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Today's A Very Sad Day - Pebbles Has Lymphoma :(

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As there isn't much on this illness I'll keep this thread updated. 9 days on from Pebbles diagnosis and my girly has a fierce Urine infection, she's really up against it. I promised myself I wouldn't drag her ending out but how I can say enough is enough when she's literally proving just how hardy these little guys are.

The Lymphoma isn't killing her yet but combined with this nasty infection her immune system is very compromised. I know we won't beat the Lymphoma but we will beat this infection.

She's still eating herself but just not enough to maintain her own weight. The vet was amazed that she is still pottering and eating at the moment she's literally urinating blood but we do know from her blood results that at present her organs are working and she also had Xray's to rule out stones.

I haven't given up on my girly, yes death is coming but death can and come to us at any point. Well she's happy and fighting I'll give her all the supportive care she need.
 
flintstones said:
As there isn't much on this illness I'll keep this thread updated. 9 days on from Pebbles diagnosis and my girly has a fierce Urine infection, she's really up against it. I promised myself I wouldn't drag her ending out but how I can say enough is enough when she's literally proving just how hardy these little guys are.

The Lymphoma isn't killing her yet but combined with this nasty infection her immune system is very compromised. I know we won't beat the Lymphoma but we will beat this infection.

She's still eating herself but just not enough to maintain her own weight. The vet was amazed that she is still pottering and eating at the moment she's literally urinating blood but we do know from her blood results that at present her organs are working and she also had Xray's to rule out stones.

I haven't given up on my girly, yes death is coming but death can and come to us at any point. Well she's happy and fighting I'll give her all the supportive care she need.
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That's the spirit, Jo! She will tell you when it's her time. She's clearly not ready yet, and although this infection is annoying, I'm sure she'll be over it in no time. Has the vet recommended increasing her vitamin C doses to help with her immune system?

Pebbles, you're doing wonderfully little fighter x
 
We've got her antibiotics, was very sad to learn Septrin is out of production so we're stuck with Baytril :-(. She's got probiotics and I've been adding vitamin C to her syringe food.

We have been doing a lot of re-search into the options available to help her going forward. As of yesterday we made the decision to prescribe Steroids for her due to the rapid growth of her glands. This is a decision I've really struggled with as I know opinions vary across the board and always will when it comes to our little friends I feel as through I'm playing god but if I can extend her life and still give her quality it's worth it. Without the steroids, she would have 3 weeks with them she may have 3 months of course that's not a given. Many may think I'm pro-longing her suffering but that's not the case. I'm just doing what I think is best for my little girly, and always will go above and beyond to keep my girly happy well the end nears.
 
flintstones said:
We've got her antibiotics, was very sad to learn Septrin is out of production so we're stuck with Baytril :-(. She's got probiotics and I've been adding vitamin C to her syringe food.

We have been doing a lot of re-search into the options available to help her going forward. As of yesterday we made the decision to prescribe Steroids for her due to the rapid growth of her glands. This is a decision I've really struggled with as I know opinions vary across the board and always will when it comes to our little friends I feel as through I'm playing god but if I can extend her life and still give her quality it's worth it. Without the steroids, she would have 3 weeks with them she may have 3 months of course that's not a given. Many may think I'm pro-longing her suffering but that's not the case. I'm just doing what I think is best for my little girly, and always will go above and beyond to keep my girly happy well the end nears.
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You are not prolonging her suffering, as long as she has a good quality of life and is happy Jo then that is good. We were assured by our vet that Treacle was in no pain with her lymphoma and she was happy until the evening we had to help her across the bridge.

Hoping the Steroids do the trick and slow it down. As soon as she can shake this UTI she will feel much better hoping the AB's kick in soon, she is a fighter Jo and so are you. She will get through this blip I am sure. The steroids should start kicking in on the Lymphoma too hopefully. When is her next check up? Huge hugs to you x
 
Hugs Jo -
You are not prolonging her suffering because, apart from the discomfort of a urine infection, the lymphoma is not causing her any pain or distress....it's just "there".
Sorry to hear septrin is out of production atm. I will ask my vet later today about it as I need some more for the mite girls.

We put Willow on steroids for his leukamia. Even when he then got an infection he still wanted to fight on so we got him through that with baytril and lots of syringe feeding.

