swollen lymph nodes

[Oinkpiggies]

hi everyone, one of my piggies had swollen lymph nodes and i actually didn’t notice it until i took him to the LA guinea pig rescue for a health check. I take everything they say with a grain of salt because they’re not vets, but i still took him to a vet right after i found out. The vet told me it could be an infection or it could be cancer. He has no other symptoms except maybe watery eyes, but he said all his lymph nodes are swollen and he might die. There was no obvious mass in X-rays, but I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t give me antibiotics. I have attached a photo of the X-ray and his eye, if you have any insight please please comment. I am so stressed out by this i can’t even sleep. I am getting a second opinion on Tuesday but i can’t help but worry because i have no idea what’s wrong and a vet told me he could die.

 

[Wiebke]

hi everyone, one of my piggies had swollen lymph nodes and i actually didn’t notice it until i took him to the LA guinea pig rescue for a health check. I take everything they say with a grain of salt because they’re not vets, but i still took him to a vet right after i found out. The vet told me it could be an infection or it could be cancer. He has no other symptoms except maybe watery eyes, but he said all his lymph nodes are swollen and he might die. There was no obvious mass in X-rays, but I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t give me antibiotics. I have attached a photo of the X-ray and his eye, if you have any insight please please comment. I am so stressed out by this i can’t even sleep. I am getting a second opinion on Tuesday but i can’t help but worry because i have no idea what’s wrong and a vet told me he could die.

Hi and welcome

HUGS

I am very sorry.

No guinea pig owner wants to hear about swollen lymph nodes because of the spectre of lymphoma - cancer of the lymph nodes. It is incurable. The most aggressive forms can mean that your piggy is dying or may have be euthanised within days or a couple of weeks, depending on how advanced it is. With milder forms and corticosteroids, the lifespan has been in some cases extended to a few months, as some members with more recent milder cases have proven.

There is unfortunately very little information (never mind research) about cancer in guinea pigs. The most common of them is lymphoma.
This is the best overview I have found: Can guinea pigs get cancer?

However, since you have more than just one swollen lymph node, it is unfortunately rather likely that you are either dealing with a more advanced form of infection or more likely advanced lymphoma. You can still ask for antibiotics, just in case and if you feel that you want to give your beloved one at least a chance.

I seriously wish that I didn't have to be the one to break the bad news to you that nobody else wanted to bring up. My heart goes out to you. We cannot tell you for sure and can only go by our own and our collective experiences on here. Only a biopsy and lab test could tell - but if you are really unlucky, your piggy may not even be there by then anymore.

We can however be here for your piggy and you as a community both with practical tips, personal experiences and with moral support for however long you need it - other than social media. I know that it is a lot for you to take in right. Please be kind with yourself. Lymphoma is not something that is down to bad care and it is not your fault. It can and has happened to most of us long term owners at some point.
You may want to enquire about painkillers. We are UK based (although with members from all over the world) and have much stronger legal restrictions in that respect compared to the USA once pain takes over the appetite and you will have to start having to think about quality of life.

This is a guide I am never happy to link in but you may hopefully find it helpful: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

My thoughts are with you and your precious piggy. We are here for any questions that you have along the way, as well as for moral support.

 

[Eriathwen]

I'm so sorry you're well within your rights to request a trial of antibiotics just in case! I've had a fair amount of experience with lymphoma sadly, it doesn't get any easier hearing the news. One of the first ones I had diagnosed was my boar Paddington, he loved for a year with it, before it spread to, and ruptured, the neck of his bladder and he had to be humanely sent off to his next adventure. One of the last, passed away a day or two after her diagnosis, which is far closer to the norm, unfortunately once showing symptoms they don't have an awful lot of time left.

I will keep everything crossed for you that it turns out to be an infection.

 

[Oinkpiggies]

I'm so sorry you're well within your rights to request a trial of antibiotics just in case! I've had a fair amount of experience with lymphoma sadly, it doesn't get any easier hearing the news. One of the first ones I had diagnosed was my boar Paddington, he loved for a year with it, before it spread to, and ruptured, the neck of his bladder and he had to be humanely sent off to his next adventure. One of the last, passed away a day or two after her diagnosis, which is far closer to the norm, unfortunately once showing symptoms they don't have an awful lot of time left.

I will keep everything crossed for you that it turns out to be an infection.

thank you so much ♡ i have some hope left. I feel the lumps near his armpit when i pet him. He’s only 3 and this happened so fast. I’m grateful he doesn’t have any symptoms right now. I think the eye thing might’ve just been the milky goop that comes out. He doesn’t deserve this i’m gonna give him so much love as long as i can

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Hi and welcome

HUGS

I am very sorry.

