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Specialist Oesophageal cancer

Dianet

Dianet

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi, has anyone heard of guinea pigs getting oesophageal cancer. My poor Ruby, who lost her sister a couple of weeks ago, has been constantly chewing and regurgitating clear fluid but the vet couldn't see anything looking into her mouth. Upon feeling her tummy she found a soft fatty tissue lump approximately the size of a cherry tomato higher up between her front legs. She's not been xrayed but the vet can definitely feel it by pressing on her. As she is 6.5 years old I decided against an xray as regardless of what it shows I'm not putting her through an operation. I wasn't prepared for this so she has been given two types of pain relief and fluid to keep her comfortable overnight and I'm taking her to be PTS tomorrow. I'm now racked with grief and guilt as to whether I am doing the right thing. Has anyone ever heard of oesophageal cancer causing a blockage in guineas?
 
Hi!

I am very sorry. Salivating is always a sign that your piggy is struggling or unable to swallow or that there is a blockage somewhere in the in the digestive system meaning that the saliva cannot pass through anymore.

Over the years I have lost a piggy with a big swelling (not visible from the outside) at the back of the throat closing off the esophagus; an elderly piggy to a throat infection which swelled it shut quicker than his antibiotics could kick in; two piggies to blockage in the gut and one younger piggy that lost the ability to swallow.

Has your vet checked for dental overgrowth of the back teeth or oral thrush (fungal mouth/throat infection, which your reported symptoms would also apply)?

Here is our emergency care guide, which also has a section on how to look after dying piggies: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Our grieving guidea contains a chapter on looking after terminally ill piggies; you may find it hopefully helpful as the realisation of impending death is the worst moment apart from the loss itself: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

@furryfriends (TEAS) @Abi_nurse
 
Dianet said:
Hi, has anyone heard of guinea pigs getting oesophageal cancer. My poor Ruby, who lost her sister a couple of weeks ago, has been constantly chewing and regurgitating clear fluid but the vet couldn't see anything looking into her mouth. Upon feeling her tummy she found a soft fatty tissue lump approximately the size of a cherry tomato higher up between her front legs. She's not been xrayed but the vet can definitely feel it by pressing on her. As she is 6.5 years old I decided against an xray as regardless of what it shows I'm not putting her through an operation. I wasn't prepared for this so she has been given two types of pain relief and fluid to keep her comfortable overnight and I'm taking her to be PTS tomorrow. I'm now racked with grief and guilt as to whether I am doing the right thing. Has anyone ever heard of oesophageal cancer causing a blockage in guineas?
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Sorry can't offer any advice as such but in August I had to have my boy Ash pts as vets found a fairly large hard mass in his stomach. I went back the following afternoon to have him pts as this lump had pushed his kidney to the side. He was 5 plus. The lump in his stomach was solid though. I still wish gone to another vet though just to get their opinion but didn't want Ash to suffer. Xx♥️Hugs to u and Ruby
 
Aw, so sorry, thinking of you and little Ruby at this sad time :hug:
 
The vet did try to check the back of the mouth but said she couldn't see anything because of saliva. I was trying to get in to see Molly Varga but she's not available until Monday so I went to my regular guinea vet, who is not an exotics but she is very good and has previously operated successfully on my guinea pigs.
Thank you for the information, I will try to read that now through my tears while cuddling Ruby. I've not had a good year, she will be my 4th guinea pig loss in 6 months 😥. x
 
Dianet said:
The vet did try to check the back of the mouth but said she couldn't see anything because of saliva. I was trying to get in to see Molly Varga but she's not available until Monday so I went to my regular guinea vet, who is not an exotics but she is very good and has previously operated successfully on my guinea pigs.
Thank you for the information, I will try to read that now through my tears while cuddling Ruby. I've not had a good year, she will be my 4th guinea pig loss in 6 months 😥. x
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HUGS

It's my record loss year here, too, so I fully sympathise!

Here is our recommended vets list: Recommended Guinea Pig Vets
 
Wiebke said:
HUGS

It's my record loss year here, too, so I fully sympathise!

Here is our recommended vets list: Recommended Guinea Pig Vets
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Sorry to hear that Wiebke, it's a comfort to know people on this site understand. I get so frustrated when people who've never owned guinea pigs say "I don't know why you get them in the first place they don't live that long" and "well at least it's only your guinea pig not your dog".
 
Dianet said:
Sorry to hear that Wiebke, it's a comfort to know people on this site understand. I get so frustrated when people who've never owned guinea pigs say "I don't know why you get them in the first place they don't live that long" and "well at least it's only your guinea pig not your dog".
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Sorry for your losses too xx♥️
 
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