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Throat obstruction

H

HarrietFisher23

New Born Pup
Joined
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Location
Warwick
Hey guys!

First post on here! So looking for some advice or if anyone been through similar, my Koko who’s just turned 3 has been coughing for some time! After a year of unsuccessful vet trips (basically telling me he was fine) I took him to Northampton specialist after seeing some good reviews! They checked his back teeth and saw the top of a mass down the back of his throat/windpipe.. thoughts on this were either tumour, polyp or abscess.. not great really as it’s clearly got bigger to cause the more regular coughing while he’s eating as it’s obstructing his airways. He’s happy in himself still eating all the time just getting on with it, he weighs 1250g.

Would you guys risk having him put him under GA to have a better look at what they’re dealing with and potentially removing the lump? My thoughts are is it worth stressing him out when they may not be able to remove it any way? If they can remove the lump is he likely to recover that type of surgery given they need to eat all the time and this would cause pain surely when swallowing etc?
Was offered a CT scan as another option but they’ve still got to put him under and it’s double the price? Just at a loss with what to do :(
 
So am I, Kim was brilliant so informative etc and felt confident in her so that was nice! We left it as they’d get the quotes across to me, they didn’t really suggest anything as such because he’s not lethargic by any means or losing weight rapidly etc. I’m more tempted to let them put him under and have a physical examination instead of the CT scan at least they can see what they think it is and then move on to treatment, I guess at least if they see it properly and say it’s a tumour I’ll know that there’s nothing I can really do for him. They’ve got such teenie windpipes I can’t imagine his chance of survival being great is my biggest concern!
 
I must admit if he were mine, I would go for the GA to have a closer look and possible removal, if removal isn't viable they may at least be able to debulk the lump to allow him to swallow easier. If its slow growing or doesn't grow back, it may buy him an almost full, natural lifespan. You could then opt for it to be sent away rather than the expensive CT scan to see what it is. While aneasthetic is always a risk, that risk is always minimised by a good veterinary team and you're certainly in very good hands at the Cat and Rabbit clinic.
A friend of mines piggy had a lump towards the back of the mouth and it did unfortunately grow back once removed, but this was many years after.
 
HarrietFisher23 said:
Hey guys!

First post on here! So looking for some advice or if anyone been through similar, my Koko who’s just turned 3 has been coughing for some time! After a year of unsuccessful vet trips (basically telling me he was fine) I took him to Northampton specialist after seeing some good reviews! They checked his back teeth and saw the top of a mass down the back of his throat/windpipe.. thoughts on this were either tumour, polyp or abscess.. not great really as it’s clearly got bigger to cause the more regular coughing while he’s eating as it’s obstructing his airways. He’s happy in himself still eating all the time just getting on with it, he weighs 1250g.

Would you guys risk having him put him under GA to have a better look at what they’re dealing with and potentially removing the lump? My thoughts are is it worth stressing him out when they may not be able to remove it any way? If they can remove the lump is he likely to recover that type of surgery given they need to eat all the time and this would cause pain surely when swallowing etc?
Was offered a CT scan as another option but they’ve still got to put him under and it’s double the price? Just at a loss with what to do :(
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Hi

HUGS

In my own experience it will only get worse if nothing is done and both the esophagus and airway becomes eventually blocked. :(
Please see any necessary examination measures as a chance to buy him hopefully more time or at the very worst, minimise any suffering.

I am very sorry about your fears but a GA is in any case unavoidable for both the examination and - if that is an option - an immediate operation. The C&R clinic uses a different anaesthetic (isoflurane) to that used by most general vets and also has an excellent recovery nurses team; it means generally a much better recovery. Unfortunately, you cannot examine such a sensitive area without anaesthesia as your boy will need to be carefully placed in positions that are not necessarily natural or comfortable so the vet can work out what exactly is going on and then the best way forward.

This is unfortunately one of these 'between a rock and a hard place' situations that none of us ever wishes to be confronted with. :(

My fingers are very firmly crossed for your boy.
 
