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Post by sholland236 on Jan 11, 2016 19:58:12 GMT
So we have three degus that live as a pair and a lone seperated by mesh so the lone isnt too lonely.
One of the pair has been quite unwell with various problems. He has had cataracts for a few years now and we think he is about six. About a hear or two ago he had a large lump grow on his lip which we had removed and sent off to find out what it is. It turned out to be cancerous and there was another lump on his foot. The vet said this couldnt be removed as there wasnt enough skin to close the wound.
Now the lump on his chin has reappeared and we do not know what to do for the best. We dont know if there is enough skin left if we choose to operate and expect it will come back if we do. He is getting uncomfortable and we will be taking him to the vet soon but dont know what is the best decision.
Also I don't know how his brother will cope without him. Any advice of what to do to help him if the worst should happen?
Thanks!
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Post by bouncy on Jan 11, 2016 23:29:52 GMT
That's such a tough decision! I really don't envy your position  It sounds like a long chat with the vet may be in order, as well as a few other things to consider. How quickly did the chin tumour return? How much discomfort is your goo in? I once had a similar decision with another pair of animals. I went with the surgery option on a large stomach tumour, and I'm glad I did because his quality of life at the time was great. When he was poorly again a month later, I had to look at his quality of life. As lonely as his brother would be (after five years together), I knew I couldn't put poor Fred through another operation as big as the first, and made the decision to let him go. His brother Barney lasted another six months, but seemed to know his brother was poorly, and I did put him back in their cage after the vet trip so he could say goodbye. Is there any obvious reason why you couldn't consider introducing your third degu? |
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Post by deguconvert on Jan 12, 2016 0:10:55 GMT
Same questions as Bouncy, so will wait for your answers before chiming in.
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Post by sholland236 on Jan 12, 2016 0:21:00 GMT
I think it has been a little over a year since the first tumour was removed. He rubs at it sometimes but it doesn't seem too bad a probem for him. Just don't know how many times we can put him through the surgery, if that is even an option We have tried several times to introduce the lone boy but he is so dominant, as is the other degu of the pair, that they end up fighting and we have to seperate as they get injured |
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Post by deguconvert on Jan 12, 2016 2:51:52 GMT
I think that getting your vet to look at him and suggest some options will be helpful to you. They may have some ideas that were not previously discussed. Or it may not need immediate attention. Or it could be the sooner removed the better. Is he showing signs of distress, or pain, or lethargy? Is this a mass that can/will/has metastasized? OOPS just re-read your original post and see that there is a lump on a foot. The lump on the foot, is it known to be the same kind of tumor?
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 12, 2016 10:59:46 GMT
I would talk to the vet some more. I think operating or not operating are equally valid choices. I think some people need to know they have done everything they could to extend life and others prefer to limit the suffering even if it shortens the life. I think quality of life is a large factor. How is he in himself and how well did he cope with the previous surgery?
I would try to think about the issue with the brothers as a separate thing.
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Post by sholland236 on Jan 12, 2016 21:41:52 GMT
The vet is brilliant and sent the last lump off to the lab free of charge as he said he hasn't seen anything like it before. The results said it is a type of cancer that doesn't tend to spread, so the lump on the foot and the return of the mouth lump are likely to be more cases of the same, rather than an indication that the cancer has taken over him (if that makes any sense). His name is Nosey, as he is always sticking his nose in  he is still acting like his usual self, other than struggling to get about a bit more than usual but I guess that comes with age. The last lump he had seemed to get in the way and made things difficult for him, but this one doesnt seem to affect him at all so I'm reluctant to make too big a decision whilst he is coping! But can never tell how it feels for him. |
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Post by savvy on Jan 12, 2016 22:14:30 GMT
That is good news!
I know when I've had sick pets in the past my vet has always said 'you'll know when the times right' and you do. If the little guy is still enjoying life, its a sign that he's not ready to anywhere yet. But I bet he's enjoying the attention.
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 13, 2016 11:49:13 GMT
Good to hear Nosey is still OK in himself, so there is no rush for you to make any decision.
If you have a great vet, then let them guide you, take Nosey in and let them have a look over him and see what they think. I think it's worth checking exactly how long ago the last operation was to figure out the regrowth rate, you can then look at the foot tumour and try to estimate when that might become too big for him to cope with. I'm sure that discussing it in person with the vet will help you see through the fog.
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Post by sholland236 on Jan 26, 2016 22:54:59 GMT
We took Nosey to the vet today, who immediately said there was nothing that can be done which we were expecting.
However, he did say that although its cancerous, it isnt something that causes him a great deal of trouble. We decided to bring him home for a little longer with some medication to keep him comfortable, and take him back for the last time when the time is right. Just hope we made the right decision
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Post by yasmin on Jan 27, 2016 1:01:46 GMT
Sad that there is nothing more they can do for him.
It is good you brought him home – these little guys can be very resilient and enjoy every bit of life they have.
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 27, 2016 10:45:00 GMT
At least the vet hasn't left you with a difficult choice, so hopefully the 'what ifs' will be limited and no regrets. Take heart that Nosey isn't in pain and try and enjoy your time with him.
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Post by bouncy on Jan 27, 2016 10:48:45 GMT
If he's still happily carrying on, then I'm sure Nosey will be glad to be spending his remaining time with his humans. Enjoy your remaining time with him, and know that you've given him a happy life |
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Post by sholland236 on Feb 13, 2016 13:11:40 GMT
Unfortunately, we said goodbye to our little Nosey yesterday. He was getting to the point where he couldnt eat anymore and wasn't acting himself Thanks for all your advice! |
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Post by uglibug on Feb 13, 2016 18:02:15 GMT
RIP Nosey, run free over the bridge little man. X
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Post by bouncy on Feb 13, 2016 18:07:32 GMT
Poor little Nosey |
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Post by yasmin on Feb 14, 2016 1:01:12 GMT
May he rest in peace and may you find peace in knowing that you did all you could for him and that he was truly loved. My sincere condolences.  |
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 14, 2016 12:48:35 GMT
I'm sorry for your loss. Rest well Nosey x
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 15, 2016 1:56:35 GMT
So very sorry for your loss! Thinking of you.
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he is still acting like his usual self, other than struggling to get about a bit more than usual but I guess that comes with age. The last lump he had seemed to get in the way and made things difficult for him, but this one doesnt seem to affect him at all so I'm reluctant to make too big a decision whilst he is coping! But can never tell how it feels for him.
