Ovarian Cancer

[PinkCoatGirl]

My poorly Lilly pig is just shy of her 3rd birthday and has been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
I noticed blood in her urine, the only sign that anything was wrong. And with her cage mate not long having recovered from a UTI I took Lilly to the vets. I knew something was amiss as there was no sign of pain.
The vets examined her and told me he could feel a large lump on one of her ovarairs. I was informed that it was most likely ovarian cyst or worse cancer. The poor little girl was then sent for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
The vet then informed me that from the absence of fluid in the lumps she had Cancer on both ovaries.
She's booked in to be spayed in a couple of days, (the only treatment offered) as she was in otherwise good health I decided she was in with a fighting chance of surviving. but I've started to notice her symptoms are only getting worse. With very slight weight loss, around 6grams and the increase of blood in her cage. She seems to have gone off her pellets but is still munching away on grass and very much enjoying her veggies.
She is on pain medication, 0.4ml of Loxicom once a day .

I was wondering if anybody had had a similar experience, as there is a lot of information regarding ovarian cyst but almost nothing on ovarian cancer.

I understand that the conditions are very similar and there is a lot of information regarding alternative treatment (other than spaying) for cyst. I just feel that the lack of information or cases on the internet of ovarian cancer in piggies has left me at a disadvantage.

 

[Wiebke]

My poorly Lilly pig is just shy of her 3rd birthday and has been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
I noticed blood in her urine, the only sign that anything was wrong. And with her cage mate not long having recovered from a UTI I took Lilly to the vets. I knew something was amiss as there was no sign of pain.
The vets examined her and told me he could feel a large lump on one of her ovarairs. I was informed that it was most likely ovarian cyst or worse cancer. The poor little girl was then sent for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
The vet then informed me that from the absence of fluid in the lumps she had Cancer on both ovaries.
She's booked in to be spayed in a couple of days, (the only treatment offered) as she was in otherwise good health I decided she was in with a fighting chance of surviving. but I've started to notice her symptoms are only getting worse. With very slight weight loss, around 6grams and the increase of blood in her cage. She seems to have gone off her pellets but is still munching away on grass and very much enjoying her veggies.
She is on pain medication, 0.4ml of Loxicom once a day .

I was wondering if anybody had had a similar experience, as there is a lot of information regarding ovarian cyst but almost nothing on ovarian cancer.

I understand that the conditions are very similar and there is a lot of information regarding alternative treatment (other than spaying) for cyst. I just feel that the lack of information or cases on the internet of ovarian cancer in piggies has left me at a disadvantage.

Ovaries can go wrong. Cancerous cysts are just a lot less common compared to hormonal ones, which are by far the majority.
Non-fluid filled cysts are generally removed by a spaying operation, especially if they cause bleeding. The operation usually takes care of any problems. We see perhaps 1-3 threads with sows bleeding from the anus in a year with 5-10 enquiries daily in this section.

My then 5 year old Iola required a spay for large non-hormonal (but not cancerous) cysts last May. She is now 6 years old and has not had any problems since even though one of her ovaries had got stuck to the bowel.

Here are our post-op tips: Tips For Post-operative Care

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

Ovaries can go wrong. Cancerous cysts are just not as common as hormonal ones, which are by far the majority which can now be treated with hormonal injections as an alternative to a spaying op.
Non-fluid filled cysts are generally removed by a spaying operation, especially if they cause bleeding. We see perhaps 2-3 threads with sows bleeding from the anus in a year considering that we have over 1000 enquiries in this section during this time but easily ten times more about hormonal cysts.

My then 5 year old Iola required a spay for large non-hormonal (but not cancerous) cysts last May. She is now 6 years old and has not had any problems since even though one of her ovaries had got stuck to the bowel.

Here are our post-op tips: Tips For Post-operative Care

Thanks for the reply, glad to hear Lola is doing well. It makes me feel more comfortable with my decision to go for the op when I hear about success stories.
And I'll defo take a look at the tips you linked, I like to be prepared no matter the outcome.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for the reply, glad to hear Lola is doing well. It makes me feel more comfortable with my decision to go for the op when I hear about success stories.
And I'll defo take a look at the tips you linked, I like to be prepared no matter the outcome.

