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Post by 3piggles on Oct 29, 2015 21:10:13 GMT
Made an emergency run to the vet last night, when I noticed what had started months ago as an apparent abscess was now open and bleeding. Turned out not to be an emergency, but definitely something of concern. This is what it looks like. Sorry if it grosses out anyone:  The vet took blood from it, and found spindle cells in the blood. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle_cell_sarcomaThe abbreviated version is it's a tumor. The bleeding probably came from him scratching it open on the chewed entrances to the plastic pigloos I put in the cage yesterday. The vet couldn't find any other sign of anything wrong with him, perfect poos and clear urine. Based on his age, 6-7 years old, and the fact that the tumor isn't bothering him at all, she advised keeping an eye on it for any obvious changes, removing what might have scraped it open(pigloos removed from cage), and keep it clean with saline solution until it heals. If it doesn't heal, she'll give him some Baytril to fight infection, but she felt the blood was completely topical, so the wound should heal quickly. It was very nerve wracking, but I'm glad she didn't think surgery would be the best option. The spot is on the back of his left upper arm, not in a good place to either get all the cancer or manage to stitch up the wound very effectively. Instead of the plastic pigloos, which the piggies love, I will continue to use the grid houses and the soft houses I have for winter. That way Morty won't even be brushing against anything that might hurt the tumor. Today, he seems to have taken a good bath. The hair is all back over the tumor and clean. He is eating and doing everything he should, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for him not to need surgery. |
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Post by starbrightstella on Oct 30, 2015 1:33:50 GMT
Oh no! Poor Morty. Hoping for a speedy and comfortable recovery for him. It's so hard not to worry about them. I'm so new to pigs, is this a common health issue? Does he seem bothered by it?
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Post by bazookagoof on Oct 30, 2015 1:49:25 GMT
Dealing with a sick pet is never easy; I'm hoping things turn out okay.
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Post by Bean on Oct 30, 2015 9:17:14 GMT
Oh no, what a shock that must have been. I'm glad that it just seems to have developed into an open wound due to being scraped rather than because it's grown too quickly or is irritating him into chewing it. Hope it heals up quickly.
My old pig Fred had numerous tumours in her later years. Some could be removed (which we did when they started to bother her) and gave her many more months, but others were in too difficult places and tied up with blood vessels. Those ones had several dormant months but eventually did grow so much they bothered her, so in the end we had to let her go. Her sister Charlie had loads of lipomas (fatty lumps - they tend to feel like soft pebbles and can be moved around with the skin, they don't feel attached to their insides) - again we only had those removed when they caused her problems, but removing those was much more straight forward than Fred's cancerous tumours, which were attached, irregular shaped and bled a lot during surgery.
Get well soon Morty. xx
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 30, 2015 18:46:10 GMT
Sadly, the spindle cell sarcomas always come back, and usually spread. The vet doubted she could even get all of the cancer if she did operate. So we're going to keep him as comfy as possible for as long as possible, then let him go. He is the oldest pig I've ever had, and such a huge, sweetheart of a marshmallow. We'll keep him happy for as long as possible. The vet also suggested getting him a dolls shirt of something that would cover the wound enough to protect it. I'll look around, but have no idea what size would fit him. There might be something for kittens that would work, too. Going into winter, I don't mind him wearing clothes, but in the summer, I don't want him to over heat. Knowing what's happening, we're going to love and enjoy him for as long as possible  |
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Post by Bean on Oct 31, 2015 9:23:30 GMT
I had success getting one of mine to wear a little tubigrip body stocking - she flipped out at first, then accepted it.
I'm sorry the prognosis isn't good for Morty. It sounds like what happened with Fred - we knew we couldn't cure her so it was just about making sure she was comfortable and happy (which she was for some time). I have lots of happy memories of that super pig.
I bet Morty is so happy to have two fun young friends to share his retirement years with. With that and having devoted slaves, he's a lucky boy. But extra spoiling is always appreciated of course!
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 31, 2015 16:18:25 GMT
I'm going to have hubby get some saline wound wash, preferably with a squirt top. I have it for sinuses, but that squirt is rather forceful. I don't want to mess with the tumor, just rinse it daily, so I know it's clean. It won't clear up and go away, anyway. He does need a bath, so we may do that later, and get them on the warming pad to sleep until they're dry. He's having a grand time, tumor and all. I will do a basic measurement on him, and see if I can find anything that might fit him.I thought about the tube, or even a very soft sock with holes cute. I have the directions for the post surgical wrap, but he would need something with short arms. The tumor is basically between his elbow and his shoulder, probably a bit closer to the shoulder, on his arm, so sleeveless won't work. I will browse the Internet for ideas.