Just wanted to wish your boy the very best if outcomes. You are certainly with one of the best vets in the country with excellent outcomes. All my piggies have sailed through any ops they’ve had at the C&R by Simon/Kim with no nasty after effects what so ever
 
Wiebke said:
Hi

HUGS

In my own experience it will only get worse if nothing is done and both the esophagus and airway becomes eventually blocked. :(
Please see any necessary examination measures as a chance to buy him hopefully more time or at the very worst, minimise any suffering.

I am very sorry about your fears but a GA is in any case unavoidable for both the examination and - if that is an option - an immediate operation. The C&R clinic uses a different anaesthetic (isoflurane) to that used by most general vets and also has an excellent recovery nurses team; it means generally a much better recovery. Unfortunately, you cannot examine such a sensitive area without anaesthesia as your boy will need to be carefully placed in positions that are not necessarily natural or comfortable so the vet can work out what exactly is going on and then the best way forward.

This is unfortunately one of these 'between a rock and a hard place' situations that none of us ever wishes to be confronted with. :(

My fingers are very firmly crossed for your boy.
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Thanks for the advice! What was is that yours had and did they investigate to see if it could be removed?
It is a horrible situation to be in with him being so young and full of life, I know hes fit and healthy in every other way and at the moment this isn’t stressing him out given the fact he’s eating as usual and still mounting his brother running round the living room full of energy! But it’s just knowing when to potentially put him through the stress of removal if that’s even a possibility! I’m glad I’ve found a good vet that’s actually found the root cause of the problem and that so many people rave about, so that is reassuring me a little with the outcome.
Thanks for positive wishes!
 
HarrietFisher23 said:
Thanks for the advice! What was is that yours had and did they investigate to see if it could be removed?
It is a horrible situation to be in with him being so young and full of life, I know hes fit and healthy in every other way and at the moment this isn’t stressing him out given the fact he’s eating as usual and still mounting his brother running round the living room full of energy! But it’s just knowing when to potentially put him through the stress of removal if that’s even a possibility! I’m glad I’ve found a good vet that’s actually found the root cause of the problem and that so many people rave about, so that is reassuring me a little with the outcome.
Thanks for positive wishes!
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I lost Bryn in 2013 to a throat infection over the course of a weekend; it was before out of hours services became mandatory. By the time of his appointment on the Monday (since the vet was already booked out for Saturday), his throat had sadly swelled shut. He was an old and already frail piggy by that time so his immune system had given way. :(
My vet did a post mortem for himself - with my consent of course - to look for signs of cancer but only found signs of a massive infection.

My Papi developed a swelling at the back of her throat in 2017 that wasn't visible from the outside so by the time she lost her appetite (which is a very vague symptom) and then suddenly started salivating things were moving very quickly in just over 24 hours since I noticed that she had a problem. Sadly she didn't make it to her appointment on the following morning.
I had quite a time to persuade the old school out-of-hours vet to please have a proper look at her mouth instead of just sending me home with oral baytril (which she was unable to swallow in the first place). The vet came back visibly shaken; the kindest thing was to not wake her up from her GA. :(

However, neither case compares to yours in terms of symptoms. Please keep in mind that that one similar symptom or area of problem doesn't necessarily mean that it has the same cause. That is why you have to take each case on its own merits and can't just go by other experiences. I haven't come across another case that compares to either experience on here - not in over well over a dozen years on the forum.
In either of my own cases, symptoms developed very quickly seemingly out of the blue.
 
Wiebke said:
I lost Bryn in 2013 to a throat infection over the course of a weekend; it was before out of hours services became mandatory. By the time of his appointment on the Monday (since the vet was already booked out for Saturday), his throat had sadly swelled shut. He was an old and already frail piggy by that time so his immune system had given way. :(
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Wiebke said:
My vet did a post mortem for himself - with my consent of course - to look for signs of cancer but only found signs of a massive infection.

