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Post by jolovespiggies on Nov 30, 2015 20:55:55 GMT
Oh Bazookagoof love, I hope you are OK. I am sorry that decision was left to you Piggles love, I know how rotten it is. A friend's bunny fell very sick whilst she was on holiday and we had to do the same thing.
Hugs Jo xx
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Dec 2, 2015 2:23:44 GMT
The vet finally got a hold of the pathologist that checked out Melvin's lump. I'm not much wiser unfortunately. The vet said, that the pathologist agree that it might be a thyroid tumor Melvin has. She says she can remove it, but I don't know. I feel frustrated, because they can't say what it is for sure. I don't really want to put him through surgery, so they can examine the lump to see what is its and then who knows what will happen after that. I've managed to stabilize Melvin's weight. He's still skinny, but at least he's not losing weight at the moment. I was really hoping for some more information from the vet, but I guess it's not happening.
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 2, 2015 3:20:16 GMT
The vet finally got a hold of the pathologist that checked out Melvin's lump. I'm not much wiser unfortunately. The vet said, that the pathologist agree that it might be a thyroid tumor Melvin has. She says she can remove it, but I don't know. I feel frustrated, because they can't say what it is for sure. I don't really want to put him through surgery, so they can examine the lump to see what is its and then who knows what will happen after that. I've managed to stabilize Melvin's weight. He's still skinny, but at least he's not losing weight at the moment. I was really hoping for some more information from the vet, but I guess it's not happening. I hope everything straightens out- it's an uneasy feeling, not knowing about your pet.
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Post by Bean on Dec 2, 2015 9:12:35 GMT
I'm sorry the information you've got hasn't been very conclusive. I'd definitely try to have a longer chat with her about it and get to the bottom of what she feels the outcome from surgery would be and what she feels his quality of life is now given that he's lost weight and will obviously be affected by how it makes him feel if it is a thyroid tumour. Also are there any meds that could help control things instead of surgery? You need a lot more answers before you can make an informed decision, and as you've paid to have the lump examined, I think it's well within reason to ask for that info. xx
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 2, 2015 14:00:21 GMT
I totally agree with Bean. You've paid for answers you're not getting. You need to ask her those very questions: Does he weigh enough for surgery? How extensive is the tumor? How is the tumor effecting his current health, and how will removing the tumor change that? What are the risks involved in the surgery? (She should say there is always the risk of death from hypothermia, as pigs respiratory systems slow down dramatically under anesthetic. She should also tell you about any risks of not getting the whole tumor, the chances of the tumor returning, should you feed him less once the tumor is gone and he's gaining weight on his own, and a whole lot of other things.) What will be involved in the recovery? (Will he need subcutaneous fluids on schedules you might not be able to maintain? Will he need special food or anything else?) She really has left you hanging, and since you have to decide what to do next, you need a whole lot more info than you have. Make a list, and call her back. Tell whomever answers that you need an indepth conference with the vet about exactly what was found, exactly how it will effect Melvin, what your options for for treatment, etc. Good luck
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Dec 2, 2015 14:34:46 GMT
The vet is not in today, but the next 4 days, so I will definitely take your advice and make a list of questions and call her. I appreciate your input. Thanks.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Dec 3, 2015 20:15:10 GMT
I am sorry Whimsey hun, lots of get well vibes are on their way.
Hugs JO xx
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Dec 4, 2015 0:07:18 GMT
I just talked to the vet. It turns out the pathologist couldn't say much about the lump/tissue, because it was a very little sample of cells. I guess it was very hard to get a good sample from Melvin. She could say a lot of things that it isn't, but not really what it is. She would like the whole lump removed and then look at it, but even then, they can't diagnose it with 100% certainty. It's complicated. They both seem to think it's most likely a thyroid tumor. She initially thought it was on the skin, which would be much easier to remove, but it's fairly deep. There's no specific guinea pig treatment for that, unlike for cats and dogs. They can experiment with medication, but it's risky, because it's not really for guinea pigs, so it's hard to know how much to give. She said the surgery is very risky too, because of its location - very close to the wind pipe, maybe arteries etc. She would of course do it, but I have to know the risk. There's also a risk in the recovery - if he loses too much blood for example. I told her I don't feel comfortable putting him through surgery right now. He seems fine - eats well, is happy, runs around, does his normal things. The main issue is his weight, but I am working hard on him not losing more weight. We agreed that if he gets worse, the I will call her and we will take it from there. Fingers crossed that little Melvin doesn't get worse.
