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Specialist Cocoa Poorly Lip And Congested. Pls Help. Photos

furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I am a little concerned that she has been prescribed steroids, as they are not normally advised for guinea pigs.

So the diagnosis was determined from the results of the biopsy?
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Yes the biopsy confirmed epitheliotrophic lymphoma without a doubt. Kris thought that the steroids are the best course of action for now. We discussed radiotherapy & chemotherapy but we’re advised to try the steroids first. She’s bright in herself, eating, weeing & pooping. We know it’s not a cure, just to give her quality of life at this stage. But this is all so new for us, we’re open to all advise/opinions x
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I've heard of this but not in guinea pigs. Have just found this article Epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in a guinea pig | Request PDF
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We were shown this article by Kris and pictures the piggie was very ill and the results were post mortum.
We given Kris our permission to spread Cocoa illness to other as it's rare and a learning situtation for others.
It's heartbreaking that we can't fix our baby and to see her tryin so hard is beautiful.
It's also possibility hereditary so her blood line could carry it but Kris throu her hours of research can't confirm it will manifestly to illness.
Cocoa seems to be only one who has it via mouth. 20180704_231607.webptaken now with her loved ones.IMG-20180704-WA0010.webp
 
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I've heard of dogs having this, but it is clearly very rare in guinea pigs. Just enjoy every day you have with Cocoa. None of us know how long we are here and it is important to make the most of every day and keep the tears for later. The only thing I would say is, just ask yourself this question every day. 'Does Cocoa have a life worth living?' As long as the answer is yes, then just carry on enjoying the time you have together. Animals live for the moment and Cocoa isn't going to be losing any sleep over this! Try not to waste the precious time you have with her and just enjoy every day.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I've heard of dogs having this, but it is clearly very rare in guinea pigs. Just enjoy every day you have with Cocoa. None of us know how long we are here and it is important to make the most of every day and keep the tears for later. The only thing I would say is, just ask yourself this question every day. 'Does Cocoa have a life worth living?' As long as the answer is yes, then just carry on enjoying the time you have together. Animals live for the moment and Cocoa isn't going to be losing any sleep over this! Try not to waste the precious time you have with her and just enjoy every day.
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furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I've heard of dogs having this, but it is clearly very rare in guinea pigs. Just enjoy every day you have with Cocoa. None of us know how long we are here and it is important to make the most of every day and keep the tears for later. The only thing I would say is, just ask yourself this question every day. 'Does Cocoa have a life worth living?' As long as the answer is yes, then just carry on enjoying the time you have together. Animals live for the moment and Cocoa isn't going to be losing any sleep over this! Try not to waste the precious time you have with her and just enjoy every day.
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I'm too emotional to make that decision and defo not yet. To be told your piggie has a rare cancer you internally say as I did through tears " you will not be in pain that I promise"
There are options what to do as Kath has said and we taken the one of steroids as it will reduce her lip size and allow her to eat plus it's also unknown as what will happen. We are on borrowed time and her time be the best nature will allow. Thanks for all your input and pls keep ask in how she is.
 
I am so gutted to read this news but totally agree with making the most of your time with her and taking each day as it comes. I’m sort of glad you have an answer, finally, although it’s not what we all hoped for, but Kris sounds like an excellent vet, so you are all in safe hands. Bless you all xxxxx
 
Oh Dave & Kath I am absolutely gutted for you. What a shock for you. What matters now is quality of life. The good thing is that Cocoa doesn’t know what you do. And she’s back with her friends who also don’t know what you do - they love her just as she is. Hugest hugs to you and darling Cocoa xx
 
I'm so sorry to hear such news. Please give Cocoa hugs and kisses from me and my piggies. Cherish every moment you spend with her. These little creatures give us so much joy and any small wrong things are always heartbreaking. :hug:
 
She is absolutely gorgeous (as you know I have a very big soft spot for her from when I fostered her - I loved her little kisses). She has a great home with loving humans and loving friends.
Just try to focus on giving her the best life she can have in whatever time she has left. And try to take each day as it comes x
 
