Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jul 1, 2016 15:43:25 GMT
I made a post on guinea lynx last week, but it wasn't very helpful. Some people seem to think it's cervical lymphadenitis, but after reading about it, I disagree. There were no other guesses, so I'm not any wiser.
I don't know if Melvin is any worse for the experience. He was really not doing well after the lump burst and I don't really want to put him through that again. It's definitely growing and pretty fast too, but as I said earlier, he seems ok, eats well and his poos are kind of normal now, so it's all very confusing. I don't think he is in any immediate danger either, but I can't help wondering how it feels to have a big lump on your neck. I mean, it can't be comfortable. Anyway, the plan is still to take it day by day. It would be nice to get answers from a vet, but how many times do I need to go there? I do have a budget to think of too and if every visit is non conclusive, then it seems like a bit of a waste. Day by day it is for now and fingers crossed he keeps doing ok.
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 2, 2016 0:22:22 GMT
We all want to give our fur babies the best possible care, but there is a point in some cases, when we and the vets just can do any more. Hubby and I both agreed that Morty wanted to be with us all. He was interested in what we were doing, in getting treats and nose bonks, and in helping me clean the cage. The things he had always enjoyed. He finally started to move around less and sleep more, but we could see he still cared about life. The last few dats he went downhill quickly, but he enjoyed snuggling right to the end. The vets didn't know him the way we did. They assured us he was in no pain. We made the call to let him live until he was finished. You know Melvin better than anyone does, just as we knew Morty. You'll know when his actions tell you he's had enough, or he's uncomfortable or in pain. You'll know. I totally agree with not paying for the vets to repeatedly tell you the same things. I think you know as much about the situation as they do. You'll know when it's timecto help him over the bridge. Hugs
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jul 7, 2016 20:23:39 GMT
This morning Melvin was popcorning and running around his cage. It made me really happy to see him happy :-) It's the little things that are important.
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Post by Bean on Jul 8, 2016 9:08:42 GMT
Aww that sounds like a lovely moment! A pig who popcorns is not one who's putting on a brave face - he's feeling good!
Sorry Guinea Lynx didn't turn up anything useful.
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 8, 2016 15:23:31 GMT
Wonderful!!! As Bean said, popcorning is sheer happiness, not putting on a good face. I'm glad you got to see it
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 29, 2016 17:52:39 GMT
How is Melvin doing? I hope his tumor isn't regrowing too fast
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Jul 29, 2016 22:35:17 GMT
The tumor is as big as it was before it burst, so I'm thinking it will happen again. He has gained some weight though and is around 860 grams now. For a while I was struggling to keep him at 800, so it's good. He had a few weeks with normal poo, but it's soft again now, so I'm not sure what that means. He still seems pretty happy though :-)
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 30, 2016 1:05:26 GMT
I'm glad he's happy. Morty definitely was, even though he slowly lost weight. Gaining weight is also a great sign Sorry the tumor has regrown. I have no idea what type of tumor would do that? I'm still pulling for him, and hope you two stilll have a lot of really great time together
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Aug 24, 2016 21:13:45 GMT
Melvin has started losing weight again, but he still seems pretty happy. I used to live in a house, but had to move and now I live in an apartment where I'm not allowed to have guinea pigs. I have thought of taking him outside a few times, but I have to be careful with some of the nosy people in the building, so I have never done it except for going to the vet. Today I put him in a little bag and took him to a park across the street, so he could play on the grass. He liked it a lot, but also enjoyed having his snuggle bag for comfort ....and for peeing in ( ) Anyway, here's a picture of him on his little outing :-) Attachment Deleted
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Post by Bean on Aug 25, 2016 6:52:03 GMT
Aww what a lovely photo.
I'm sorry your new place doesn't allow pets - I hope it's not causing you too much worry about being found out. Probably wise not to flaunt him on the lawn near your flat as you can get the odd person who likes to make a nuisance of themselves!
The only thing I'd be wary about with using communal lawns, is if not knowing if they've been treated with any weedkillers or fertilisers, and also if animals use that area to toilet. For a pig who's a bit run down, it could be a risk.
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Aug 25, 2016 13:41:57 GMT
I have lived here almost 3 years now and have been very careful with him and Mila when I had her. They allow 2 cats and fish, which is strange, but I consider myself lucky, because it's very difficult to find a pet friendly place to live here. I even own the condo, so it bothers me that I can't have a caged animal. It's ridiculous. I'm not too worried now, but I still sneak him in and out and close the blinds when he is out on the couch with me. I took him down the street to a lawn by a school. Far enough for people from my building not to be able to see me :-) I have thought about the pesticide issue many times, which is part of why I haven't taken him out sooner. Next time I will take him to a friend's back yard, because I know it's safe. There's no dogs allowed where I went, but of course that doesn't mean there hasn't been any....I never really thought about the toilet issue. Thank you.
