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Looking for Some Advice / Previous Experience of Fast Growing Tumour and Treatment Outcomes

YvonneBlue

YvonneBlue

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My 5 year old skinny pig Ginger has today been diagnosed with a fast growing tumour. The tumour is high on his back but just on his rib cage (second rib). Our vet has suggested that it is removable and he would be happy to attempt this. He says the operation will not be as invasive as a spay to remove a reproductive tract tumour in a sow, which he has done multiple times. However, he cannot guarantee that this cancer has not already spread or that it won't come back. Ginger also has arthritis in his spine and problems with his back legs as the cartilage in his knees has mineralised. He has only this week been prescribed Metacam for the arthritis so the vet has assumed that the tumour is not currently causing him any pain. Ginger is a happy pig and has not lost any weight and is eating well, so currently has a good quality of life.

I am leaning towards having the lump removed as i know the sooner this is done the better the outcome is likely to be (especially as his general health is currently good). I do have concerns though about a general anaesthetic in an elderly piggy and how much his quality of life will be affected by the surgery.

I would just like to know if anyone on the forum has any experience with removal of a tumour from the back / rib cage area of a piggy and what the long term outcome was. I think that i am probably really looking for reassurance that i am doing the right thing for Ginger and not just having this surgery done because it can be done. Any thoughts / advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
YvonneBlue said:
My 5 year old skinny pig Ginger has today been diagnosed with a fast growing tumour. The tumour is high on his back but just on his rib cage (second rib). Our vet has suggested that it is removable and he would be happy to attempt this. He says the operation will not be as invasive as a spay to remove a reproductive tract tumour in a sow, which he has done multiple times. However, he cannot guarantee that this cancer has not already spread or that it won't come back. Ginger also has arthritis in his spine and problems with his back legs as the cartilage in his knees has mineralised. He has only this week been prescribed Metacam for the arthritis so the vet has assumed that the tumour is not currently causing him any pain. Ginger is a happy pig and has not lost any weight and is eating well, so currently has a good quality of life.

I am leaning towards having the lump removed as i know the sooner this is done the better the outcome is likely to be (especially as his general health is currently good). I do have concerns though about a general anaesthetic in an elderly piggy and how much his quality of life will be affected by the surgery.

I would just like to know if anyone on the forum has any experience with removal of a tumour from the back / rib cage area of a piggy and what the long term outcome was. I think that i am probably really looking for reassurance that i am doing the right thing for Ginger and not just having this surgery done because it can be done. Any thoughts / advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi

I had to rush Gethin to the vets for an emergency about three years ago when he had a very fast growing lump on chest; there were concerns that if it was cancerous, it could have already penetrated into the chest.
Thankfully all went well and the lump turned out to be a rogue fatty lump; Gethin made a full recovery.

Lumpectomy is generally much less invasive because the body cavity is not opened and - unless the lump is very close to a highly sensitive area - it is comparatively straight forward and at a lower risk of complications.
A tumor doesn't necessarily have to cancerous but if there are concerns about size or further developments, any lump that could turn into a major problem is in my own experience better out while the going is comparatively easy.
 
Thanks @Wiebke that is very reassuring. There has been a sample taken and the lump is definitely cancerous. I think we will probably go ahead with surgery. At least give him a chance of a longer life.
 
My Morwenna needed a spaying operation aged 5 years because of a cyst that would have turned cancerous had it been left. She lived to celebrate her 8th Gotcha Day (adoption anniversary)... ;)
 
I think I’d also go for the surgery. Lumpectomy of this type is usually not too major an operation for a piggy to recover from (as no cavities are opened). Wishing you and Ginger all the very best x
 
My skinny pig Jellybaby who is nearly 4 had a fast growing lump on his tummy. Not on his back like Ginger but not attached to organs. I had it removed in October because it was restricting his mobility. He recovered from the surgery amazingly quickly. As he has several more cancerous lumps there’s not much we can do with these but apart from slowing down a lot he‘s still enjoying his personal hay pile just outside his hidey, re-designing the carrot house and a nightly treat of critical care and oats. Love to you and Ginger x
 
So sorry to hear of Ginger’s bad news :hug:I personally would go for the operation asap. I know there’s no guarantee that the cancer won’t have spread but if you leave it then there’s every likelihood it will in the future. My Bill had a mammary tumour removed with no further problems, he sailed through the operation too despite a 300 plus journey home that day.
I think if you don’t you will always be thinking what if’s x

Good luck for Tuesday x
 
Good luck for Tuesday! I would also have opted for removal, while not a tumour Ebony had a cyst removed from her back earlier in the year, at 5 years old, she came home like nothing had happened.
 
Thanks for all the good wishes for Ginger. It's hard taking him for a big surgery when he is so happy at the moment.
 
Lots of lovely healing vibes for Ginger today. Waiting to hear how the operation has gone, so very worried for my little ginger fella. 😟
 
Good luck Ginger. I hope you hear soon. It’s so stressful waiting for news.
 
So sorry that lovely Ginger has a tumour bless him, sending you both massive hugs. Will be thinking about him all day and sending lots of love and healing vibes, really hope it all goes well xx
 
Just heard from the vet. Ginger has come through the surgery well and is in recovery at the moment. The surgery was more complicated than expected as the lump on his back was 'just the tip of the iceberg'. The tumour had already spread and had two buds further inside his body. These have been removed but not with as much margin as the vet would have liked. All we can do now is wait and see, our vet has done his best and we have given Ginger the best chance that we can to have a longer life.

I can pick him up today if he is eating on his own, although i am all prepared for syringe feeding him if needed.

Thanks to everyone for all your support. I will keep this thread updated with Ginger's progress.
 
Aw so glad Ginger has got through the operation. I hope he gets eating so you can pick him up today. 🤞Fingers all crossed and loads of healing vibes for the little man x
 
I've only just seen your post, it's great ginger has come through the op OK, shame it was a bit more complicated than expected, but hopefully with the lump & 2buds now gone his future will be much brighter :wub:

Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 & sending bucket loads of healing vibes his way.
From the girls & I. Xx 🐹 🐹 🐹
 
Aah so pleased Ginger has got through his op, sorry it was more complicated than you expected but 🤞 he’ll have no more trouble now that nastiness has gone. Hope he’s back home with you as soon as possible bless him :) Sending loads of healing vibes and kisses to Ginger and giant hugs for you xx
 
Oh I’m so glad he’s come through ok and the vets was able to remove the lump and unexpected spread. Fingers and toes crossed that it’s all gone and Ginger has lots more days ahead.
 
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