thanks ever so for the advice. Am really hoping it's something that can be cleared up without surgery. She's been through so much and its so sad to see her like that. The good thing is she still has her appetite and squeaks like crazy for her tea so fingers crossed its somethign that can be treated.
 
Update on Betty.

The results of the blood tests came back which indictaed that she is unable to retain the protein she is eating and as such this liquid is forming a swelling in her chest area. The vet said that the cause could be liver/kidney failure but as a blood sample couldnt be taken from the relevant area due to the swelling, it cant be confirmed. It could also be a bacterial infection?

The lump isn't cancerous so we have been given a course of Baytril to see if this may pump up her immune system. The vets including the lab said they hadnt come across this before so we are just hoping that she can pick herself up.

She is still eating, drinking and squeaking to her heart's content and unless you pick her up you wouldnt think there was anything wrong with her.

I just hope she can retain the protein and the swelling reduces over time.

Has anyone else come across such an issue with their piggies?
 
I'm sorry Betty is having these problems, unfortunately I have not heard of this or anything like this before.

In some cases of basic fluid retention a diuretic would be given to clear the fluid that has built up, but obviously if kidney/liver failure is suspected and the pig has issues with protein, then the risks may well be too high.

Good luck with her, please do keep us updated, I hope something will work for her.
 
Thank you. Whilst she is still enjoying life then we will enjoy it with her. The vet has said that as long as she seems happy in herself and is eating and drinking then we should just keep a close eye on her.

But she has been through the mill and it would be unfair to see her suffer at our expense so at the moment we are taking one day at a time.
 
can we help?

Hey so sorry to hear about Betty,

if you are looking for a second opinion or futher tests I can perhaps offer you these on our new show we are making for Channel4 , we have featured all sorts of animals but are yet to feature a Guinea Pig, it is a great way to help educate other owners to spot the signs of a poorly pet and hopefully we could help you find the answer to what exactly the problem is,
we have a clinic next week so if you are interested please give me a call:
0121 2248316

thanks,
Melanie
 
I'm sad to say that we had to PTS Betty last night.

Thanks to all those that offered their support
 
I'm so sorry, you did all you could for her.

Rest well, sweet Betty. xx
 
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