Potential Enlarged Prostate

[immabeleesh]

Chewy originally saw our vet on 12/22/2022, and almost a week ago we thought he was a goner as he declined very fast and was extremely lethargic. Urinalysis and X-Ray done one week apart from one another.

Original Meds: Baytril & Metacam
New Meds: TMS & Meloxicam (Buprenophine for 3 days, then removed)

He originally only presented with signs of a bladder infection But he has something enlarged behind his bladder, and our vet is not sure what it is. She said it could be an enlarged prostate, has anyone ever seen this in an x-ray?

The only way we could get definitive answers would be for a specialist appointment with CT and that would cost close to 3k, we just cannot manage this. Our vet did partner with the specialist on the X-Ray and his symptoms, and her reply was that they don’t live long anyways so why bother…the specialist!
Our vet and her team have been amazing, I honestly can’t say more positive things about them. I’ve attached two pictures of the X-Ray, and circled where our vet says is the mass. I can feel the difference between Chewy and our other Boars, and understand the concern. It has grown since his initial visit, so it’s hard to really know.

I’m hoping someone has encountered similar issues with a boar, maybe you can shared with me what ended up happening. We are about $900 in on vet bills at this point, we can only support him with medications and supplements on the go forward. My vet did say that if we got his strength back up that she would do exploratory surgery on him, but if it were to be cancer then she would not wake him from the surgery. We are both on the same page when it comes to ensuring quality of life, and have agreed on a plan should he go downhill again.

Trying to stay as positive as possible, but the x-ray is daunting to see due to the unknown. Prayers for Chewy

 

[Wheekallweek]

Aw, I have no experience here but just wanted to wish Chewy all the best

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Awww I'm so sorry this is happening to your gorgeous Chewy. I have no experience with this but just wanna wish you and Chewy all the best ❤.

 

[Claire W]

Aw I’m so sorry I also have no experience but want to wish you and Chewy all the best x

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Hi, I am sorry you are going through this with Chewy. A couple of years ago I had a boar, Ludo, who started crying when weeing and generally seemed under the weather, so a bladder issue was suspected but tests, treatment, etc showed there was no blood in his wee and no bladder stones, sludge or inflamation and no infection so my vet said it might be that he had an enlarged prostrate but that it would not be possible to see on a scan due to how small this would be in a guinea pig even if a little enlarged. He said if this was the case castration would be the best option, so that is what I agreed to and it seemed to work as the crying stopped afterwards. Unfortunately tho, apart from the bladder problem appearing to be sorted, Ludo continued not to to thrive and a couple of months later stayed at the vets for further investigation and was diagnosed with advanced liver failure but sadly didn't wake up from the anaesthetic as it was all too much for him. So I cant say for sure if his badder issues were due to his prostrate or if had he lived longer whether they would have returned.
As I say my vet said an enlarged prostrate wouldn't be easy to see on a scan/x-ray so I have no idea if what your vet is seeing is a very enlarged one or some other mass putting pressure on Chewy's bladder. Exploratory surgery maybe your only option but sadly often in piggies it reveals something that may give you an answer but which is inoperable. It is a difficult decision to make and as you say quality of life is the most important consideration. I wish you and Chewy all the best in whatever you decide to do.

 

[immabeleesh]

Hi, I am sorry you are going through this with Chewy. A couple of years ago I had a boar, Ludo, who started crying when weeing and generally seemed under the weather, so a bladder issue was suspected but tests, treatment, etc showed there was no blood in his wee and no bladder stones, sludge or inflamation and no infection so my vet said it might be that he had an enlarged prostrate but that it would not be possible to see on a scan due to how small this would be in a guinea pig even if a little enlarged. He said if this was the case castration would be the best option, so that is what I agreed to and it seemed to work as the crying stopped afterwards. Unfortunately tho, apart from the bladder problem appearing to be sorted, Ludo continued not to to thrive and a couple of months later stayed at the vets for further investigation and was diagnosed with advanced liver failure but sadly didn't wake up from the anaesthetic as it was all too much for him. So I cant say for sure if his badder issues were due to his prostrate or if had he lived longer whether they would have returned.
As I say my vet said an enlarged prostrate wouldn't be easy to see on a scan/x-ray so I have no idea if what your vet is seeing is a very enlarged one or some other mass putting pressure on Chewy's bladder. Exploratory surgery maybe your only option but sadly often in piggies it reveals something that may give you an answer but which is inoperable. It is a difficult decision to make and as you say quality of life is the most important consideration. I wish you and Chewy all the best in whatever you decide to do.

 

[immabeleesh]

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s hard with these little creatures, wanting to do your best for them but not financially screwing yourself. A picture of Chewy to brighten your day