Kidney problems

[cwilde11]

Hello,
Has anybody had a guinea pig’s kidney removed? If so, what was their life like afterwards?
Thank you

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

Hello,

sorry to hear your guinea pig has a problem. I presume it’s your piggy that you’re referring to?
I’m sure our more experienced members will be along to help you soon.

I’ve never heard of nephrectomy being carried out in piggies and presume it would be a very tricky surgery and recovery process. But as I said, others may be able to advise further.

Sending healing vibes for your little one

 

[cwilde11]

Hello,
Thanks for your reply.
Yes sorry my guinea pig Stitch. Not sure how old he is as I adopted him - but no older than 3 and a half / 4.
He was bleeding out of his privates so I took him to the vets and after several blood tests, scans and x-rays, the vets have now said he has a cyst on his kidney. They are not sure whether it is cancer or an abnormal cyst but it has grown the size of his kidney and they said the only option is to remove it?
But I am really worried about this as it seems a big operation for such a small animal.
Thank you

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

Hello,
Thanks for your reply.
Yes sorry my guinea pig Stitch. Not sure how old he is as I adopted him - but no older than 3 and a half / 4.
He was bleeding out of his privates so I took him to the vets and after several blood tests, scans and x-rays, the vets have now said he has a cyst on his kidney. They are not sure whether it is cancer or an abnormal cyst but it has grown the size of his kidney and they said the only option is to remove it?
But I am really worried about this as it seems a big operation for such a small animal.
Thank you

It’s great that your vets are being so thorough. And I’m sure they wouldn’t suggest the surgery if they didn’t think that there would be an improved quality of life afterwards Discuss your concerns with your vet. Surgery (of any kind) is very tricky in small animals, but that’s not to say impossible. Again, your vet wouldn’t recommend it on ethical grounds if they didn’t think there was any chance of survival or successful recovery.
I’m so sorry you’re going through such a tough time. My boys and I are sending lots of love.
Please do keep us posted with your boy’s progress,and know that we are all here to support you through those scary and difficult times (we’ve all been there in some shape or form)

 

[Wiebke]

Hello,
Has anybody had a guinea pig’s kidney removed? If so, what was their life like afterwards?
Thank you

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry about your problems. It is always tough when you get bad news.

Anyway, I have so far not come across this operation; kidney operations are right at the cutting edge of what is now attempted in terms of operations in guinea pigs.

My own 2-3 piggies whose kidney went pear-shaped in years past have been all sent to the Rainbow Bridge as the only available option when their time had come.