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Specialist Cocoa Poorly Lip And Congested. Pls Help. Photos

Guinea-pigGaga said:
When taking everything into consideration, I suspect that Cocoa is suffering with T.Caviae (Mange mites).
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That’s a very strange conclusion! Obviously any thoughts that might help Cocoa will be very appreciated by her owner. However, I’m rather confused as to why you’re thinking Trixacarus caviae could be contributing to the issues, that Cocoa is experiencing. Please explain?
 
I believe that Cocoa is exhibiting typical symptoms of T.Caviae, but is presenting in an atypical fashion due to her limited mobility - Cavies afflicted with T.Caviae typically present with thinning hair/hair loss on their flanks/torso/hind quarters, and skin issues (Often with self-inflicted wounds). I believe that Cocoa is unable to express the natural/normal behaviour of a guinea pig with a T.Caviae burden, due to her fused pelvis/arthritis - If it were not due to her fused pelvis/arthritis, I suspect Cocoa would be exhibiting the typical behaviour/symptoms of a guinea pig with a T.Caviae burden. Skin scrapings are notorious for providing inconclusive/false results. Likewise, it is not unusual for only one guinea pig to be affected. One dose of ivermectin will do no harm; could be the difference between life, and death; and/or could prove/disprove my theory - And make Cocoa feel a lot better (Would hope to see almost immediate results/an improvement).
 
Thank you for your theory. I’m afraid I’m not that clever to be able to discuss or dispute this but I must say I’m a bit surprised. I must say though that Cocoa has always had the most glorious shiny coat and has never experienced any thinning/hair loss. It is only her lip area that is affected with regards to a skin issue. x
 
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Guinea-pigGaga said:
I believe that Cocoa is exhibiting typical symptoms of T.Caviae, but is presenting in an atypical fashion due to her limited mobility - Cavies afflicted with T.Caviae typically present with thinning hair/hair loss on their flanks/torso/hind quarters, and skin issues (Often with self-inflicted wounds). I believe that Cocoa is unable to express the natural/normal behaviour of a guinea pig with a T.Caviae burden, due to her fused pelvis/arthritis - If it were not due to her fused pelvis/arthritis, I suspect Cocoa would be exhibiting the typical behaviour/symptoms of a guinea pig with a T.Caviae burden. Skin scrapings are notorious for providing inconclusive/false results. Likewise, it is not unusual for only one guinea pig to be affected. One dose of ivermectin will do no harm; could be the difference between life, and death; and/or could prove/disprove my theory - And make Cocoa feel a lot better (Would hope to see almost immediate results/an improvement).
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I echo @Hoppity.K comments about Cocoa coat and what Kath says.
It's way above me what you suggesting and we will take onboard and seek advise. We back at vets today 5.30.
Cocoa is trying so hard to be one of the herd and we love her so much.
Seeing a piggie unable to turn round and get leaves at her side due to being paralyzed on her back end is . . .well I can tell you I'm a grown man and it's breaking me . We will do anything to make her life bettet and i thank you for your comments
 
Will be thinking of you today, when you see the vet. I hope you and Kath have put together a list of questions. Don't forget, stay calm and work your way through the list. If the vet says something that you don't understand, ask them to clarify what they mean. Hopefully you can then come away with a plan to move forward and hopefully resolve issues for dear Cocoa.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Will be thinking of you today, when you see the vet. I hope you and Kath have put together a list of questions. Don't forget, stay calm and work your way through the list. If the vet says something that you don't understand, ask them to clarify what they mean. Hopefully you can then come away with a plan to move forward and hopefully resolve issues for dear Cocoa.
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Great idea and i will stay Calm. xx
 
Thank you for all your kind wishes, we’ll let you know how we get on. x
 
You must feel bad, you've got the question but no answer. I really hope you get that answer today. It's horrible when you just don't know, what your fighting. I'll be thinking of you two. You really are going through the mill. Sending healing vibes to you Cocoa.
 
A guinea pig with T.Caviae will usually present with thinning hair/hair loss due to scratching - Something I suspect Cocoa is unable to do/unable to do proficiently due to her fused pelvis/arthritis.