My 700g light 4 year old Cariad required an emergency spay in April 2013 for a grossly enlarged fluid filled and borderline pyometric womb that also contained a likely cancerous lump. During the operation, the vet found also what he described as 'nasty looking' cysts. Cariad sailed through her op and lived for over a year longer; she died from unrelated causes. She stayed with the group boar at the vets and was able to return to the group two days after her operation once I was sure that there was nothing wrong with her food intake. Iola took a bit longer to recover because of her bowel adhesion, which was very painful.

This Cariad the day after her operation and 10 later with a pretty much knitted operation scar.

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

My 700g light 4 year old Cariad required an emergency spay in April 2013 for a grossly enlarged fluid filled and borderline pyometric womb that also contained a likely cancerous lump. During the operation, the vet found also what he described as 'nasty looking' cysts. Cariad sailed through her op and lived for over a year longer; she died from unrelated causes. She stayed with the group boar at the vets and was able to return to the group two days after her operation once I was sure that there was nothing wrong with her food intake. Iola took a bit longer to recover because of her bowel adhesion, which was very painful.

This Cariad the day after her operation and 10 later with a pretty much knitted operation scar.
View attachment 82706 View attachment 82707

Wow, thank you for sharing the pics, you can hardly tell where the scar is in the 2nd image. It's hard to imagine such a small being healing so quickly.
I guess I'm just a little apprehensive about the op as I lost my little boy a couple years ago. He just never fully recovered from the anaesthetic.
But knowing the little guys can survive and live a long pain free life does make it seem worth while.

 

[Wiebke]

Wow, thank you for sharing the pics, you can hardly tell where the scar is in the 2nd image. It's hard to imagine such a small being healing so quickly.
I guess I'm just a little apprehensive about the op as I lost my little boy a couple years ago. He just never fully recovered from the anaesthetic.
But knowing the little guys can survive and live a long pain free life does make it seem worth while.

Unfortunately, with your diagnosis it means that you have to do the jump.

The first operation after one that has gone wrong is always the most anxious time! I know that from my own experience. The relief when all goes well is so much greater, though.

Fingers very firmly crossed!

 

[VickiA]

3 of my 4 sows have undergone a full spay last year. All 3 have made a great recovery from the surgery. All good wishes to you and your girl Lilly.

 

[Merab]

Hope all goes well with the op for Lilly.
It’s an anxious time.

 

[piggieminder]

Sending you and Lilly hugs. Healing vibes to Lilly, hope all goes well for you. X

 

[winniethepooh]

My poorly Lilly pig is just shy of her 3rd birthday and has been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
I noticed blood in her urine, the only sign that anything was wrong. And with her cage mate not long having recovered from a UTI I took Lilly to the vets. I knew something was amiss as there was no sign of pain.
The vets examined her and told me he could feel a large lump on one of her ovarairs. I was informed that it was most likely ovarian cyst or worse cancer. The poor little girl was then sent for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
The vet then informed me that from the absence of fluid in the lumps she had Cancer on both ovaries.
She's booked in to be spayed in a couple of days, (the only treatment offered) as she was in otherwise good health I decided she was in with a fighting chance of surviving. but I've started to notice her symptoms are only getting worse. With very slight weight loss, around 6grams and the increase of blood in her cage. She seems to have gone off her pellets but is still munching away on grass and very much enjoying her veggies.
She is on pain medication, 0.4ml of Loxicom once a day .

I was wondering if anybody had had a similar experience, as there is a lot of information regarding ovarian cyst but almost nothing on ovarian cancer.

I understand that the conditions are very similar and there is a lot of information regarding alternative treatment (other than spaying) for cyst. I just feel that the lack of information or cases on the internet of ovarian cancer in piggies has left me at a disadvantage.

Awh, hope she gets better.

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

Thank you all for the kind messages. X

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

Update:
My Lilly pig had her op on Friday, the vet said they were conferdent all went well.
They discovered that she had 2 large tumours in the uterus not on her ovaries. The removeral was quite tricky as one was situated very near the bladder.