Oh guys :( There is nothing I can say that will sooth your breaking heart. Just know that you are the best piggy slaves and Cocoa will be loved in her final time with you. I am so sorry that it is such bad news, you have done everything you can for your little girl and I know you will make sure she is pain free for however long she has left. I am sending all my love to you both, you know I am here if you need me to do ANYTHING. :hug::hug:
 
I am feeling so upset for you all (luckily Kath I can't wear mascara). As was said by @VickiA Cocoa doesn't know what is wrong with her and will take each day as it comes. As long as you do too that is all that matters. Love her every day. You will know when the time is right to help her toddle off to the Rainbow Bridge - she will tell you. Sending loads of cuddles your way.:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
 
Oh gosh I’m so sorry for the diagnosis of poor Cocoa. You are fantastic slaves and have done above and beyond most to get your poorly girl sorted. You are a credit to guinea pig owners. You have already packed so much love in the time you’ve had her and will continue to do so. Massive hugs to You both and Cocoa x
 
Thank you everyone To be honest I'm struggling with emotional part of this and only this am at breakfast @Hoppity.K does all piggie breakfast and great job too. But after Cocoa had her 1st strriod pill I was giving her some comfort treat and rightly Kath told me off.
Looking at her knowing what's going on inside that complex body makes me angry cos I can't stop it.
I get stronger and your support here helps. Thank you Dave Kath + Cocoa
 
VickiA said:
Oh Dave & Kath I am absolutely gutted for you. What a shock for you. What matters now is quality of life. The good thing is that Cocoa doesn’t know what you do. And she’s back with her friends who also don’t know what you do - they love her just as she is. Hugest hugs to you and darling Cocoa xx
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To pull on your heart strings. The old carrot house is where she is sleeping as she can't get into a ledge comfort item. That Carrot house has been her shelter. bless. xx.
 
Hoppity.K said:
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:
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BIG HUGS

I am very sorry. I haven't heard of this since you are the first one on here where this has ever been diagnosed. With fast growing vet knowledge and diagnostic improvement, we are coming across new issues regularly - sadly they are rarely good news. :(

I am linking in our members with a better medical background than mine. I am a generalist, not a specialist.
@Abi_nurse @Jaycey @helen105281 @Freela
 
Oh I am so very sorry for your sad news :( after having piggies with terminal cancer myself all I can advise is to love and cherish Cocoa each and everyday although I already know you will do that. She is so lucky to have you two as her mummy and daddy. Take care guys, we are all behind you and Cocoa x
 
I'm in tears at the moment, I was so hopeful that It, was something & nothing. Stay well Cocoa, Kath & David yet another blow for you. I know you will nurse her till the end. Healing vibes Cocoa. David & Kath, my heart ❤️ goes out to you, be strong.
 
Wiebke said:
BIG HUGS

I am very sorry. I haven't heard of this since you are the first one on here where this has ever been diagnosed. With fast growing vet knowledge and diagnostic improvement, we are coming across new issues regularly - sadly they are rarely good news. :(

I am linking in our members with a better medical background than mine. I am a generalist, not a specialist.
@Abi_nurse @Jaycey @helen105281 @Freela
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Thank You.
 
I'm so sorry to hear your news. It is not something I have heard of. I hope the steroids give her a bit longer with you. Take each day at a time and let her be your guide. I think keeping her from getting sores will be the biggest factor as we had with Ellie.
 
Oh guys :(
Only caught up with this now as been away for a few days. I am so devastated to hear the news about you little girl. I know that you will cherish every moment you have with her no matter how long that is. You will fill her days with love and fun as she will yours.

Hope she gets some relief from the steriods and they make her feel better. Everyone my end is sending hugs and kisses to everyone in your family. Massive hugs x
 
Thanks all.
it's lovely to hear so many comments and i/we Thank you so much.
I'm havin why Cocoa she does not deserve this and ok she's mostly unawear of her illness we know and this piggie should not have it. Dam horrible knowing but we wanted and needed to find out. @VickiA is right she and Heidi Chloe they don't know so carry on make her comfortable .
Ii also see us takin Cocoa regular to vets as when the time comes I personally be blinded with love and will need another to . . . well I'm teary. x[/QUOTE]
 
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Of course you're teary Dave, I am too and I have only met the one and only gorgeous Cocoa in a photograph! Lord knows how I'd be if she were mine. It just shows how much you love your little special girl.
 
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