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Elvis has a lump :(

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sarahn

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I have noticed a lump within 7 year old Elvis's right nipple. It is the size of a very large pea and doesn't move around, as if it is attached to the skin. His nipple itself is now swollen and black and tender to touch which is how I have noticed it this morning. I am just trying to find a vet appointment now, does anyone have any idea what this may be? I have never seen anything like it. He is completely his usual self, eating everything, running around so seems very healthy.
 
I took Elvis to the vet this afternoon, they are 90% sure his lump is a tumour but are putting him on a week of antibiotics to check he hasn't got an infection in his nipple which is causing the swelling. It is right inside his nipple and goes deep into his groin. The congealed blood is now weeping continually out of his nipple :(
The vet has suggested 2 options if it does turn out to be a tumour; either manage it consevatively and when the time comes, let him go. Or the other is to remove it through surgery, my only fear is that he is 7 and don't know how he would cope.
The vet seemed to theink the 1st option was better. Does anyone have any experience of this? He is still completely his normal self. thank you
 
I had an old piggy with a suspected mammary tumour; but it was really big and impeding his movement. I took him to Cambridge cavy trust and he had it removed; huge hole to stitch up, poor boy. He managed very well and lived another 6 months when the only other option was to put to sleep.

It's so difficult to know what to do for the best but you have to weigh up the pig's quality of life, vet's skills / experience and probability of a good outcome.

Hope he is ok

Sophie
 
7 years is rather old for a piggie to have an op - however from what you describe it sounds ike though the op is probably the best option......but will only be the best option if the vet doing it is extremely experienced in view of Elvis's age.

Ops are risky - but they are far LESS risky if the vet concerned is expereinced with guinea pig anaeasthetics and surgery.

Also your vet should give your piggie a once over to check if his breathing is clear, his heart rate is good etc etc before they suggest an op. Ask the vet how many piggies they have operated on, for what types of procedures...and what their recovery rate is.

Might be worth finding a really piggie savvy vet in your area and asking for a second opinion.....and if it is a mammary tumour, then judging by it's current condition you really shouldn;t delay by more than a few days.

Good luck - hope Elvis makes a full recovery

x
 
Thanks for your replies. Elvis has had 5 days of oral antibitics now, and the lump doesn't appear to have changed size, so I imagine it is a tumour.... If I was to think of a surgical option is there anywhere near me that is specialist that you know of? Or would I need to take him further afield?

I'm really struggling to know what to do for the best, the fact Elvis is just completely himself makes me feel surgery could be an option, but at the same time his age is against him ?/
 
what a dilema.
I can't advise what to do as only you can take the decision and I totaly understand that it is a tough one. My sow had a mamary tumore removed last week and has so far recovered very well, however she is younger and the lump was not as large so quite a different situation.

Whereabouts are you? someone might be able to recomment a good vet?

Lx
 
I'm on the Wirral, near Liverpool. I am very open to any suggestions, just so I can have a chat to some places that could maybe do it and get a few opinions.I just want what's best for Elvis, whatever option that may be.
 
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