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More tests Dilema

breakawayfromme

breakawayfromme

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So Ive spend alot of money on tests for one of my pigs over the past 2 months and gotten no answers, I was waiting for a callback from the vet about what we would do next but had subconsciously told myself I would not spend any more money on this as my pig is otherwise healthy.

Well Ive just had a call from the vet who has spoken to some vets at the royal veterinary college about my pigs issue and there is a condition that matches my pigs symptoms and there is one more test he would like to carry out and if confirmed it would be treatable.

The condition is called diabetes insipidus and the symptoms are extreme thrist and peeing alot which is the issues my pig has.

The test would be another £250 on top of everything I have already spent.
Finically it would not be the best decision, but I could make it work.

Would you do the test?
Even though I had told myself absolutely no more I am considering now
 
Maybe ring other vets to get their opinion and prices. It's a lot of money but might be standard or getting overpriced I don't know. I don't know anything about the condition hopefully someone on here will be able to give their experience on it. Have you tried Google the condition maybe you can find stuff on diagnosis. But when it comes to my piggies I'd rather get a vets opinion and then another if I don't trust it
 
I would ask the following questions to help decide
How would the test be done?
Is it invasive or painful?
Would the result change how you are currently caring for your piggy?

If it would change the way you care for them or improve the quality of their life then I would be tempted to go ahead.
If knowing you pig has diabetes won't really change anything that you are currently doing, then it may not be worth the money.

I will be honest and say it does sound quite expensive though - has your vet given you a cost breakdown?
 
If the test confirms a diagnose I will be able to treat with hormone eye drops apparently.

Although he is not sick per se, he does spend so much time drinking water that I feel getting a result and some treatment would be beneficial for him.

It is an exotic vet I am seeing and unfortunately everything there is high in cost. (I cannot fault their treatment and dedication though).
They would need to keep him for 24 hours so that probably pushes up the price a bit to.

The only reason I'm even debating is I had set my heart on doing no more tests and just accepting to live with this.
I have spoken to my friend just now and think I will book the test for him (even though it will push me finically yet again)

Thank you
 
My personal test is to ask what the information gained will change... will it change management to have this condition ruled in or out? Will the prognosis be different for your piggie if you have this info versus not having it? If it's going to change management and impact on the comfort/longevity/treatment of the piggy, I'm a lot more willing to put out some money for diagnostics, whereas if it's just information for a condition where the treatment will not change it's probably not worthwhile for the piggy's stress level and my bank account.
 
Hi,
Personally I would get the tests done because if it is a condition that can be treated and contained to give the piggy more comfort then its worth it...I know its not ideal for your bank account...but it does mean that you can get a definitive answer for it and a potential for treatment its worth it...if on the off chance it does come back negative then you could carry on as normal and just keep an eye out for any major changes for them...hopefully which ever you chose your piggy is OK...
 
I would ask the vet for a breakdown of the costs. If this test will confirm this diagnosis and your piggie can get good effective treatment then I would go for it.
 
How do you feel?
Deep in your heart you know what is right.

Perhaps make a decision and live with it for a couple of days.
Does it still feel right after the reflection?
If not then you know you have to make a different decision.

Holding you in my thoughts
 
We had a similar dilemma with our old girl mog a couple of years ago. She probably has something wrong with her heart but, as she was a happy, bright and healthy (for a 13yo cat), we opted against further tests. Whichever possibility it turned out to be, the treatment options would have all negatively impacted her quality of life for sure and only maybe have extended her life a bit. I don't remember the tests sounding particularly nice, either. I do wonder if we made the right call but so far she's continued to he happy and healthy, having just enjoyed an almost feral summer outside after gaining access to a cat flap in our new house. I think we'll probably revisit if something changes, though.

Good luck whichever you decide to do 🤞🏻 I don't think there's a correct choice with these things, but I always like @Merab's Slave 's advice to make a decision and sit with it for a bit, see what your gut says.
 
I'm in a similar boat but like others have said, even if you knew the result of the tests, would it change your treatment plan?

I am a no holds barred owner and I'll do anything I can to help my piggies live the best life possible. I too am in a dilemma.

A 3 year old piggie who is my life bundle of joy has severe arthritis. He may have a lump on his heart which may be nothing, or a tumor. A $1500 CT scan stands in the way of me knowing.

But here's the thing. If it was a tumor, there is no way I'd put him under to have surgery done, because that will most likely kill him due to how guinea pigs respond to surgery and sedation. That is when I said 'no' to the CT scan.

Hope that helps. Good luck!
 
AngryPenguin said:
I'm in a similar boat but like others have said, even if you knew the result of the tests, would it change your treatment plan?

I am a no holds barred owner and I'll do anything I can to help my piggies live the best life possible. I too am in a dilemma.

A 3 year old piggie who is my life bundle of joy has severe arthritis. He may have a lump on his heart which may be nothing, or a tumor. A $1500 CT scan stands in the way of me knowing.

But here's the thing. If it was a tumor, there is no way I'd put him under to have surgery done, because that will most likely kill him due to how guinea pigs respond to surgery and sedation. That is when I said 'no' to the CT scan.

Hope that helps. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear about your situation with your piggie

I ended up booking the test and he is there tomorrow
 
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