[Gpdd] health: Patch has a probable lung tumor

[Cazza177]

Dear Leila

I was so sorry to read about Patch.

I looked in my guinea pigs books (including one that's a veterinary
handbook) and couldn't find anything on lung tumors -- if indeed that is
what your Patch has.

I searched Google and found one link that may be of help, but my computer
didn't have the application to read this, but your computer may do:-

DISEASES OF GUINEA PIGS POLA - 1994 Ralph M. Bunte, DVM Veterinary ...
Franks, LM and Chesterman, FC: The Pathology of Tumors and Other Lesions of
the Guinea Pig Lung. Br. J. Cancer 16(4):696-700 (1962). ...
www.afip.org/vetpath/POLA/GUINEA_PIG.BUNTE.94 - 81k -

Good luck

Carole

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From: "Leila Baldridge" <keegsmom at cablelynx.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:23:12 -0500
To: <gpdd at gpdd.org>
Subject: [Gpdd] health: Patch has a probable lung tumor

 Patch is one of my rescues, a female of unknown age, but definately not a
young girl. I have had her for several years. I call her "Peaceable Patch"
because she gets along with everyone and everypig. She  was recently seen by
the vet for mites (we never knew where they came from!) but otherwise was in
good health. Then she began just not seeming quite "right", a little
sluggish, not being quite as eager at the food dish--but nothing really
obvious. This went on for several days. Then I noticed that when she got
excited she started breathing hard. Still no coughing, discharge, or
anything. But I was worried and took her to the vet. He X-rayed her and
found what appears to be a large tumor in her lungs.

We decided to try a course of Baytril, in case the tumor might be masking a
pneumonia that was causing the immediate decline in health. As of now, she
is breathing easier and eating better. She doesnt have much energy and won't
push her way into the food with the others, so I give her a chance at the
veggies by herself. She does not seem to be in any pain.

I realize her chances for recovery are nil. At this point I just want to
make her comfortable for as long as possible, and I pray I will know when
its time to let her go. It seems like such a short time since Bryn left us.
I am very sad to have to accept that Patch will probably be joining her
soon.

Does anyone have experience with lung tumors in piggies? What should I
expect? Is it likely to be a matter of weeks, or even less?  Thanks for
listening, and any info you may have.

Leila and the Six Little Pigs