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 4, 2015 3:43:32 GMT
I told her I don't feel comfortable putting him through surgery right now. He seems fine - eats well, is happy, runs around, does his normal things. My vet told me (when my dog was starting to decline) that as long as his quality of life is happy, then you shouldn't worry too much about it. Probably no need for surgery at this point.
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 4, 2015 15:20:15 GMT
I totally understand what you're going through, and wish you didn't have to. I'm going through the same thing with my Morty pig. He has a huge, scabby tumor on his shoulder. The vet said removing it would probably leave him without some mobility, as she doesn't yet know how deep it goes. It would be very difficult to close the surgical site and keep it closed, just as it was with our dog. He's also 7-8 years old, so just putting him under anesthesia could kill him. The vet said, as long as his quality of life is good, she advised leaving him alone. She said when it's his time to go, it should be peaceful, as it usually is with sarcoma. That works for me. It's disconcerting to see the tumor bleed, but I think I have that under control, at least for now. I think Bazookagoof said it all. If he's happy and enjoying life, let him enjoy it. Hugs
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Post by jolovespiggies on Dec 5, 2015 14:56:51 GMT
I think all vets say that Bazookagoof love, I know ours does but it is still difficult sometimes to know what t do. I always go with gut instinct as to whet #hether it is time to call it a day but my god, it is never easy. If he is still running around, eating and having fun, then I wouldn't worry too much. Lots of love and healing vibes on their way.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 6, 2015 16:37:24 GMT
I think my hardest decision is about having surgery. I've had a few pigs not only survive surgery, but thrive for a long time after. I've also had pigs die just as we thought they were starting to show real signs of post surgical activity. I'm glad my vet said she doubted she could successfully remove the tumor or stitch the wound, because of it's location, and that's the same with Melvin. Getting in and finding out how deeply the cells are involved with things they can't live without could mean surgery that accomplishes nothing, and possibly kills the piggy. Medicine is such an inexact science, I think it's right for vets to tell us to leave the animals alone, in some cases, as long as they are happy and enjoying life. This is also a marked change from vets saying 'it's only a guinea pig, you can always buy another one.'
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Dec 6, 2015 17:09:17 GMT
I agree with all of you. I take it as a sign of a good vet, when they tell you they're worried about the surgery too and not just push you into doing it by making you feel bad or guilty for not trying it. It would break my heart to lose him in surgery, when he could have who knows how long instead, where he's happy. I'll keep you posted on any changes in Melvin.
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Post by Bean on Dec 6, 2015 18:26:21 GMT
I think if they're being honest that the surgery looks problematic, it's a good sign they're not confident it will have a positive outcome.
It's tough, but I'd make a decision now on if that's even an option in the future and rule it out completely if needs be - you say you don't want to go for the surgery now while he seems well, but he's already lost weight which is a very good indicator of general health. So what you don't want to do is wait and do that surgery when he's suffering more symptoms and will be less likely to be able to cope with or recover from surgery. Thinking ahead to how you would cope with any potential deterioration will help you to enjoy all the time you do have with him.
Sorry it's not been good news, it's rubbish. But I hope he carries on seeming well and has plenty of happy days ahead.
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Whimsy
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Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Dec 6, 2015 18:28:59 GMT
I thought I would post a picture of Melvin hanging out with his hedgehog friend Attachment Deleted
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Post by Bean on Dec 6, 2015 18:31:06 GMT
Cute! They have matching hairdos!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Dec 6, 2015 21:20:16 GMT
Ha ha lovely, who has the spikiest hair do LOL?
Hugs JO xx
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 7, 2015 0:16:53 GMT
Melvin's hair reminds me of David Bowie in the movie Labyrinth. Click Here
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Dec 7, 2015 14:39:30 GMT
Haha....yeah he does have quite the hair. That's why I picked him in the first place. I wanted a funky looking guinea pig :-)
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 7, 2015 14:53:57 GMT
Melvin is gorgeous, and I love his hedgie friend Lol! David Bowie really is a look alike I'm going through the same thing with Morty, who is wasting away, but is otherwise happy. We've ruled out surgery as an option, because the chances of it being successful, even in a much younger pig, are very low. It's hard watching him wasting away, but as long as he's enjoying his life, that's what I have to do. I come down every morning and uncover the cage with trepidation, fearing he won't still be with me. It's actually a great morning just to find he still is with me
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