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enlarged kidneys? I'm not sure

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MyGuineaPigPals

MyGuineaPigPals

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hello

i seem to be asking a lot of questions on here these days so apologies, my Arthur seems to me like he has swollen kidneys but i couldn't possibly know for sure being new to guinea pig ownership. (funnily enough i have a hamster with bigger kidneys than he is and he's over 3 and half years old) that's kinda what has made me notice arthurs. what are people is experience of this? is it going to be tumours or anything else to worry about? should i take him to the vet this week to be safe? i didn't want to take him unless i need to as i spend half my life at the vets with my funny farm of rodents they think I'm mad! lol

when you look at arthur from above he looks fine shape wise its just if i hold him i can feel he's lumpy both sides like massive love handles, not sure if its just the way he gains weight or if its kidneys

worried mummy :(
 
I'm not sure why you think his kidneys are swollen, is it because of his body shape or have you felt distinct lumps? I would say if you are concerned then get him checked by a competent guinea pig savvy vet, probably an Exotics vet is best then that will set your mind at rest :)
 
Piggies can have firm fat balls on the side of their bellies and they can look rather pearshaped, especially when they are on the well fed/overweight side. I think it is that what you are feeling.

However, if you are unsure, it is always advisable to have a new piggy given a thorough check at a rodent savvy (exotics) vets if you have access to one, so you know that they are fine. That makes it easier to notice any subtle changes that could indicate illness later. You are always welcome to post about any concerns while you are acquainting yourself with your piggies.
 
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As said above if you are worried you should take him to a vet. From what you say it doesn't sound likely to be kidneys, as they are not easy to feel, even when elarged, due to their location within the abdomen, for this reason please don't poke around trying to find them as you could cause damage. Your description sounds like Arthur maybe over weight but it could be something else, so he will need to see a vet to be properly diagnosed :)
 
thanks for the replies guys i dont think hes over weight which is why i feel them more but don't worry i wont poke him around lol, he seems fine in himself I will check his weight regularly and if anything changes ill rush him straight to my vet - i use a good one called clarke and marshall who have always been fab with all my rodents and very trustworthy as they are rodent keepers themselves. trust me ive been to a dreadful vet in the past who threw my hamster 5 foot in the air because it nipped him and left me to rescue the poor thing (and he was the owner of the vet) you couldn't pay me to go back to them
 
Poppy'sMum said:
I'm not sure why you think his kidneys are swollen, is it because of his body shape or have you felt distinct lumps? I would say if you are concerned then get him checked by a competent guinea pig savvy vet, probably an Exotics vet is best then that will set your mind at rest :)
Click to expand...

i must say poppys mum that your piggy in your avatar is soo friggin cute i want to squeeze it and hug it forever :)
 
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