[Gpdd] Health: Peppermint update

[corrine sakumoto]

Hello everyone and everypig.  At this writing, Peppermint is the same.  She had seen a vet that didn't know much yesterday.  But at least she got subq and some critical care.  We saw, a supposed, expert rabbit vet who also treats guinea pigs today.  He was very businesslike.  The mass on her side, he suspected was a cyst, but he did a needle biopsy and said there were some odd cells in there that were dividing so he suspected cancer.  He said he wasn't sure so he wanted to send it to a lab but he said he knew they'd want some tissue too so we decided against it.  He said he doesn't think the lump/mass has anything to do with why Peppermint isn't eating or drinking, as it's under the skin and not connected to any organs.  But even if we asked if antibiotics would help or at least a subq, he said she's peeing, she's not dehydrated.  He just matter of factly said, 'I'm looking at an overheated guinea pig!  Turn up the a/c!!!!!'  We didn't know
 what to say to this 'expert.'  So Peppermint is the same.  She will eat 'real food' but only a little.  We give her water by eye dropper and also give her critical care.  We're at our wit's end on what to do.  She feels hot/warm at times so we assume she's dehydrated so we keep up with the water.
 
The vet did say that guinea pigs live in the mountains where the hottest they ever get is 60 degrees.  Well, it's been plenty hot here, almost like an oven at times.  The fans just blow the hot air around.   I try to make sure they have enough water and sometimes offer a frozen ice pack.  Some like them, some don't.  He said they don't tolerate heat very well and I believe that.  So we've got the air cooler now but Peppermint isn't 'recovering.'
 
Neither vet checked her teeth, but Michael felt them with his finger and said they feel fine.
 
If anyone has any ideas to try, please let us know.  My little girl is almost always sleeping or lying down and we can't seem to perk her up.  My little girl Peppermint is usually very active and getting into little troubles.  She's my little girl and always will be.  I want to help her, but so far, two vets are unable to do so.
 
Thanks,
 
Corrine and Michael