cancer in cheek, post-surgery

[slynnwright83]

My guinea pig, Piggy, just had a tumor removed from his cheek. I have never heard of a pig having one grow there before. He was on medication-antibiotics and painkillers-for 5 days. Post-medication, he has hardly eaten anything and pre-surgery, he was the type of guinea pig who never left his hay tray. He is not sluggish in his movement, but he prefers to stay in his hut all day and night. I do not know what to do about this. I am afraid of picking him up and disturbing his recuperation, so I just let him lay there, hoping he will perk up one day again.

Has anyone ever had cancer surgery done on their guinea pig? Do they ever regain their spirits or will he probably never be the same again? Is it highly likely that the cancer will return? My veterinarian is so elusive and evasive, so I can hardly ask him direct questions. He will not tell me statistics or what his prognosis is, so I turn to other people who can speak forthrightly about this without fear of making a "guarantee". I really fear for my guinea pigs life.

This is an odd question, but do mosquitoes pose a threat to them? There are a few mosquitoes in my house that have been biting me all over and I wonder if they will bite him as well. I am not sure if parasites like this are harmful to rodents.


Thanks for any advice in advance. Anything would be better than the void my vet has left me in...of just "waiting and seeing".

Stephanie

[Dawn - Admin]

Hi Stephanie, Welcome to Cutiecavies.

I am sorrty to hear about your piggy, vets aren't all that good at sharing what little info they have anyway with us I have found. It is not good for him to sit about moping all day. I would get him out and give him some attention and love. It wont harm to cuddle him I am sure. Also if he isn't eating you must feed syringe feed him or his system will start to shut down and he will eventually die.

Yes I would think mosquitos would affect him too especially if it was carrying something, do you have a net or something to put over his cage to protect him from them.

[piggymomma]

awe poor thing. I hope he has a speedy recovery!

[Orlaith]

I know it's a different thing, but after I had my boy Xander neutered he was really sleepy and lethargic for a few days before he started to perk up, but I was really scared and watched him really closely to see if he was eating (I even used to count how many poops he did!). Maybe you could also try moving his food closer to his house so he doesn't have to go too far to get it.