A difficult decision.

 Its been about 4 weeks since Lila's been to the vet. In that time her lump has expanded, ruptured, scabbed over, and partially broke off. In the name of science I bagged up her tumor. The remaining part scabbed over again and the loss helped with her mobility. She seems to be eating, drinking, and pooping normally. Other than her condition and some excessive sleeping, she seems to be a normal hedgie.

She was a good girl at the vet today. He just kept telling me how easy she was to handle. He did the normal exam, but today she resisted him touching the lump. The last appointment she had no problem with him putting some pressure on it or the leg. I offered up the "old lump" to give to the pathologist, if he was curious. Dr. Harvey thought we would at least like to see it for his own benefit.

During the exam he observed growth since the mass fell off and he noticed considerable change in size as well as texture. He also told me that the odor coming from it was due to it being sorta "rotten". We did not run any test today, however he was able to visually check the "old lump" that I kept in a zip-lock. That thing smells horrid, by the way. No tests means we don't know for sure, but he strongly believes it is a carcinoma tumor.

Before we left Dr. Harvey gave me the rundown on our options. First was a extremely costly amputation, that I could never afford in my wildest dreams. the second treatment plan was a pain killer and antibiotic duo. The meds will cost about $100 and he didn't even tell me how long that supply lasts. Then there's the au natural way, which is to wait it out.

I have never had to make a decision like this before. Her well being is my number one concern and I want to make the right decision. 

 

 

 

--the decision has not been made yet.

Post Vet update

I took Lila to the vet today....

He prescribed Synotic 8ml to reduce inflammation. The medication is supposed to reduce swelling and it is a steroidal topical. This is a 2 week treatment, twice a day for a week and once a day for an additional week. The medication is supposed to reduce swelling. I think he said it was a vascular tumor because it was spongy. He coudn't know for sure with out running one more test. I couldn't afford to do it all at this appointment, but I can kind of do it one appointment at a time. She has a check up on April 16th to see how the meds worked. It would be another $ 200 to get the blood drawn, examined by the pathologist, and to pay for that appointment.I did not get quoted a surgery price. If we did decided to operate, Dr. Harvey would only be able to reduce the mass a bit. A complete removal wouldn't leave enough skin to close the hole. When it come down to it surgery wasn't an option for us because of price. Luckily shes not in pain and still has complete motor functions

 

She has a follow up appointment on April 16th. I hope we don't have anymore issues with her mass.
The vet also said she had the best temperment of all the hedgies hes handled. All of the vet techs were enamored by her.

Pre-Vet setup

The boys had their first outing in my room. Normally they get to be out in the hall since that area is completely empty. I did the best to chin proof the room. They really enjoyed looking at their reflections.

I have to use my bath tub to accommodate my weekly deep cleanings. please don't worry about the exercise balls. They use them for about 5 minutes while I set up the play pen. I will not be using these in the summer months.

Miss Lila has her vet appointment tomorrow afternoon and we are packed and ready to go already. I have white cloths, food, water, serving dishes and bedding in case she has to stay over night. Hopefully she can come home with us.

I spoke with her old owners to see what the deal with her lump was. They had her for 6 months and it went from the size of a pea to nickle size. They came to visit the other day and I asked if it got any bigger and she was shocked. It had in fact grown a lot. She said one day it busted open and was bleeding everywhere, which leads me to believe its a vascular tumor. I'm not a vet so I really don't know.

Lastly I wanted to show you the glass pieces I've made.