Guinea pig lumps

[margaret6]

I have two piggies with a lump each larger than a gooseberry. Lulu is well and was used for breeding before I got her. Not sure what age she is. As long as she's totally well I am reluctant for any vet intervention as I've just lost a beautiful piggie following neutering and lulu's not had the easiest life with all those babies etc. However I have a neutered male who is not quite a year old and I've noticed a similar large lump under his chin on his upper chest. He is well also but because of his age, I will take him to the vet anyway, along with Lulu. He is a 'teddy' guineapig and I have been told they don't live long. Its the first time I've noticed this lump on him but it must have grown to that size. they are not abcess's or any broken skin about. Do any of you guys know about large lumps and the best way to deal with them? I don't want sick piggies due to operations if they can live well and happy with the lumps. Thank you
Margaret6

[lonestarpiggies]

Sorry to hear about the lumps. I would definitely have the vet take a look at both pigs. My boar had a mammary tumor about a year and half ago. I had it removed and he had no trouble healing or anything. Let us know what the vet says.

[margaret6]

Thanks lonestarpiggies, I'll phone the vet now. I feel another bill coming on!!! Just got one today for £244 and my wee boy died after being neutered. Such is piggie life. Xx

[3piggles]

I had a girl with lumps caused by hormones. They were fatty lumps, not cancer tumors, but she got so many each time, after two surgeries, we went with the hysterectomy.

Lumps are so varied, from minimal fatty lumps to tumors, that you really need to get all the information you can, before deciding what to do. You don't have to get surgery, especially if the lumps are small.

This is the GL section on lumps, and it just helps understand the different types: www.guinealynx.info/lumps.html

Good luck!!!

[jolovespiggies]

I hope she is all right hun, I have a piggy fried whose piggy developed lumps and when taken to the vet, it wasn't a tumour.

Hugs

JO xx

[margaret6]

Thanks guys, went to the vet. She's sure lulu's lump is a mammary Tumour as I rescued her after having many babies. We don't know how old she is so we have decided to leave well alone. She is happy, eating well and a good weight, what's to be will be with her. Ted on the other hand isn't a year old yet. She aspirated his lump and it is an infection. He's going for a wee op to lance it on Tuesday and she'll check him all over as well. He's on antibiotics and anti inflammatories now. It was an awkward situation as I had to ask what vet would be doing the op as I didn't want the vet that did Max's neutering because he died. It'll be another vet who knows more about piggies. Thanks again everyone x

[Teebers]

I'm sorry to hear about Max, margaret - what happened?

It sounds like Ted has an abscessated lymph node - lets us know how he goes!

[3piggles]

I had a similar vet situation, many years ago, and when I had to take another pig in after the first disaster, I said, quite plainly, that I would not let that vet touch my pig, and why. Pigs may not cost much, but they are worth everything to us. They are not expendable, and I expect the best possible treatment for them. I'm glad that vet won't be doing the surgery, but don't back down if that changes.

[margaret6]

Thank you 3piggies, I will x

[margaret6]

Hi Teebers, my baby Max went for neutering 4 wks ago, he was 5 1/2 months old. The young vet botched the op. I was back at vet every day for a week. I syringe fed him day and night and then he died on the 7th day one hour after the same vet saw him. He died in pain and I wish I had just put him to sleep. The vet I saw yesterday told me that there is only one other vet that she would trust with guinea pigs so at least I know names now. She also said, which I thought was very interesting, that after neutering if they do not poo or eat by themselves by the end of the 2nd day, they won't make it and I should have been told that survival was not likely, poor wee Max.

[lonestarpiggies]

Sorry to hear what you went through with Max. I'm sure Ted will do great with his operation

[jolovespiggies]

Thinking of you love, lots of vibes are on their way.

Hugs

JO xx

[margaret6]

Thank you x

[margaret6]

Ted is fully recovered from his operation, he's on metacam and antibiotics, and happy back with his girls. Hope all is well x

[3piggles]

Excellent!!! Give him 4-6 weeks for his plumbing to totally clear, and he can be back in the same cage with them!!!

[margaret6]

Ted had his little 'lump' lanced, he's already had the plumbing done on his other two lumps about 6months ago! So he's back purring away at his girls. Thank you x

[monkeyandthechimp]

Hahaha that made me giggle Margaret! Plumbing done on his other two lumps! Hahahahah

[lonestarpiggies]

Glad all went well!

[3piggles]

Hehehe, sounds like he's a happy boar!!

[margaret6]

My piggie called Lulu seems to have the start of a bit bumble foot. She has loads of space to run and a soft surface, so not sure how it happened. I don't clean them every day but their hutch and run is clean enough. She also has a large mammary tumor which is not treated as she is well, eating , pooing and happy. The tumor is big and the vet wanted to leave well alone. Anyway she is going to the vet tomorrow for treatment but is there anything else I can do to help her? thanks