I found a lump on one of my female guinea pigs a few months ago between her nipples. I have so far kept an eye on it and it hasn't got any bigger. We then went for a regular check up recently and when I mentioned the lump the vet found two lumps. One "soft", one "hard". She said we could remove and biopsy or keep an eye on them. I am now left with a dilemma. Put her through the stress and danger of an operation or continue to keep an eye on the lumps? What experience does anyone else have in this situation? She is a two and a half year old otherwise healthy and happy piggy.
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Female mammary lumps
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Cavy Kung-Fu
Adult Guinea Pig
I’d say go ahead! I’ve been unfortunate that this has happened to two of my girlies in the last few months. Cissy had a massive mass removed about a month ago at over 2 years old and has recovered amazingly. Tonks is about a year and 6 months, she had hers done a few weeks ago and although she’s chewed her wound a few times she’s on the mend. Cissy’s was cancerous but it was removed whole so shouldn’t be an issue and Tonks’ was one fatty lump and the larger lump was benign.
I definitely don’t regret having it done, although Tonks’ lumps turned out to be fine I couldn’t have known for sure. My girls both had a mastectomy and the lumps tested, I’m hopeful that it’s all over and done with now and can move on from it all. The test gave me peace of mind
It also depends how confident you are with the vet and how piggy savvy they are, don’t be afraid to look at other vets if you’re worried. I’ve shopped around a lot for vets over the years and the ones I have now I can trust completely, which makes these hard decisions a lot easier too
Wishing your little girl all the best!
I definitely don’t regret having it done, although Tonks’ lumps turned out to be fine I couldn’t have known for sure. My girls both had a mastectomy and the lumps tested, I’m hopeful that it’s all over and done with now and can move on from it all. The test gave me peace of mind
It also depends how confident you are with the vet and how piggy savvy they are, don’t be afraid to look at other vets if you’re worried. I’ve shopped around a lot for vets over the years and the ones I have now I can trust completely, which makes these hard decisions a lot easier too
Wishing your little girl all the best!
At 2-1/2 years, I would probably be likely to do the surgery in case of a malignancy. She is young and could have lots of years left that could be dramatically cut short if the lumps are malignant. If removed her prognosis would be a lot better. Of course, there is a risk inherent to any surgery, but a vet who is used to using gas anesthesia on small animals can minimize that risk for you. I've fortunately had guinea pigs (even one that was extremely sick at the time) do well with anesthesia.... Sundae, one of my pigs with dental/bladder problems was put out at least 4 or so times over the course her life.
Thanks for your replies. It does put my mind at ease a little knowing that you have had a positive outcome with your guinea pigs. I hope we are as lucky. Just got to pluck up the courage to take her now! 
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Hope all goes well and whatever you decide will be right for you and your girl
Cavy Kung-Fu
Adult Guinea Pig
It’s hard I won’t lie, but it all becomes worth it in the end! I don’t think the pigs have the foggiest how much we worry about themThanks for your replies. It does put my mind at ease a little knowing that you have had a positive outcome with your guinea pigs. I hope we are as lucky. Just got to pluck up the courage to take her now!
Cavy Kung-Fu
Adult Guinea Pig
Right? When I first left Cissy at the vets for her operation I felt like I’d left a limb there. I didn’t rest until I got the call that she was okay. I’m not sure that it gets easier either! Little monsters get to you heartNo you're right there! I remember taking my other gp to have his teeth done and I cried when I had to give him to the vet!
I always felt terrible dropping them off... but it was for their own good! And they always perked up when they heard my voice when I came back to get them. The vet staff actually got attached to Sundae, as she was there so often, and they always fussed over her when she had an appointment and one of the vet techs used to snuggle her in a fleece and offer her food by hand when she was coming out of anesthesia, so at least I knew she was in good hands!