After the op she took some time to fully come round and the vet offered to keep her in over night. I declined as I thought the stress of being away from her cage mate would hinder her recovery. I kept them in separate cages but next to each other to ensure that no bullying or damage to the wound happend. So the vet sent her home with pain killers, antibiotics and zantic - to keep her gut moving. I was also provided with a liquid feed.

The first night she took the meds and her syringe feed very well, including the night feeds, this carried on till the next evening where she suddenly started to refuse feeding. She was eating a little on her own, just hay and veggies. (She seemed to go off her pallets even before the op, so I'm on the hunt for a new flavour, hopefully this will bring her round).
The following day her refusal got worse,she just didn't seem happy in herself. and after sparking to the vet we decided to try reintroducing her cage mate. After a little dominance dance they settled in quite well and Lilly started to eat more for herself. I'm not to worried about trying to syringe feed as she is slowly eating more for herself. I will returned to the liquid feed if her condition dose decrease.

(I just wanted to write and update on her situation before asking-)

I am however a little concerned about her pooping. It's not at all looking normal. It's either lots of small, hamster size poops or strung/ mushed together. I was wondering how long should it take to return to normal?
She also started to show signs of some disscomfort while passing urine and poop. I have another appointment at the vets for her in a couple of days, but if this continues I will get her in a Asap.

 

[Betsy]

Aww poor Lily. Can't help I'm afraid as I have no experience in this but just wanted to send healing vibes to Lily and a hug to you!

 

[Merab]

Sorry I can't help but just wanted you to know that you are being supported.

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

Thank you both for your kind words.

I've never had a piggy servive an op before so this is all new territory for me.

After doing a lot of web serchers I've discovered the odd poop might be down to dehydration. And after witnessing her gobble up a handful of broccoli leaves her eating is definitely not a major concern

She just hates syringe feeding thought so rehydration is going to be interesting.

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

So, a year on and Lilly pig is doing ok. With the help of her cage mate she was back to her old self in no time.

Unfortunately, we lost her cage mate, Smudge two months ago. I have been searching for a new cage mate for her, but haven't been able to find anyone suitable.

Lilly has suddenly become ill with tummy issues and she is refusing to eat on her own, hand feeding is going well.

I know a cage mate would help in recovery but there are currently no sows available. (I have another sow who is intact and really don't want any accidents, she's is also very piggie aggressive so they cant be housed together.)

The nearest RSPCA resuce to have guinea pigs is an hour's drive away, i don't currently have the means to travel that far, plus the stress of the journey won't be good for Lilly.

The only option at the moment is a pet store, which is not ideal. I really need her to get along with a new piggie as i don't have the room for 3 permanent cages.

I have also tried to contact a local breeder to see if speed dating lilly with one of the babies was possible, i had to reply. (I would prefer to adopt, but that's becoming near impossible.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice from a more experienced piggie carer.

 

[lildog5]

So, a year on and Lilly pig is doing ok. With the help of her cage mate she was back to her old self in no time.

Unfortunately, we lost her cage mate, Smudge two months ago. I have been searching for a new cage mate for her, but haven't been able to find anyone suitable.

Lilly has suddenly become ill with tummy issues and she is refusing to eat on her own, hand feeding is going well.

I know a cage mate would help in recovery but there are currently no sows available. (I have another sow who is intact and really don't want any accidents, she's is also very piggie aggressive so they cant be housed together.)

The nearest RSPCA resuce to have guinea pigs is an hour's drive away, i don't currently have the means to travel that far, plus the stress of the journey won't be good for Lilly.

The only option at the moment is a pet store, which is not ideal. I really need her to get along with a new piggie as i don't have the room for 3 permanent cages.

I have also tried to contact a local breeder to see if speed dating lilly with one of the babies was possible, i had to reply. (I would prefer to adopt, but that's becoming near impossible.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice from a more experienced piggie carer.

