Slow progressing lymphoma - any experience?

[RC14]

Hello, I have a 4/5 year old boar who we identified had lymphoma just before Christmas. The lumps are primarily in his armpits and abdomen and aren't really restricting him, he's doing remarkably well and we're keeping him comfortable with meloxadyl but he is in a steady decline.

I'm comfortable with our medical options - our vet is amazing - but I was wondering if anyone had any experience of slower forms of lymphoma and could share what that looked like for their pigs? Given the lumps were so small our expectations were that he had 6-8 weeks at best so I feel a bit lost being nearly 4 months in!

He lives in a herd with 6 sows and hasn't lost his eagerness when they're in heat, he's such a social boy I think their company really helps and he's still eating, pooping, running around etc. That being said his mobility is starting to slow, he clearly is having to accommodate the lumps when he's moving around, and he seems uncomfortable in a way that the painkillers aren't touching so I think it's time for steroids.

I know every case is different but any stories are welcome This is our first pig to go slowly and as sad as it is we also feel really fortunate to give him a safe and, hopefully, comfortable end.

 

[Merab]

So sorry that you’re in this position.
I haven’t had experience of lymphoma but have had terminal piggies.
As long as they were eating and pooping and free of pain I just let them live out their lives in their own home.
Fortunately all of mine died peacefully at home surrounded by their cage mates.
My focus was on giving them as many happy todays as possible and making lots of good memories.

The hard part for us is waiting.
We are living with the shadow of loss and have already started grieving.
It sounds as if you are doing everything right and giving him the best life now and I pray he will have a good and peaceful ending surrounded by those who love him.

Have a browse through the bereavement threads on the forum as there is a lot of good advice and information there.
Holding you in my heart