My Papi developed a swelling at the back of her throat in 2017 that wasn't visible from the outside so by the time she lost her appetite (which is a very vague symptom) and then suddenly started salivating things were moving very quickly in just over 24 hours since I noticed that she had a problem. Sadly she didn't make it to her appointment on the following morning.
I had quite a time to persuade the old school out-of-hours vet to please have a proper look at her mouth instead of just sending me home with oral baytril (which she was unable to swallow in the first place). The vet came back visibly shaken; the kindest thing was to not wake her up from her GA. :(

However, neither case compares to yours in terms of symptoms. Please keep in mind that that one similar symptom or area of problem doesn't necessarily mean that it has the same cause. That is why you have to take each case on its own merits and can't just go by other experiences. I haven't come across another case that compares to either experience on here - not in over well over a dozen years on the forum.
In either of my own cases, symptoms developed very quickly seemingly out of the blue.
Wiebke said:
I lost Bryn in 2013 to a throat infection over the course of a weekend; it was before out of hours services became mandatory. By the time of his appointment on the Monday (since the vet was already booked out for Saturday), his throat had sadly swelled shut. He was an old and already frail piggy by that time so his immune system had given way. :(
My vet did a post mortem for himself - with my consent of course - to look for signs of cancer but only found signs of a massive infection.

My Papi developed a swelling at the back of her throat in 2017 that wasn't visible from the outside so by the time she lost her appetite (which is a very vague symptom) and then suddenly started salivating things were moving very quickly in just over 24 hours since I noticed that she had a problem. Sadly she didn't make it to her appointment on the following morning.
I had quite a time to persuade the old school out-of-hours vet to please have a proper look at her mouth instead of just sending me home with oral baytril (which she was unable to swallow in the first place). The vet came back visibly shaken; the kindest thing was to not wake her up from her GA. :(

However, neither case compares to yours in terms of symptoms. Please keep in mind that that one similar symptom or area of problem doesn't necessarily mean that it has the same cause. That is why you have to take each case on its own merits and can't just go by other experiences. I haven't come across another case that compares to either experience on here - not in over well over a dozen years on the forum.
In either of my own cases, symptoms developed very quickly seemingly out of the blue.
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Click to expand...
Wiebke said:
I lost Bryn in 2013 to a throat infection over the course of a weekend; it was before out of hours services became mandatory. By the time of his appointment on the Monday (since the vet was already booked out for Saturday), his throat had sadly swelled shut. He was an old and already frail piggy by that time so his immune system had given way. :(
My vet did a post mortem for himself - with my consent of course - to look for signs of cancer but only found signs of a massive infection.

My Papi developed a swelling at the back of her throat in 2017 that wasn't visible from the outside so by the time she lost her appetite (which is a very vague symptom) and then suddenly started salivating things were moving very quickly in just over 24 hours since I noticed that she had a problem. Sadly she didn't make it to her appointment on the following morning.
I had quite a time to persuade the old school out-of-hours vet to please have a proper look at her mouth instead of just sending me home with oral baytril (which she was unable to swallow in the first place). The vet came back visibly shaken; the kindest thing was to not wake her up from her GA. :(

However, neither case compares to yours in terms of symptoms. Please keep in mind that that one similar symptom or area of problem doesn't necessarily mean that it has the same cause. That is why you have to take each case on its own merits and can't just go by other experiences. I haven't come across another case that compares to either experience on here - not in over well over a dozen years on the forum.
In either of my own cases, symptoms developed very quickly seemingly out of the blue.
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Oh that’s sad 😢 and it never gets an easier having poorly pets, we just love our little piggies and want the best for them!
Yes I can’t find anything online that’s exactly the same as this so it’s going to just have to be a gut decision. Thanks for the replies I will keep everyone posted on Koko’s journey! X
 
HarrietFisher23 said:
Oh that’s sad 😢 and it never gets an easier having poorly pets, we just love our little piggies and want the best for them!
Yes I can’t find anything online that’s exactly the same as this so it’s going to just have to be a gut decision. Thanks for the replies I will keep everyone posted on Koko’s journey! X
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I feel for you; it is not something we have come across before.

It is never getting any easier, only that you are over time more likely to call it quits a bit sooner because you know better what comes next than at first. The heartache is however never any less since every bond is unique. :(

I do however second that you will be in the best of experienced hands at the C&R, whatever their findings are.
 
