Gaby has a cyst and I'm confused

[Razor]

Please read carefully before replying.

Hi HC, it's been a very long time since the last time I posted over here. Gaby has grown into a fine, old lady at about 2 years and 6 months now. She developed a cyst on her right upper lip about three weeks. She did not seem to be in any pain (at least she did not flinch when I brushed against it gently with a finger) or have trouble with eating or drinking water. She does, however, prefer soft food, perhaps because of the cyst.

Last week, I had consulted the vet via a video call, because given her old age and the approximate 30 minute car ride one way, I had to make the judgement that the travel would be too stressful for her. Prior to the visit, she weighed 53 grams (she's a russian dwarf, most likely a hybrid). The vet, looking at pictures and Gaby, concluded that at the time of the call, the cyst looked clean and pink, and looked alright for then. I have been monitoring her diet, dietary habits, normal activities and cyst closely every day.

The cyst appears to have grown twice the size from a week ago. Her diet seems to be affected as well, and she's been eating much less. Her weight has dropped to 46 grams. The once perfectly pink and clean cyst, appears to have developed a blackened spot near the mouth. And she seems to be generally quite tired. Her ears are, however, still propped upright and back fairly normal looking. She also appears to get very stressed if I handle her for too long. Which makes me being to feel the cyst might be affecting her.

Where I need help from you amazing folks here at HC, urgently, is to help me decide if it is in her best interest and welfare to take her on the long trip to the vet right away, given the current condition. I'm just worried that the travel might end up being very stressful to her, and if she is approaching her end soon, I don't want her to feel stressed and scared; and that it may do more harm than good.

I want her to be as comfortable and happy in her twilight days. I feel uncertain and confused and sad.

NOTE: The image you see below is from one week go. I could not manage to have her sit still for long enough for a new picture. This cyst is twice as big and is blackish at the point where her mouth is (see red circle). The cyst is still closed, and pink otherwise.

Screenshot_20200423-093629_FirstVet.jpg
Screenshot_20200423-093622_FirstVet.jpg

[Vierville]

I am so sorry to hear of Gabi's cyst. She looks like a very lovely and sweet old lady.

Sadly, when they start losing weight and losing condition, it is a sign that something is seriously wrong and needs to be attended to.

If it was me, I would definitely take her to a vet who specialises in exotic animals as soon as you possibly can. I completely understand that it would be stressful to her to take her there but so is not being able to eat as normal or being in pain, both of which need some help in addressing, which you can't do without a vet's help.

There are ways of making a journey much more confortable for them- you can put lots of her substrate (which already smells familiar with her scent) into the carrier you are going to use to take her to the vet.

Please try to take her soon, she cannot go on with this condition without having some medical help as it is affecting her and if it happens that the vet suggests they cannot do anything for her, at very worst they can help make her end peaceful and pain free.

[Razor]

Thanks for your reply Vierville. I spoke to the exotic vet immediately after writing here. I've already booked an appointment on the earliest available slot, i.e. tomorrow. I feel so sad for my little girl.

[Vierville]

Originally Posted by Razor

Thanks for your reply Vierville. I spoke to the exotic vet immediately after writing here. I've already booked an appointment on the earliest available slot, i.e. tomorrow. I feel so sad for my little girl.

Razor, I understand exactly how you feel. I had a similar situation recently with my little girl Monty (also a hybrid Russian dwarf). It is heartbreaking when our beloved little ones get sick but the most important thing we can do is to make decisions in their best interests.

You are obviously a very caring owner and will make the best decision for your beloved little one.

I will be thinking positive thoughts for you and little Gaby in this difficult time.

[cypher]

I hope she'll be ok, it is a worry when they are older but hopefully the vet will be able to help & she'll be able to eat comfortably again & regain some weight & strenght.
I find they tend to be less bothered by journeys in the carrier when they get older tbh, plenty of substrate & maybe some from the cage for a bit of familiar scent & she'll most likely sleep.

[Vierville]

Cypher is absolutely right, my older hams have been much less bothered by trips in the carrier than my younger, more hyperactive ones.

Plenty of deep substrate from her cage with her scent on it to burrow into will make her feel much more at ease.

[Vierville]

I also have a little hide in my carrier that I made out of cardboard, just as a place to hide under.