Big Mammary Tumor on pig

[bellawelmas]

Hello, I have come seeking any medical advice on this tough situation I am in with one of my guinea pigs. I have had them for about 5 years now, and just a few months ago one of them developed a mammry tumor on her right side. It was too expensive to test for cancer so our vet made the medical assumption that it was not cancerous. We just let her be and now her tumor has grown over these last couple months. We have taken her back once more to the vert but the surgery is just so expensive over a few thousand dollars. I feel so bad for my sweet girl but I just don't know what to do. She is still eating, pooping, and moving around but does lay down in her house more. I just want her to be ok and be in as little pain as she can. The tumor is huge I would say about a golf ball on her mammy gland. Has anyone dealt with it rupturing and what is that like?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this.

Unfortunately mammary tumours will just continue to grow until they get so large piggy is not able to stand or move properly. They really do need to be removed (and best done while small as it is not an invasive surgery at that point) but I can fully appreciate that it is a lot of money and that is of course a major consideration.
If it ulcerates then there is going to be blood loss, a lot of pain and a risk of infection.

I’ve added a guide and another thread below

Sow Problems 'Down Below' (Ovarian Cysts, Super-seasons, Womb Infection, Pregnancy & Mammary Tumours)
Guinea pig mammary tumor

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I’m so sorry your piggy is poorly. Sending hugs to you and healing vibes to her.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
So sorry that your piggy is ill.
I echo the advice @Piggies&buns has given you.
Is there a family member who could help you with the vet bills?
Maybe your vet would be prepared to negotiate a payment plan.

Holding you in my heart

 

[Freela]

I can fully understand how expensive vet care is in North America, it's shocking sometimes to see what the bill is. Unfortunately, this tumor is just going to keep on growing until it impairs her movement or ulcerates/erodes and becomes a big, open wound. So if removal is not an option, it's a matter of quality of life and palliative care- monitoring her to make sure her quality of life is still good, and choosing humane euthanasia once she is in pain or suffering or no longer able to have a good quality of life with the mass. In the meantime, weight her regularly and keep the cage as clean and dry as possible (that mass resting on wet bedding as it grows will promote ulceration/infection, so keep her as dry as you possibly can for as long as you possibly can.)

All the best and hope she still has many more happy days.