No guinea pig owner wants to hear about swollen lymph nodes because of the spectre of lymphoma - cancer of the lymph nodes. It is incurable. The most aggressive forms can mean that your piggy is dying or may have be euthanised within days or a couple of weeks, depending on how advanced it is. With milder forms and corticosteroids, the lifespan has been in some cases extended to a few months, as some members with more recent milder cases have proven.

There is unfortunately very little information (never mind research) about cancer in guinea pigs. The most common of them is lymphoma.
This is the best overview I have found: Can guinea pigs get cancer?

However, since you have more than just one swollen lymph node, it is unfortunately rather likely that you are either dealing with a more advanced form of infection or more likely advanced lymphoma.

I seriously wish that I didn't have to be the one to break the bad news to you that nobody else wanted to tell you. We cannot tell you for sure and can only go by our own and our collective experiences on here. Only a biopsy and lab test could tell - and if you are really unlucky, your piggy may not even be there by then anymore.

We can however be here for your piggy and you as a community both with practical tips, personal experiences and with moral support for however long you need it - other than social media. I know that it is a lot for you to take in right. Please be kind with yourself. Lymphoma is not something that is down to bad care and it is not your fault. It can and has happened to most of us long term owners at some point.
You may want to enquire about painkillers. We are UK based (although with members from all over the world) and have much stronger legal restrictions in that respect compared to the USA once pain takes over the appetite and you will have to start having to think about quality of life.

This is a guide I am never happy to link in but you may hopefully find it helpful: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

My thoughts are with you and your precious piggy. We are here for any questions that you have along the way, as well as for moral support.

thank you ♡ i’m holding him right now giving him love while i still can.

 

[Wiebke]

thank you ♡ i’m holding him right now giving him love while i still can.

Hold onto the love you have given him and that endures. It transcends time itself. Time is just a measure. Love fills those measures and gives them meaning.

Guinea pigs measure a good life in happy todays. As long as you have given those to him, you have not failed him in any way. What we never have control about is when, in what form or what circumstances the end comes. We can only try to do our very best when the time comes.

PS: We now have a special End of Life and Bereavement Support Section if you would like to have this thread moved to for ongoing support for as long as you need to and wish to. If you bookmark this thread then you can always pick it up again easily. It means that we can keep everything together, be able to refresh our memories and give our personalised support straight away.

 

[hana<3pigs]

Seeking a second opinion is never a bad thing! If you're able, please keep us updated.

Sending my very best wishes to your little pig, and of course, to you.

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Seeking a second opinion is never a bad thing! If you're able, please keep us updated.

Sending my very best wishes to your little pig, and of course, to you.

thank you so much ♡ this is what the second vet said (my normal vet)

He was more positive than the last one. I did a biopsy for him, we are gonna get the results probably next week. He said that for all the lymph nodes to be swollen is uncommon, but coincidentally during the appointment, my other piggy actually started sneezing so he gave antibiotics for both just in case it could help bear too. He said the x ray was normal. There’s a chance it could be an infection or lymphoma but if it is lymphoma he can get steroids to shrink it and buy time worst case scenario.

 

[hana<3pigs]

Poor babies - but they're so lucky to have you taking care of them!

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Bear’s biopsy results came back and he does have lymphoma. I’m really sad but the vet said he has atleast a couple months. I still don’t see any symptoms and he’s been acting normal. He’s being put on prednisone to slow the progression and to keep him comfortable. I feel so bad for him because he’s just a little piggy that has no idea. He is about to turn 4. Both of my piggies love each other. I lost my absolute soul special boy last year and i still cry when i see photos of him. Just looking for support. I have a hard time processing death at all so i feel like I'm not aware this is what’s happening right now

 

[Oinkpiggies]

I'm so sorry you're well within your rights to request a trial of antibiotics just in case! I've had a fair amount of experience with lymphoma sadly, it doesn't get any easier hearing the news. One of the first ones I had diagnosed was my boar Paddington, he loved for a year with it, before it spread to, and ruptured, the neck of his bladder and he had to be humanely sent off to his next adventure. One of the last, passed away a day or two after her diagnosis, which is far closer to the norm, unfortunately once showing symptoms they don't have an awful lot of time left.