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 25, 2016 15:24:06 GMT
Since you own the condo, no one has any right to enter without your permission, so as long as he stays in your condo, you should be fine. We had a situation at one local condo complex, where a man who collected venomous snakes lost some of his "pets" and endangered everyone in the building. He was prosecuted, and his pets were confiscated. It may be that health codes inflate the condo associations costs, if they allow anything other than up to 2 cats, or fish. Other animals make much bigger messes than cats and fish, those messes can start to smell, attract bugs and even attract other wildlife, and cause problems with the building itself. Since few people know much about guinea pigs, it's also likely they would think Melvin was a rat, and freak out about that. So as long as no one knows Melvin is there, they shouldn't be able to do anything about it. If you use the park, use it after a really good rain. That should wash away most of the pollutants, including droppings from other animals passing through or over the park. When I lived in a condo, I used to use the garden house to blast off the area before I brought out the pigs. Then I'd set up the play pen, my lawn chair, bring out a towel for their shade and some tubes to play in. The lawn maintenance guys came around to mow, one time when I was out there, and decided to mow elsewhere for a while, lol :)It was quite a production I'm still pulling for Melvin to just fade away happily, the way Morty did, and give the two of you as much quality time together as possible
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Post by Bean on Aug 25, 2016 16:32:18 GMT
Oh I didn't realise the move was that long ago! You're probably used to it all now. Doesn't seem fair when some pets are allowed and not others (cats can do loads more damage than a caged guinea pig - Shades is probably learning that right now?!), but certainly not something you want to draw attention to when you have pets! It does seem odd that you own it but there are still restrictions, but if it's common practise in your area, it does tie your hands a bit. Hope you continue to be able to keep Melvin under the radar.
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Aug 25, 2016 21:37:59 GMT
There was a big commotion when somebody wanted to allow 2 cats instead of one in my building, so I can only imagine what would happen if I brought up guinea pigs. I'm just keeping quiet and being careful when he's out of his cage. So far so good. Some people just don't get the pleasure of having pets and that's their loss. I understand we need restrictions (no snake incidents here, thank you!!), but it's not like a guinea pig or a hamster would bother anybody in the building - like a dog for example. Anyway, I'll probably take him to some different grass next time. This was just so easy, because I can walk there, but I'll keep the rain in mind if i bring him back to the same spot. He's losing weight fast again, so of course I worry. Soon it will be to cold for him outside, so I want to try to make his life as good as possible now. I don't know how long he will be with me :-(
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 25, 2016 21:52:35 GMT
I had a friend who lived in an apartment building that allowed guinea pigs, but the lady across the hall insisted her pig was a rat, and used to keep reporting it to the building supervisor. Luckily, the building supervisor knew the pig, but it shows that some people see small furry things, and instantly go nuts about it being a rat, and not even a pet rat. There are probably a few of those in your building, too I think you're doing the right thing just keeping him out of sight. I know how you feel about making him happy and keeping him comfortable. Sometimes that's all we can do, but it's also all they want from us. I lay on the couch with Dallas under my chin all night, until about 7 a.m., when he told me he wanted to go back in the cage. I said my goodbyes, and he was gone shortly after that. He knew he was loved and cared for, and that was all that mattered to him. It's all that will matter to Melvin, too
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Sept 14, 2016 21:04:31 GMT
Last night the tumor/cyst burst again. Melvin was a little off and couldn't quite get comfortable. I checked on him a few times during the night and he was sleeping. This morning he had eaten all his veggies from last night and he has been eating fine today all well, so far. He now has the big pelican pouch thing with liquid under his chin again, but I'm assuming it will go away within a few days like last time. It's just so weird. Now the lump will shrink and then it will start growing again and in a few months it will probably burst again. I wonder if he will just go on living like this or it's taking a toll on him every time it happens. I feel like there's nothing really I can do. I of course keep an eye on him to make sure he is ok and not in any obvious pain. I keep feeding him critical care and actually just bought another 1lb bag! He's going through a lot of that stuff. What a strong little guy <3
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Post by jolovespiggies on Sept 15, 2016 15:49:40 GMT
The poor little sweetie. I am sending lots of cuddles and love. He s such a beautiful piggy too and thank goodness he has you for a mum as you are doing all you can hun to make sure he has a happy and painfree life, Please keep us posted.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Sept 15, 2016 20:52:22 GMT
I can't remember if you mentioned this earlier, but is there any way the vet, or you, as clean out the cyst/abscess, and pack it to prevent it from returning? I'm asking because a former member from the UK has a cavy rescue friend who deal with pigs with abscesses that won't stop returning. She just gave up one of her pigs to this woman, as he needs regular care, and will for the rest of his life. She has talked about the procedures the woman has done, draining, packing, etc. It seems to help, though it's a lot of work. I just wondered if the vet knew about these procedures, or had mentioned anything. It does sound like an abscess, as it keeps popping and refilling. I'm glad he's still doing well, and loving his Critical Care. At least you know he's getting all the nutrients he needs
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Sept 16, 2016 1:57:52 GMT
The thing is the cyst thing is on the inside and just drains inside his body. There's nothing on the outside, so I can't clean it or anything. I've seen two vets, who I think were both good. The last one saw Melvin last time it burst and she didn't mention that I could do anything myself. I can see what you're saying would work if the abscess/ cyst actually broke the skin and was draining out of him, but it doesn't. It's just so strange, but as much as I would love some answers I just don't think it will help to take him to the vet again, unless of course I feel that he is suffering.
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Sept 16, 2016 3:37:30 GMT
Here's a picture of Melvin yesterday. I don't know if it's obvious, but maybe you can see his "pouch" of liquid on his chest. It's smaller today, so we will see what happens in the next few days. Attachment Deleted
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