I Need Opinion Regarding Guinea Pig Tumour

Janna · Jul 22, 2017

My guinea pig Gary(3years plus), has a tumour of a ping pong size ball on his chin..(According to the vet, there isn't any suspicious cells in the tumour)

His not eatting by himself and we are syringe feeding him and giving him pain relief, and a few guts medication and vitamin for his appetite.

He had to postpone the surgery due to his gut was not so good at that point of time and his losing more weight at that point of time.

However now , his poo are slightly better in size.. but it still irregular.. we managed to maintain his weight.

Would you guys go ahead with the surgery despite his appetite? I am aware that after surgery it will be much more painful for him.. but partly his not eatting by himself is due to the pain that he is experiencing right now.

Please advise... I am looking for more opinion because the decision lies in my hand.. I'm just afraid of the outcome...

Anyone has the same experience, please do share.

DM030819 · Jul 22, 2017

Personally I would go ahead, but I have quite an aggressive attitude to surgery. Him not eating could be related to the lump, making it hard or impossible to eat.

Has the vet ruled out an abscess as that can be common under the chin?

Pawz · Jul 22, 2017

If the tumor is under his chin and already that size then it could cause issues with swallowing or breathing if it has the misfortune of increasing in size further.

Personally I would go ahead with removing it but of course that's entirely up to you, he is your piggy and you know him best.

Tiamolly123 · Jul 22, 2017

If it's not cancerous or anything that could shorten his life. Go for it. Hope he gets on well.
Hi welcome to our friendly forum

Flutterby · Jul 22, 2017

I agree, definitely go for surgery. It's obviously making him poorly if he won't eat on his own etc, so removing the tumor should significantly improve his life.

Janna · Jul 22, 2017

Jaycey said:
Personally I would go ahead, but I have quite an aggressive attitude to surgery. Him not eating could be related to the lump, making it hard or impossible to eat.

Has the vet ruled out an abscess as that can be common under the chin?

Hi Jaycey, thanks for the reply..
Initially, I wanted the lump to be removed as soon as possible as it is affecting his appetite.. But due to further weight loss , the vet said that there is higher risk that the healing process will take slightly longer and it will make things worse if his not eatting well.
The vet mentioned that she actually pierced/inject a tiny needle to test whether its an abscess or tumour..Oh, by the way.. this is the 2nd vet that i have visited for second opinion and both have the same conclusion.

I am curious, you ever had the same experience?

Janna · Jul 22, 2017

Squeakz said:
If the tumor is under his chin and already that size then it could cause issues with swallowing or breathing if it has the misfortune of increasing in size further.

Personally I would go ahead with removing it but of course that's entirely up to you, he is your piggy and you know him best.

Mostly likely it will grow larger

Thanks Squeakz for your opinion.. much appreciated. I shall go ahead with the surgery its just that the thought of him in deep pain and not eatting makes me very scared for him to go through more pain

Freela · Jul 22, 2017

If it's impeding his eating, postponing the surgery might lead to him being in weaker condition rather than stronger given more time. I would probably err on the side of doing the removal rather than giving the mass more time to grow. It's so hard to decide to do a procedure... I've debated it myself. However, the tumor itself may be uncomfortable for him and, despite post-op incisions, etc., he may feel a lot better when it is removed.

Janna · Jul 22, 2017

Tiamolly123 said:
If it's not cancerous or anything that could shorten his life. Go for it. Hope he gets on well.
Hi welcome to our friendly forum

Thanks for the opinion

I shall heed everyone advise and hope u guys keep your prayers too

The surgery will be on tuesday if there is available slot.

Glad that i found this forum . Thanks everyone

Janna · Jul 22, 2017

Flutterby said:
I agree, definitely go for surgery. It's obviously making him poorly if he won't eat on his own etc, so removing the tumor should significantly improve his life.

I shall discuss with the vet further and keep u guy updated.

Thanks for the advise.

Janna · Jul 31, 2017

Hey all.. just to give a quick update...
Gary passed away few hours after the surgery...
I thought he could make it .. but sadly... he went downhill and stopped breathing.

I cried a bucket.. but i want to thank all of you for the time and concern

i appreciate your well wishes..
God loves him more, and i believe his happier now ..
Thanks alot everyone..