I'm very concerned about my guinea pig Apricot's long-term weight loss. As you can see from the chart, she's been progressively losing weight since last autumn with a period of relative stabilisation after Loxicom treatment started in the winter - from a peak of 1.2kg in early summer down to 871g most recently. This isn't an environmental issue as her two herdmates have been stable throughout this time.
I've taken Apricot to see a couple of different vets, one of whom was an exotics specialist. They detected a small mass in a scan but were reluctant to operate citing her age (she was born on 11/11/21) and low weight. As noted they prescribed Loxicom at increasing doses in the autumn, and I'm now giving her 0.5ml twice a day. I'm also now supplementing her diet with critical care mixed in with very finely cut veggies, which she's eating quite well from a bowl or spoon. She also seems to be eating hay and nuggets regularly, and is still very keen on her veggie breakfast every morning, wheeking at me enthusiastically with the others. Her activity level seems OK, although she does seem to have more moments of lethargy recently. That said, when I put the herd out for floor time a few days ago she was much more active than the others.
The guinea pig rescue lady who regularly grooms and checks our piggies advised me to raise with the vet the possibility of a thyroid disorder, citing a case of a piggie which was successfully treated in Northampton, England. Does anyone else have any thoughts and ideas on where to go from here? For example, should I ask the vets about anything else? Should I encourage them to do an exploratory operation regardless of their reluctance? If nothing can be done, when should I face the dreadful reality of having her PTS? I don't want her to waste away to nothing - but equally I don't want to prematurely end her time while she's still enjoying some quality of life.
https://postimg.cc/WdVD0yVc
Long-term weight loss and future prognosis
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Talishan
- You can quote me
Hyperthyroidism can and does occur in guinea pigs. It's not real common, but it does happen and the rescue lady is right, in my opinion, to suggest you look into it.
I'd also consider the possibility of ovarian cysts. These are *very* common in females as they age, and they can be treated hormonally (with hormone therapy, that is) if the piggie is not a good surgical candidate. (That surgery is also very invasive; my experience with it was abysmal [the pig passed], and I'd not consider it unless it's absolutely necessary.)
I think (if I remember right) ovarian cysts will show up on ultrasound better than x-ray.
See if there's a non-invasive way to sample the small mass they saw for more information. Fine-needle aspirate (FNA) will get you a few cells, and while it requires light sedation iirc, it's nowhere near as invasive as a biopsy. Exploratory surgery is generally a very poor idea with guinea pigs.
Slow-growing masses can sometimes be treated well with steroids like prednisone or prednisolone, if it turns out to be something like that.
4 1/2 isn't very old. I wouldn't let her age deter me from any surgery that might ultimately prove necessary, but more her overall health, strength, and thrift.
In my opinion -- as long as she feels well (most of the time, anyway); is eating, drinking, urinating, defecating, and behaving normally -- I wouldn't even begin considering euthanasia yet.
My very, very best to her and to you. Keep us posted.
I'd also consider the possibility of ovarian cysts. These are *very* common in females as they age, and they can be treated hormonally (with hormone therapy, that is) if the piggie is not a good surgical candidate. (That surgery is also very invasive; my experience with it was abysmal [the pig passed], and I'd not consider it unless it's absolutely necessary.)
I think (if I remember right) ovarian cysts will show up on ultrasound better than x-ray.
See if there's a non-invasive way to sample the small mass they saw for more information. Fine-needle aspirate (FNA) will get you a few cells, and while it requires light sedation iirc, it's nowhere near as invasive as a biopsy. Exploratory surgery is generally a very poor idea with guinea pigs.
Slow-growing masses can sometimes be treated well with steroids like prednisone or prednisolone, if it turns out to be something like that.
4 1/2 isn't very old. I wouldn't let her age deter me from any surgery that might ultimately prove necessary, but more her overall health, strength, and thrift.
In my opinion -- as long as she feels well (most of the time, anyway); is eating, drinking, urinating, defecating, and behaving normally -- I wouldn't even begin considering euthanasia yet.
My very, very best to her and to you. Keep us posted.
For me, the measuring stick for euthanasia is the amount they're suffering with pain that cannot be managed with a reasonable amount of meds, ie having to keep them "doped up" all the time. Quality of life is a factor as well. Nobody can tell you whether or not you should put them down. That's a decision only you can make. I will tell you to do your due diligence before you make that choice. Seek advice from your vet and from every source at your disposal. Don't be hard on yourself if it comes to that. It's not as easy as it sounds. I get that, but know that you're doing the best you can for your guinea pig. Their lifespan is relatively short compared to dogs and cats, so enjoy every minute with them and be at peace knowing that you gave them the very best life you could.
In the meantime, keep monitoring the weight and manage the symptoms. Take care of yourself too. You're doing a great job.
In the meantime, keep monitoring the weight and manage the symptoms. Take care of yourself too. You're doing a great job.
I thought it might be worth updating on Apricot's status a few months and several vet consultations later.
She's ended up diagnosed with arthritis and is on "multimodal" pain relief (loxicom, paracetamol and gabapentin). She's also had suprelorin in an effort to slow the growth of ovarian cysts. The poor thing also has a dermatological cyst which we've been managing with F10 but will need some more conclusive intervention soon.
Despite Apricot's declining weight she has managed to outlive her much heavier, older herdmate Artemis who sadly passed away at the vets after a sudden, brief illness.
She's ended up diagnosed with arthritis and is on "multimodal" pain relief (loxicom, paracetamol and gabapentin). She's also had suprelorin in an effort to slow the growth of ovarian cysts. The poor thing also has a dermatological cyst which we've been managing with F10 but will need some more conclusive intervention soon.
Despite Apricot's declining weight she has managed to outlive her much heavier, older herdmate Artemis who sadly passed away at the vets after a sudden, brief illness.
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Lynx
- Resist!!!
Thank you for the update. Sorry to hear you lost Artemis.
I was not familiar with F10. It appears to be a safe and effective antiseptic.
https://www.meadowsah.com/f10sc-veterinary-disinfectant
What is the dermatological cyst like? How large?
I hope the treatments are giving her some relief.
I was not familiar with F10. It appears to be a safe and effective antiseptic.
https://www.meadowsah.com/f10sc-veterinary-disinfectant
What is the dermatological cyst like? How large?
I hope the treatments are giving her some relief.
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Talishan
- You can quote me
You are doing an absolutely exemplary job of caring for her. Bless you and thank you for caring for her so well.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen or Tylenol in the US) isn't used much here afaik, but we had one that did very well on it long-term. It should be considered more here in my opinion. You have excellent vets.
In my experience dermatological cysts don't bother them much. Depending on where it is and how big, if it eventually needs removed, the surgery is fairly superficial; i.e., not invasive.
Hopefully the suprelorin will slow, or even reverse, her weight loss.
Continuing best to her and to you, and blessings and Godspeed to Artemis. She is perfect now. Comfort and peace to you.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen or Tylenol in the US) isn't used much here afaik, but we had one that did very well on it long-term. It should be considered more here in my opinion. You have excellent vets.
In my experience dermatological cysts don't bother them much. Depending on where it is and how big, if it eventually needs removed, the surgery is fairly superficial; i.e., not invasive.
Hopefully the suprelorin will slow, or even reverse, her weight loss.
Continuing best to her and to you, and blessings and Godspeed to Artemis. She is perfect now. Comfort and peace to you.
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