In cases were there is a chronic/severe burden of T.Caviae, a general debilitation is often witnessed, including lethargy, weakness etc. . .

Honestly, would not suggest such a ‘strange’ theory, if I did not feel that there was merit.
 
Guinea-pigGaga said:
A guinea pig with T.Caviae will usually present with thinning hair/hair loss due to scratching - Something I suspect Cocoa is unable to do/unable to do proficiently due to her fused pelvis/arthritis.

In cases were there is a chronic/severe burden of T.Caviae, a general debilitation is often witnessed, including lethargy, weakness etc. . .

Honestly, would not suggest such a ‘strange’ theory, if I did not feel that there was merit.
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Ah, so what you are suggesting is that a chronic burden of Trixacarus caviae is the reason for the back leg paralysis that Cocoa is currently suffering? This isn't anything to do with the original lip issue that the vets were investigating? From what I understand, Cocoa isn't lethargic and generally weak, it is just that her back legs don't appear to be working. Despite her fused pelvis, she was able to move around and groom normally, prior to this happening.
 
Thanks for your theory. I’m afraid I’m not able to see how it fully relates to all the problems Cocoas experiencing. Cocoa has an amazing shiny black glossy coat & always has had.
But perhaps I’m not experienced enough & for that I apologise.
We on our way now to the exotic specialist vet. Xx
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Ah, so what you are suggesting is that a chronic burden of Trixacarus caviae is the reason for the back leg paralysis that Cocoa is currently suffering? This isn't anything to do with the original lip issue that the vets were investigating? From what I understand, Cocoa isn't lethargic and generally weak, it is just that her back legs don't appear to be working. Despite her fused pelvis, she was able to move around and groom normally, prior to this happening.
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Yes, this is exactly what has happened/is happening x
 
Hoppity.K said:
Thanks for your theory. I’m afraid I’m not able to see how it fully relates to all the problems Cocoas experiencing. Cocoa has an amazing shiny black glossy coat & always has had.
But perhaps I’m not experienced enough & for that I apologise.
We on our way now to the exotic specialist vet. Xx
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How did everything go guys? :hug::hug::hug:
 
Hi everyone. I’m so sorry to update so late but I’ve needed time to come to terms with the news we’ve had today. I’m afraid it’s not good news so girls, here’s a mascara warning.....
Cocoa is home with the herd chomping on cucumber as I write this...
Cocoa has a rare form of cancer...
epitheliotrophic lymphoma. From my limited learning about this today, I can only explain that it’s a cancer of the blood cells & the tumour cells in her skin that’s started this. The biopsy from her mouth has it confirmed. It’s in her tissue & muscle in her lips. Its very likely to have spread so it could well be in her spine which is the reason for her paralysed legs. (She still has sensation in her legs)
The vet has stressed how rare this cancer is, 5th known case. Please, if anyone has any more info on epitheliotrophic cancer, do let us know (@Wiebke)
So we’ve opted for palliative care & she’s going to start a course of steroids tomorrow (she had metacam today so we’ve got to wait till tomorrow)
She’s been prescribed prednicare 1mg, 0.5 tablets 1 daily for 14days. Her next appt with Kris is 2 weeks today. We can also give her Johnson’s 4joints to see if it helps.
We just coming to terms with the news to be honest as it’s terminal & we don’t know how long she’s got. (Vet thinks matter of months)
Thanks for all your support, please send us soothing/caring vibes for a very special piggy :wub:
 
Ps... her friends are so supportive of her...
ACABF11A-E0DC-4842-8177-5E62A1B02CB0.webpJust want to add a massive thank you to Kris at CheshirePet for her expertise & investigations with Cocoas problems. Kris has been wonderful & will continue to support us & give the best care we can for poor Cocoa xx
 
I am so sorry, such sad news. Sending you all my very best wishes. Cocoa is a very lovely piggy who has very special caring slaves who go above and beyond for your girls. I know you will cherish every moment with Cocoa and make some very special memories for the time she has left. X
 
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