I will keep everything crossed for you that it turns out to be an infection.

hi can i ask, what were you quoted by the vet? My vet said he probably has a couple months, did your vet say the same? Still no symptoms ♡

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Poor babies - but they're so lucky to have you taking care of them!

thank you ♡ they’re my literal children lol

 

[fluffysal]

Having loved and lost a life limited boy recently myself, I absolutely understand. I started typing so many things but nothing is adequate.
HUGS

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry. I hope you have many more happy days with Bear.

 

[Eriathwen]

hi can i ask, what were you quoted by the vet? My vet said he probably has a couple months, did your vet say the same? Still no symptoms ♡

My vet doesn't really give a time frame, he once told me a couple months for my piggy Daisy who had cancer and he couldn't believe she was still with us 6 months later when she went for a meds adjustment and she went to 9 months post diagnosis before passing quickly and gently at home. But from all the ones I've had with it, about 6-8 weeks seems the average good days before they either pass themselves or need help on their way.

 

[Wiebke]

Bear’s biopsy results came back and he does have lymphoma. I’m really sad but the vet said he has atleast a couple months. I still don’t see any symptoms and he’s been acting normal. He’s being put on prednisone to slow the progression and to keep him comfortable. I feel so bad for him because he’s just a little piggy that has no idea. He is about to turn 4. Both of my piggies love each other. I lost my absolute soul special boy last year and i still cry when i see photos of him. Just looking for support. I have a hard time processing death at all so i feel like I'm not aware this is what’s happening right now

HUGS

I am very sorry about the bad news. Try to make every day special for Bear and focus on that day only; that way, you still have plenty of time to create those very special memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life and that can support you during dark times of your own. The more you live in the now, the more life you can pack into the remaining time. The more you fixate on the end, the less you are going to hold in your hands afterwards. Love transcends time if you fill your time consciously with it.

We can never choose when and what from our piggies die but we can choose how we spend the time while we have them. The more you fill that time with positive activities, the more will Bear profit as well and the more you can trigger his zest of life to prolong that time.

To be honest, my last year with stage four melanoma and an inoperable brain tumour, not to mention the broken hip, has been brutal in many ways but because I have concentrated on the now and on making as many days as possible count in all the little ways, I have also lived so much more intensively and consciously, and have felt (and am still feeling) alive in ways I haven't before.
It really makes such a big difference in how you approach this time - whether you add days to your life jar or whether you look at the days you may not get.
I am living with the same uncertainty that you are worrying about myself. I don't know how long my body is going respond to my cancer meds and nobody can tell me that. So I am collecting special moments in all sorts of little ways to fill my life with quality and meaning as much as I can; incidentally it helps to keep me motivated and going because it is a positive reinforcement circle.
Whether you are doing it for yourself or for somebody you love whose lifetime is on the ticker, the more quality moments you can create, the more you can transcend time. It really works both ways.

This guide link here contains some helpful advice about looking after terminally ill piggies with both issues you are most likely going to face as well as things you can positively do:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

And here are more ideas for all senses: Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

My thoughts are with you and Bear. I sincerely hope that you can create some very special memories together.

 

[Oinkpiggies]

HUGS

I am very sorry about the bad news. Try to make every day special for Bear and focus on that day only; that way, you still have plenty of time to create those very special memories that will stay with you for the test of your life and that can support you during dark times of your own. The more you live in the now, the more life you can pack into the remaining time. The more you fixate on the end, the less you will hold in your hands. Love transcends time if you fill your time consciously with it.

We can never choose when and what from our piggies die but we can choose how we spend the time while we have them. The more you fill that time with positive activities, the more will Bear profit as well and the more you can trigger his zest of life to prolong that time.

To be honest, my last year with stage four melanoma and an inoperable brain tumour, not to mention the broken hip, has been brutal in many ways but because I have concentrated on the now and on making as many days as possible count in all the little ways, I have also lived so much more intensively and consciously, and have felt (and am still feeling) alive in ways I haven't before. It really makes a big difference in how you approach this time - whether you add days to the live ja or whether you look at the days you may not get.
I am living with the same uncertainty that you are worrying about myself. I don't know how long my body is going respond to my cancer meds and nobody can tell me that. So I am collecting special moment days to fill my life as much as I can; incidentally it helps to keep me motivated and going because it is a positive reinforcement circle.

This guide link here contains some helpful advice about looking after terminally ill piggies with both issues you are most likely going to face as well as things you can positively do:
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

And here are more ideas for all senses: Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

My thoughts are with you and Bear. I sincerely hope that you can create some very special memories together.

