Abdominal tumor and losing weight

[mccreanna]

Hi all, I posted not too long ago about my Guinea pig, Autumn, and received such kind responses from everyone. She has a large tumor in her abdomen area (the vet did an x-ray but didn’t tell me for certain where the tumor was) and I know I have limited time left with her. However, she’s been in good spirits and still wheeks like crazy and eats everything offered enthusiastically. Despite this, I realized when trimming her nails that she is actually very very skinny. She’s an Abyssinian mix so she’s quite fluffy and it’s hard to tell, especially because the tumor around her belly makes her look very swollen and round, but I could feel her ribs and her little shoulder blades. Especially compared to her cagemate, who is a healthy weight, it was a big difference. I will absolutely call the vet as soon as I can, but they are currently closed. Any thoughts on why she is so skinny but eating so much?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all, I posted not too long ago about my Guinea pig, Autumn, and received such kind responses from everyone. She has a large tumor in her abdomen area (the vet did an x-ray but didn’t tell me for certain where the tumor was) and I know I have limited time left with her. However, she’s been in good spirits and still wheeks like crazy and eats everything offered enthusiastically. Despite this, I realized when trimming her nails that she is actually very very skinny. She’s an Abyssinian mix so she’s quite fluffy and it’s hard to tell, especially because the tumor around her belly makes her look very swollen and round, but I could feel her ribs and her little shoulder blades. Especially compared to her cagemate, who is a healthy weight, it was a big difference. I will absolutely call the vet as soon as I can, but they are currently closed. Any thoughts on why she is so skinny but eating so much?

Hi

I am very sorry for the diagnosis. I lost my Llewelyn to an abdominal tumour back in 2011. The weight loss is not at all untypical for advanced cancer.

I would recommend that you switch from the usual life-long once weekly weigh in on your kitchen scales to weighing daily and that you start with support feeding for as long as you girl has quality of life. You may also contact your vet re. potential painkillers to see whether they make a bit of a difference, especially when the appetite is becoming less. Don't force any food in but offer it from a bowl or syringe for as long as she is willing to eat.

You may find these guide links will all the practical how to advice and information helpful:
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs (the most expected sign of pain would be the hairs standing up which usually indicate a source of pain somewhere deeper in the body or head)

A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs (please read - how you tackle this can make a real difference for you as well as your piggy)
Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility (for the later stages)

Here is a picture of my Llewelyn at the stage when he was always up for extra feed but still losing weight. He was so keen that he was climbing on my lap for his top up.


My thoughts are with you.

 

[weepweeps]

I hope Autumn has lots more happy days with you. Sending healing vibes her way and a hug to you