Awww I hope Lilly will get better soon. I hope her tummy issues are just her feeling upset about her cage mate as I presume they were very close. I hope you find another piggy soon . If all else fails though you may have to go to the pet shop I know it’s not ideal but sadly you have got to put Lilly’s health first (or maybe try the adoption section in pets at home) x

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

Thank you for replying.
The tummy issue is possibly down to stress, we had a vet visit on Thursday due to her having an eye ulcer, due to hay. Which is healling up nicly there was a very noisy hyper puppy in attendance. We have another appointment on tuseday, so will ask the vet to check her over.

Currently she is living side by side with my other piggy, they get along lovely as long as there are bars between the. They can touch and talk through the bars, so she is not completely alone.

I think you are right about the pet store, just having to wait for them to get more sows in. They seem incredibly popular at the moment.

 

[Wiebke]

So, a year on and Lilly pig is doing ok. With the help of her cage mate she was back to her old self in no time.

Unfortunately, we lost her cage mate, Smudge two months ago. I have been searching for a new cage mate for her, but haven't been able to find anyone suitable.

Lilly has suddenly become ill with tummy issues and she is refusing to eat on her own, hand feeding is going well.

I know a cage mate would help in recovery but there are currently no sows available. (I have another sow who is intact and really don't want any accidents, she's is also very piggie aggressive so they cant be housed together.)

The nearest RSPCA resuce to have guinea pigs is an hour's drive away, i don't currently have the means to travel that far, plus the stress of the journey won't be good for Lilly.

The only option at the moment is a pet store, which is not ideal. I really need her to get along with a new piggie as i don't have the room for 3 permanent cages.

I have also tried to contact a local breeder to see if speed dating lilly with one of the babies was possible, i had to reply. (I would prefer to adopt, but that's becoming near impossible.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice from a more experienced piggie carer.

Hi!

I am very sorry for your dilemma.

You could also consider neutered boars if you have any within your reach. Lily will survive the journey and the trip; I have often travelled that distance on the train with very ill or freshly operated piggies to and from my specialist vet.

If not, then I would consider getting company from a shop rather from a for sale breeder. With a shop you have certain customer rights that are harder to enforce with a backyard breeder. Take the time to watch the piggies interact at the shop and opt for a more submissive one.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

Thank you.
I've checked in with my local pets at home and they haven't had any little girls in and currently have no piggies for adoption.
Ive spoken to a smaller pet store, (who stopped selling piggies and rabbits as they would be in the store for a long time and they decided it wasn't fair on them)
They are currently seeing if they can get me a little girl in.

Smudge was an oops baby and Lily was a very good mum, and smudge could be very hyper and bossy, but Lilly was always able to put her in her place. So, personality wise i think she'd pare up well with a baby pig, and hopefully a baby will encourage are lazy pig to be a little more active

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you.
I've checked in with my local pets at home and they haven't had any little girls in and currently have no piggies for adoption.
Ive spoken to a smaller pet store, (who stopped selling piggies and rabbits as they would be in the store for a long time and they decided it wasn't fair on them)
They are currently seeing if they can get me a little girl in.

Smudge was an oops baby and Lily was a very good mum, and smudge could be very hyper and bossy, but Lilly was always able to put her in her place. So, personality wise i think she'd pare up well with a baby pig, and hopefully a baby will encourage are lazy pig to be a little more active

When rehoming from a breeder without quarantine, please follow the advice in the link in my previous post. Please also make sure that any sow from that background has not been in contact with a boar over 3 weeks old, or you a facing another pregnancy of which every fifth ends with a death of either pups and/or mother on average.

 

[tabelmabel]

Welcome to Pet Taxi UK - Pet Taxi UK

I dont know if the above are any good as i have never used them, nor do i know anyone that has. However, they will link you up with their recommended breeders, which has got to be a better option than p@h

 

[Merab]

Hope things work out for you and Lily

 

[PinkCoatGirl]

When rehoming from a breeder without quarantine, please follow the advice in the link in my previous post. Please also make sure that any sow from that background has not been in contact with a boar over 3 weeks old, or you a facing another pregnancy of which every fifth ends with a death of either pups and/or mother on average.

Thank you for your advise. I plan on having any new piggie checked out by our vet and can alwaya quarantine them.