Hi i am so so sorry. The way you spend everyday and look at time is so inspiring. And also so true. I wish you the best. Thank you so much for writing such a long thoughtful comment when you’re going through this. You made me feel very understood. Piggies are more than just guinea pigs to me. ♡

 

[Oinkpiggies]

My vet doesn't really give a time frame, he once told me a couple months for my piggy Daisy who had cancer and he couldn't believe she was still with us 6 months later when she went for a meds adjustment and she went to 9 months post diagnosis before passing quickly and gently at home. But from all the ones I've had with it, about 6-8 weeks seems the average good days before they either pass themselves or need help on their way.

i see thank u ♡ one more thing if u don’t mind, did either of them have watery milky eyes? I know a small amount is normal for cleaning but it’s been kinda constant. I know he’s not dehydrated because he’s drinking water and he’s eating completely fine.
P.S. I am so sorry about all of your piggies who passed. I lost one last year and i know that it stays with you. I hope you’re doing okay ♡

 

[Oinkpiggies]

I’m so sorry. I hope you have many more happy days with Bear.

thank you ♡ so much

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Having loved and lost a life limited boy recently myself, I absolutely understand. I started typing so many things but nothing

Having loved and lost a life limited boy recently myself, I absolutely understand. I started typing so many things but nothing is adequate.
HUGS

i’m so sorry. I know exactly there are no words. The best thing is just support. I hope you’re okay pls take care of yourself ♡

 

[Wiebke]

Hi i am so so sorry. The way you spend everyday and look at time is so inspiring. And also so true. I wish you the best. Thank you so much for writing such a long thoughtful comment when you’re going through this. You made me feel very understood. Piggies are more than just guinea pigs to me. ♡

The longer I have piggies and the more I discover about them, the more they are just like people and they are my family in a fur coat. Love isn't tied to a species, it defines how we feel and how we bond with any living being, including nature and plants.

That's why it is so painful to letting them go but that is also why what we do for ourselves works for an inter-species bond that runs both ways.

I am wishing you and Bear a magical time where both of you will carry a big rucksack of shared love and joy with you into the time after. Bear will always stay with you; you just won't be able to touch and see him anymore. There is this underlying grief but - like in every end of life journey, there is also space for shared laughter, giggles and moments of joy and happiness. Again, this goes just the same for whether its a human who is on their last journey or a pet. Laughter can relieve a lot of pressure but also bond deeply, as I found out when my dad was fighting his own terminal cancer 25 years ago.

Pets are just as much family members as humans, but we can love them unreservedly in a way that we cannot necessarily with the humans we have close ties and often very complex histories and relationships with. That is why the pain can be sometimes much rawer because the bond is less multi-strand braided and knotted.

 

[Eriathwen]

i see thank u ♡ one more thing if u don’t mind, did either of them have watery milky eyes? I know a small amount is normal for cleaning but it’s been kinda constant. I know he’s not dehydrated because he’s drinking water and he’s eating completely fine.
P.S. I am so sorry about all of your piggies who passed. I lost one last year and i know that it stays with you. I hope you’re doing okay ♡

Thankyou! Yes a few have had watery eyes, in my experience watery eyes for no obvious reason can be an indicator of pain, as long as respiratory and dental issues have been ruled out, pain is what I go to next on the list. Ive also had ones who develop blockages in the tears ducts though so a warm, damp cotton pad held onto the inner corner of the eye and moved in gentle circles can help. This may also drain out the nose if there is a blockage so don't panic if you see it, just make sure there's no sneezing or laboured breathing alongside it.

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Thankyou! Yes a few have had watery eyes, in my experience watery eyes for no obvious reason can be an indicator of pain, as long as respiratory and dental issues have been ruled out, pain is what I go to next on the list. Ive also had ones who develop blockages in the tears ducts though so a warm, damp cotton pad held onto the inner corner of the eye and moved in gentle circles can help. This may also drain out the nose if there is a blockage so don't panic if you see it, just make sure there's no sneezing or laboured breathing alongside it.

oh my god i really hope he’s not in pain. He seems happy and not hunched over or stuck in one place

 

[Oinkpiggies]

Thankyou! Yes a few have had watery eyes, in my experience watery eyes for no obvious reason can be an indicator of pain, as long as respiratory and dental issues have been ruled out, pain is what I go to next on the list. Ive also had ones who develop blockages in the tears ducts though so a warm, damp cotton pad held onto the inner corner of the eye and moved in gentle circles can help. This may also drain out the nose if there is a blockage so don't panic if you see it, just make sure there's no sneezing or laboured breathing alongside it.

hi again, my piggy won’t let me trim his nails. I wanted to ask how you did it when yours was diagnosed? He gets really stressed and i’m afraid to take him to the vet to get it done because he will be stressed too