When she feels it's her time to go, she will tell you.
Thinking of you
x
 
Tegyd had suspected lymphoma last summer, but as it was all masked by a major fluid build-up in her chest, we were unable to get a proper diagnosis. One of the symptoms was a noticeably lowered immune system, and she also came down with a massive cystitis, so I feel for you! She had a number of secondary issues during the last weeks of her life, which has led me to believe that it was likely lymphoma that was at the bottom of it all.

Sorry to hear that septrin is out of production. Can your vet see whether bactrim is still available? It is the same active ingredient, just in tablet form.

You are doing all you can; keeping Pebbles as comfy and well as possible is the important bit. You are a very caring mummy anyway, so she is in good hands with you!
 
You need to give sick piggies every fighting chance and that is exactly what you are doing. It can be hard to be pragmatic and logical when emotions are involved but I think you've done a great job of it so far.
You'll both know when it's the right time - and I hope that is a day some time off.
 
How is Pebbles today?
My vet still has a stash of septrin so, until they need to order more, is unaware of any production issue.

I have used septrin tablets (Tribrissen) prior to the paediatric oral suspension.....not sure if they are still available?

Thinking of you and know what a worrying time it is for you atm
x
 
Hey Pebbles,

Pebbles is responding very well to the Baytril thankfully, the blood has completely cleared from her Urine. It's amazing how quickly it cleared.

She's been up and down, her weight is a real concern I just can't keep it up, she dropped to 730 yesterday, she is eating and still passing pellets which funnily haven't decreased in size. I think this is Lymphoma related. I'm topping her up X2 - 3 times a day and she's being fed a mound of veggies which she eats outside the cage x2. We're going with the philosophy Pebbles can have anything she wants.

Thanks for asking, and glad your vet is unaffected by the Septrin issues.

Jo x
 
Good to hear the baytil is kicking the UTI into touch.
How much weight has she dropped? Could it be the current weight fluctuation is her body metabolism adjusting to the steroids as well as clearing up the infection? Thirst, increased urination and increased appetite are common side effects of steroids and there can be other metabolic changes
I know Willow's weight fluctuated quite a bit...he too ate really well and was also topped up. I increased his baby corn/carrot portion in his veggies.

Hopefully her weight will stabilise soon
x
 
She's dropped about 70 grams since the steroids which was Tuesday this week and 100 grams pre-diagnosis. Her thirst hasn't changed and her appetite doesn't appear to be massive, which I did expect.
 
Pebbles still continues to be lively, she's almost always first at the front of the cage. She was looking a little bit lame on her back legs but that seems to be improving. She's definitely not loving her extra care, during her syringe sessions she huddles against my hands to hide her face. She has a much more positive reaction to veggies.

Her weight seems to be fairly stable at the moment.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since her diagnosis.
 
flintstones said:
Pebbles still continues to be lively, she's almost always first at the front of the cage. She was looking a little bit lame on her back legs but that seems to be improving. She's definitely not loving her extra care, during her syringe sessions she huddles against my hands to hide her face. She has a much more positive reaction to veggies.

Her weight seems to be fairly stable at the moment.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since her diagnosis.
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Pleased she is still lively, good her leg seems a little better- perhaps that is the steroid reducing inflammation. Can you pm me your address Jo? the girls would like to send her a little hay to entice that appetite. Have you tried baby corn as a veg, it is higher calorie, we fed it to Treacy a lot. When is her next check up? x
 
Pebbles doesn't have a follow up booked yet, she's on Baytril until next Thursday. I'm away for my mum's birthday tomorrow, so decided to reduce her topping up to see she can maintain her weight.

I'm thinking she's feeling better, the steroids are making her eat more or maybe it's the lumps. She's now 810grams which is quite a weight gain.

She's still always first up at the bars. It's good to know Pebbles is able to maintain her weight now.
 
How is Pebbles doing Jo? x
 
Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to put a little update, Pebbles lymph nobes are huge under her back legs and neck. She gave me a little scare Saturday, she was making a very loud breathing sound when eating. Initially I thought it was the glands putting pressure on her lungs but the noise has since disappeared.

Pebbles is still eating, running about and doing all the things happy healthy pig's do. No weightloss and certainly no signs of her slowing down. Her UTI also cleared up nicely.

I think we maybe into week 6 of her diagnosis now. Really willing her on to be the longest living diagnosed guinea with Lymphoma. Just can't quite get my head round the 12 week life expectancy, I guess it is what it is. At least she's happy for the time being.
 
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