Hey all,

I’ve decided to book Koko in for further examination and possible removal next Wednesday! Can everyone keep their fingers crossed please nothing goes wrong! I literally won’t know what’s going to happen until the day comes which is horrible but will try and think positive!
 
Simon is a marvellous surgeon, Koko will be in the very best of hands. Good luck to your brave little piggie, I hope it goes really well 🤞Will be thinking of you both
 
Fingers crossed all goes well and you get some answers. Please update us and let us know how he gets on.
 
Hi all,

Update for you, Simon had a look and poke around under GA, but unfortunately it’s not an abscess and it’s too well attached to remove without causing a potentially catastrophic outcome… so I can rest assured I’ve done all I can do for my little guy and just let him carry on with his life while he’s happy! He said even after roughly 20 dental surgeries a week for Guinea pigs he’s never come across this - which is just typical for me, of course it’s something rare! 😂

Thanks for the support glad I got him checked out as much as I could!
 
Sending you and your piggy my very best wishes. I hope he keeps well and happy for a good while yet.
 
HarrietFisher23 said:
Hi all,

Update for you, Simon had a look and poke around under GA, but unfortunately it’s not an abscess and it’s too well attached to remove without causing a potentially catastrophic outcome… so I can rest assured I’ve done all I can do for my little guy and just let him carry on with his life while he’s happy! He said even after roughly 20 dental surgeries a week for Guinea pigs he’s never come across this - which is just typical for me, of course it’s something rare! 😂

Thanks for the support glad I got him checked out as much as I could!
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HUGS

I am so sorry for the bad news - it not you'd have wished for! :(
There is always new stuff around as there are better and better diagnostics and more veterinary knowledge about guinea pigs even though we are still lagging well behind. But I still remember the times when it would have just been 'one of these things'. :(
At least you now know what you are up against and can that will hopefully help you with dealing with it now that you have a handle. The not knowing is always worst.

Please see every day more your precious boy is still around as a boon and make it special for both of you.

PS: You can find some helpful advice and information on the challenges when looking after a terminally ill guinea pig in this guide here: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
 
How long would you say is normal for him to be acting a bit unhappy after anaesthetic? He’s eating bits and bobs and was eating 10 mins after he woke up, but not much now compared to Reggie.. I’m making food more accessible right next to his hides and hand feeding when I can! I know it’s not even been 24 hours since he was asleep so maybe overthinking it, but when should I worry?
 
HarrietFisher23 said:
How long would you say is normal for him to be acting a bit unhappy after anaesthetic? He’s eating bits and bobs and was eating 10 mins after he woke up, but not much now compared to Reggie.. I’m making food more accessible right next to his hides and hand feeding when I can! I know it’s not even been 24 hours since he was asleep so maybe overthinking it, but when should I worry?
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Hi

He should be OK pretty soon in terms of the GI as the Cat&Rabbit uses isoflurane and not vetergesic but in your case your boy may likely feel rather sore from the prodding of his throat and may do so for a few days.

I would recommend to feed and water little but often, as much as he will take in one go. Your feeding support replaces mainly the 80% of hay that he is unlikely to eat much of with a sore throat. The first day after is always the worst because a piggy will feel rather sore after any procedure.

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...-guinea-pigs-with-videos-and-pictures.197058/
 
Sending you and boy little man the very best wishes. I’m so sorry Simon was unable to remove the tissue but I hope you have loads more happy times together x
 
Update: we’re nearly 5 months on from diagnosis and Koko is full of beans, still gagging and coughing but also still begging me for pea flakes at every given opportunity, he’s actually been way kinder to me since his diagnosis and voluntarily will jump on my lap (again just for pea flakes but we’ll pretend it’s for a cuddle)

Thought I’d let you guys know he’s still a happy boy - recent bath pic for cuteness (sore lips so that’s why they’ve got cream on)
 

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Oh it’s lovely to hear from you x
Koko is a little smasher 💙 so glad he is doing so well x
 
Awww you guys thanks for the love! Will check in more often ❤️
Reggie however now has a lump on his leg causing him to limp! So back to the vets we goooooo, no rest with these boys and no money apparently 😂
 
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