Peanut

[daj]

Interesting... It's agonizing hearing him chew things because of pain. He needs to hang in there until Wed. when we go to the vet again.

[Lynx]

Hoping the pain eases. Let us know what the vet has to say.

[ItsaZoo]

I’ve never had an issue with Metacam causing diarrhea, and it must taste good because both Lacey and Gidget liked it. If Peanut likes Critical Care, maybe you could mix in the probiotic and that would make it easier to syringe.

[daj]

The diarrhea has passed, so yeah, it wasn't the Metacam. I took urine for analysis today. They said there is still blood, but it's red blood cells, not white. I don't know what that means. They said the vet now thinks it was not an infection. This is after an x-ray and urinalysis and over two weeks on two different ABs. They said she thinks it may be a growth on his bladder. They want me to leave him there in the morning (which I hate doing) so they can do an ultrasound. I asked about waiting, as I have to go away next week. She said if there is a growth and we wait, surgery may no longer be optional. I really don't know what to do. I suppose the prudent thing is to get the ultrasound.

Since I was feeling panicked over the weekend, he has been doing much better. I had started to think he is improved because the infection had run its course and he was feeling better. He had red blood in the urine and was chewing fleece when he was on the Baytril. When I stopped, the blood went away, and he stopped chewing fleece.

[daj]

I don't have the results of the ultrasound yet, but if there is a growth on the bladder, I wonder if surgery is even the best option? I wonder what type of outcome might be expected by just keeping him on Metacam, plus the shilintong a chanka piedra? What if a growth is removed? How likely is it to come back, and what are the chances of impairment to his bladder function? I guess these are questions the vet will go over.

[Lisa12]

Red blood cells-erytrocites, white-leukocytes, but bacteria level is more important.

It could be the stone that was not seen on x-ray. In our case result were inconclusive(i chose experienced exotic vet who agreed i will be holding Irie during examination)-small stone, bladder sand+he said something wierd on left side-he checked few more times and said this part of bladder wall seems normal it was just projection..Our Irie is 7+, already, altough he thinks he is 2, but anyway..its a bit different situation..

However..bladder needs to be full..and not all is seen on ultrasound..

Depends on age of the pig and diagnosis, .... and if you have really good vet available..

I hope somebody else with more experience will answer you.

[daj]

So I went and got him, but can't speak with the vet for 3 more hours. They said she will speak with me about surgery or euthanasia.

[Lynx]

Let us know what the vet has to say.

[daj]

Peanut has a large tumor in his bladder. Apparently there is one other option, which is meds to try to shrink it. So, he will be on Metacam, Cipro and Cerenia. The vet says she has seen good results with dogs on this combination, for their anti-cancer effects. I didn't mention it to the vet, but I will also keep him on the herbs. I haven't been using cranberry, but will start. I suppose I feel like there isn't much to loose at this point. He may only have a short time left. I consider surgery to be out of the question, especially if it may be cancerous. Plus, it would cost 2K, and I am not in a position to do it.

On a related note, the vet said the average life expectancy for pigs used to be about 8, but it's now about 5. I did't question this, since my focus was on Peanut, but I wonder what others thoughts on this are?

[bpatters]

None of those drugs are going to shrink the tumor, IMO. Cipro is a potent antibiotic, often used for bone infections but also for other things. Cerenia controls nausea and possibly pain, and Metacam is an NSAID used to treat arthritis. It can be used for pain caused by inflammation.

I think your vet is all wet on her predictions about life expectancy. I'd say it's more likely the other way around.

[Lisa12]

Oh, no:(

Pig is about 3? Well probably if he was mine i would put him through surgery if you plan to eutanize him anyway, cause even if he doesnt make it through the surgery or recovery whats the difference.. I was always pushing vets hard to the limits, we only had the best we could and i didnt have to euthanize anyone of our animals-we had a lot of luck, too. I am so grateful..I mean..just my opinnion, but if i were you i would choose the best vet available(even if it means couple of hours of drive) and get some sponsor(friend, relative-i borrowed once money from my mum and once from my grandma for animals, but now i work a lot so i ve got enough). If we can get money for cars and all we can get money for pigs..
Just my oppinion..

Fingers crossed for Peanut for best possible outcome..

[Sef]

I'm sorry to hear that Peanut has a tumor. I wonder if it would be worth exploring Prednisone with your vet. Maybe someone here can chime in on whether or not it might help shrink it (that said, if I remember correctly, NSAIDs and steroids don't mix). I think if it were me, though, I'd want a second opinion just to make sure no other viable options have been overlooked.