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Post by bazookagoof on Oct 31, 2015 19:21:22 GMT
3Piggles, I'm sorry about Morty, but I think he'll be quite comfortable to the end.
That actually raises a question- I'm sure we all spoil our little piggies already; is it even possible to spoil them even MORE?
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 31, 2015 19:45:22 GMT
OH sweetie, I am so very sorry to hear about Morty. You are both in my prayers.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 1, 2015 23:23:07 GMT
Bazookagoof, I am trying for a spoiling record Hubby got Morty some t-shirts today, and while I don't think he's happy having to wear it, it is protecting his tumor. After finding it bleeding down his side, yesterday, I knew it had to be covered. I don't know if he's chewing at it, scraping it on things or if the girls were licking it, but the shirt seems to be doing the trick. I also put them in the temp cage, with nothing to rub against, and they spent the afternoon there. We changed the bedding, and I removed everything that could be an obstacle to him. The girls will have to go without their plastic tubes for a while, as he can't fit in them, so they block a lot of the cage for him. I'll post pictures of him in his shirt, as soon as I get them loaded. |
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Post by jolovespiggies on Nov 2, 2015 19:57:23 GMT
The poor little love, I think a T shirt is a good idea lovey. Thank you for the updates and top up loving vibes are on their way.
Hugs
JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 2, 2015 21:32:23 GMT
Came downstairs this morning, and he had the t-shirt completely off. He was quite pleased with himself, too Since the tumor looks pretty decent right now, I'm giving him a reprieve The t-shirt is right outside the cage, should he need it |
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Post by jolovespiggies on Nov 3, 2015 20:47:14 GMT
I am glad the tumour is looking better Piggles love and I can just imagine the pleased ok on his face. I really hope he doesn't need it again.
Hugs
JO xx
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Post by Bean on Nov 4, 2015 13:02:25 GMT
Glad the tumour is looking much better, hope it stays that way. You'll have to get your pigcam set up if he needs it on again, so you can find out how he's getting it off! Maybe the girls helped him - one holding it at each side with their teeth while he backed up?!
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 4, 2015 15:41:59 GMT
I wouldn't be at all surprised, Bean I knew he didn't like the shirt, and his legs kept coming out, but I didn't think he was doing it himself. I guess he was! He's seemed much happier without it, so I've removed everything that could scratch the tumor. No more plastic tubes or the scratchy chew tubes. He's been chewing the cardboard box house like crazy, so his teeth will be fine. I'm thinking piggy cam would be good, just so I can check on them from other parts of the house. We couldn't get the old piggy cam to work, and I'd rather have a wifi version that goes to my phone, as I always have that with me. Used to need to dedicate a TV channel, with the old one. |
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Post by jolovespiggies on Nov 4, 2015 18:21:33 GMT
Ha ha ha ha Bean love, I have just had a mental picture LOL!! It is amazing how they can get out of things like that. I think that is the best thing to do Piggles honey, just remove anything which may further hurt him.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Post by irina13 on Nov 5, 2015 19:52:20 GMT
Hugs to Morty and you.Sending positive vibes your way . A couple a months ago my Mihail had a stomach problem,he would wheek when he pooped.It turned out that he is very sensitive to veg and fruit if given in bunch, especially peepers. Long story short I had to leave the house and leave him alone,but you know I want to know if he would be fine. I set up my tablet and 1hour footage, needles to say I enjoyed every bit of it hahah. |
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 12, 2015 15:22:56 GMT
I was holding Morty and petting him, yesterday, and he probably weighs less than half of what he weighed a year ago. My huge boy who didn't fit through the 4" tubes, fits through them easily now. He wanted to be petted, which he does periodically, so it's not a sign of him not feeling well. I just hate seeing him wasting away this way. At least his mood is still good, and he's eating/pooing with the best of them, so I'm enjoying him as much as I can, while he's still with me.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Nov 12, 2015 18:49:37 GMT
Mihale sou8nds a gorgeous guinea pig Irina love, I bet that footage was really interesting. I am so very sorry for Morty Piggles love and I am glad he is eating and drinking and in good spirits. It is always a good sign. Thank you for keeping us posted.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Nov 12, 2015 21:04:20 GMT
I'm sorry Morty is losing weight, it's sad to see signs that things are catching up with them. Glad he's still in good spirits though, and I'm sure he won't want for anything as he enjoys his senior years with you and the girls.
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