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Post by ajsweatt on Jul 19, 2005 1:19:06 GMT
My guinea pig, Spike, just went to the vet today. She has been losing hair and has lost 20% of her weight in the past month. My vet told me that he thought she might have Cancer or a tumor. I am absolutely devastated. I guess I did not realize how attatched I had become. I do not want to lose her, but if the blood tests come back positive for cancer, can I possibly go ahead and mate her so I can at least have one of her babies to keep her close to my heart? Will the babies get cancer? I hope someone can give me some good news today!  |
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Post by Teebers on Jul 19, 2005 1:53:13 GMT
Did you ask your vet this question? I'm afraid I can't help you much here. I'm sorry to hear about your pig, I do hope the test comes back negative (It may simply be mites, you never know)
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Post by skipperdoo on Jul 19, 2005 2:16:49 GMT
If she has cancer, the last thing you'd want to do is put her through a pregnancy when her health is compromised. You will need to do a diagnostic workup to determine if she has cancer or a tumor (she may have ovarian cysts or Cushings disease or mites plus kidney problems or something entirely different).
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Post by Janet on Jul 19, 2005 6:35:32 GMT
Did you take Spike to an exotics doctor or a regular veterinarian? Are you in the U.K., Australia or U.S.? Someone here might be able to recommend a doctor in your area.
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Post by Clover on Jul 19, 2005 8:22:58 GMT
Sorry your piggy isn't well. Did the vet find any lumps at all on your piggy? ( Not all lumps are cancerous, most are fatty lumps (lipomas) or abscess's ).
Can you tell us where the hairloss is?, if its on her back (near her rump) and if she's scratching
excessively/nibbling and she cries out when the area is touched then it may be mites as Teebers suggested.
Is she eating and drinking alright?
I'd your ask your vet about mites, to rule it out first.
Hope she will be alright.
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Post by piggygirl on Jul 19, 2005 9:56:40 GMT
if she has cancer the last thig she wants is to be pregnent
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Post by ajsweatt on Jul 19, 2005 13:47:44 GMT
My vet is designed for exotic pets. We also taker our Degu to him. The first thing he did was check for parasites. The hair is falling out underneath her chin and on her chest. She is eating fine and the vet cannot understand why the missing hair. He has given her Vitamin shots in case it is stress related. This is super hard for me, but I just want her to be okay. She's my baby. |
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Post by Teebers on Jul 19, 2005 14:22:27 GMT
Has the vet tried an ultrasound or similar diagnostic techinique? Have a look see here. The localised hair loss certainly does not sound like mites to me. |
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Post by Marg on Jul 19, 2005 15:10:40 GMT
Maybe I do not know but people can have there "eggs" frozen and you could possibly put her egg into another pig. I do not know if that would work for a guinea pig though.
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Post by skipperdoo on Jul 19, 2005 20:01:55 GMT
Was an x-ray taken and any meds given? Can you post photos of the hairloss area?
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Post by ajsweatt on Jul 20, 2005 13:32:46 GMT
No ultrasound was given. He did put her on a med called stat. It is a high calorie/protein supplement. We are to go in again in a week for another check up. The doctor told me that if hasn't gained any of her weight back, that he would run blood tests then.
She does seem a little more active today than before, though.
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Post by Josie on Jul 20, 2005 13:36:26 GMT
Maybe I do not know but people can have there "eggs" frozen and you could possibly put her egg into another pig. I do not know if that would work for a guinea pig though. i am not sure, pigs are so delicate you see. nice thought though.  |
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Post by Clover on Jul 20, 2005 14:24:17 GMT
It might best to take a fresh urine sample in on the day you take Spike back to the vets, just so he can check for diabetes. Its good he is thinking of doing blood tests if theres no change. Have you seen her chewing her own hair at all?. How is the skin where the bald patch is? Heres a good page that helps you to identify fungal infection or parasitic infestation www.gorgeousguineas.co.uk/indentification.htmlI hope she continues to show signs of being more active. Does she like red or green bell peppers, a great source of vitamin c to help with her immune system. |
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Post by skipperdoo on Jul 20, 2005 15:42:33 GMT
Can you take photos of the area?
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Post by ajsweatt on Aug 4, 2005 3:22:06 GMT
My baby girl acted as though she was getting better. I gave her the medicine 3x a day like the vet said. She passed away last night. I apreciate the advice and the concern shown from this group. Thank you so much. I'm sure that I will need this group again. Thank you. |
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Post by kitty on Aug 4, 2005 3:24:03 GMT
I am so sorry for your loss....
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Post by Janet on Aug 4, 2005 3:35:51 GMT
I am so sorry that you lost your baby. You were a great piggy mommy and sought medical care. We're here for you. Take Care  |
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Post by skipperdoo on Aug 4, 2005 4:09:55 GMT
I'm sorry to hear that but at least she's no longer suffering. Take care.
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Post by Josie on Aug 4, 2005 9:55:00 GMT
Just think of her up at Rainbow bridge, with meadows of juicy grass and clover.... RIP little one |
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