Sweet Pea Needs Surgery!
Sweet Pea, a 5 month old female guinea pig, was adopted by Alisha 3 months ago through a non-profit animal rescue organization in southern California. Sweet Pea has always been an upbeat piggie who loves her hay and veggies very much! (don't they all) However, about 4 days ago, Alisha noticed that her left shoulder was abnormally large and Sweet Pea looked very awkward. Alisha rushed her to the vet where she was told to put a warm compress on a couple times a day and come back if it got worse. Unfortunately it got worse within a couple days and Alisha was back at the vets office. This time, the vet said that she needed surgery right away to release all the fluids and find the broken blood vessel/cyst/tumor or whatever might be causing Sweet Pea's swelling and discomfort. This procedure will cost $350-$700 to save Sweet Pea's life. There isn't much time left and the surgery needs to be done soon. Alisha is a college student and this news has made her confused on what to do. The money isn't available and the thought of putting Sweet Pea to sleep just breaks her heart. Alisha is trying to raise enough money, along with her other fundraising of recycling bottles & cans, to pay for the surgery and get Sweet Pea better. Sweet Pea is so young and has a very long life ahead of her with her piggie friends. If you would like to help out the Sweet Pea fund and help save her life, it would be more than appreciated.
UPDATE 11-20-09
Sweet Pea had her surgery on Monday (Nov 16th) and it went very well. The Dr. drained A LOT of fluid, but still could not find the source of the problem. He extracted a piece from her and sent it off to the lab to find out what she has exactly, where it may be a tumor (cancer or benign), a cyst or something else. Alisha should know by Friday, if not, Monday. She will get her staples out November 30th. Sweet Pea is eating and drinking and all the normal piggy stuff which is a very good sign. We hope for a quick recovery and definitely good news from the Dr. regarding the problem. Thank you to all who have donated so far. The current running total is $515 for surgery and lab costs. At this time, we still don't know any other possible costs that could come about. (Again, we won't know until lab results) Thanks again! - Alisha Wheek Wheek Wheek- Sweet Pea =]
Update
"Sweet Pea's results confirmed that she has a hematoma and that it is self healable. With warm compresses and time, she should make a good recovery. At this time, it's a slow process and she might have to go back to the vet if he swelling doesn't go down in the next couple weeks. We are all hoping for a speedy recovery! Thank you all who have donated to the fund. Donations are all greatly appreciated to help Sweet Pea during this time. Thanks again! =]"
Update 12-17-09
Sweet Pea's swelling has stayed down and it looks like this might be the end of all her medical problems. Her recovery seems almost complete! =]