Female Guinea Pig Squeaking when Pooping

[kps]

Hi Everyone,

My sweet guinea pig (Thelma) had some blood in her urine and with an ultrasound, the vet determined she had either a uterine or ovarian tumor. They gave her shots of cystorelin every few months to try to manage it. The bleeding stopped, but lately, she has been squeaking and lifting her bottom when she poops. It's heartbreaking to hear. The vet prescribed her meloxicam and it worked for a bit, but it doesn't seem as effective anymore.

Does anyone have any experience with this and if so, can you offer any advice? I wonder what her quality of life is if she is in pain every time she poops, knowing guinea pigs poop so often.

Thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome
Unfortunately, we cannot judge whether it is the mass pressing on the lower gut or the pain radiating into that causes the squeaking without any direct access. It is in your case however rather likely that the mass/tumor has grown and is now impacting more.

Was the bleeding sheer blood or just intensely red urine?
- In the case of intensely red urine with squeaking when peeing and pooing: Links - Interstitial Cystitis - Guinea Lynx Records
- If it is the tumor growing, then you are either looking at an expensive exploratory surgery that may or may not be successful or at terminal care. In any case, please contact your vet; you will need ongoing pain management and a new assessment.
This guide here doesn't make the most cheerful of reading but it will be a great help for you if you are indeed looking at terminal care: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and your poorly girl!

 

[kps]

Thank you for your thoughtful and kind response. I was wondering what to do because it pains me to hear her suffering. I didn't know where to turn. I will reach out to the vet and will also look at the link you shared about terminal care. Even though it's difficult, it can also be the compassionate thing to do. Thank you again.
And to answer your question, the blood in the urine was not intensely red, but there were traces of it. Once she had the shots, the bleeding stopped for most of the time. Now we see it on occasion but not often. The vet believes the tumor is growing.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your thoughtful and kind response. I was wondering what to do because it pains me to hear her suffering. I didn't know where to turn. I will reach out to the vet and will also look at the link you shared about terminal care. Even though it's difficult, it can also be the compassionate thing to do. Thank you again.
And to answer your question, the blood in the urine was not intensely red, but there were traces of it. Once she had the shots, the bleeding stopped for most of the time. Now we see it on occasion but not often. The vet believes the tumor is growing.

You will hopefully find the end of life care guide helpful as I am exploring in detail all the various factors that are playing into any decisions and am also addressing the challenges when looking after a terminally ill piggy so you can hopefully make any decisions if not with an easier heart but with a somewhat clearer mind.
It is never something that is easy but it is even harder if it is your first time and it is entirely down to you when to call it shots; it is always a lot easier (although you have to then the shock to deal with additionally) if the decision is taken out of your hands and it is a no-brainer.

Be kind with yourself. You are obviously a very caring owner with a big heart.