Lump on back.

[KLY]

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some advice.
My guinea pig Fauna has a big lump on her back and I am getting a bit concerned. I took her to the vet last year when I rescued her which it was the size of a pea. The vet tried to drain it but nothing came from it and they thought it may be a fatty lump of some sort.
Nearly 2 years later and the lump has gotten bigger but it has never bothered her. She is still eating, drinking, peeing and pooping for Scotland!
When I have a feel of it she doesn't flinch nor does she squeak when I press on it. When I press on it, the only description I can provide is it's very "squidgy" and it's like it pits when pressure is applied. The base is a bit more solid but it is very mobile and when I mobilise it she doesn't react.
It doesn't feel internal as my other pig Flora had an abcess and it is definitely not the same.
The hair surrounding the lump is getting a bit thin so I can see it more now than before. I am soo scared to take her to the vet for a negative outcome. My last pig went to the vet to have an abcess removed and never came home so I am very apprehensive about going back.

Any advice would be great!

 

[Bill & Ted]

I think you would be best to get the lump checked out with a vet. I think it will put your mind at rest, it may be something very easily sorted out, but if not we are here to support you x

 

[Claire W]

Sadly only a vet can diagnose but please don’t let what happened to your last piggy put you off. It could be a number of things

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some advice.
My guinea pig Fauna has a big lump on her back and I am getting a bit concerned. I took her to the vet last year when I rescued her which it was the size of a pea. The vet tried to drain it but nothing came from it and they thought it may be a fatty lump of some sort.
Nearly 2 years later and the lump has gotten bigger but it has never bothered her. She is still eating, drinking, peeing and pooping for Scotland!
When I have a feel of it she doesn't flinch nor does she squeak when I press on it. When I press on it, the only description I can provide is it's very "squidgy" and it's like it pits when pressure is applied. The base is a bit more solid but it is very mobile and when I mobilise it she doesn't react.
It doesn't feel internal as my other pig Flora had an abcess and it is definitely not the same.
The hair surrounding the lump is getting a bit thin so I can see it more now than before. I am soo scared to take her to the vet for a negative outcome. My last pig went to the vet to have an abcess removed and never came home so I am very apprehensive about going back.

Any advice would be great!

Please have any lump vet checked; lumps are fairly common the older a piggy gets. The vast majority are harmless cysts or fatty lumps, but there are also a few things that need addressing. The sooner you deal with the latter, the better the chance of a good outcome as a small lump is much easier to remove than a large one.

It is normal that you have apprehensions, but please do not fail a pet in your care because of your own fears. They are actually usually worse than any bad news can be. Please keep in mind that lumps are not going away on their own. Most can be kept under observation, but the sooner your vet can deal with the ones that need dealing with, the better the long term chances of a full and quick recovery.
Also keep in mind that the longer you wait the more you put yourself under pressure and the more you see yourself as a failure. That is not good for your piggy and your self-esteem in the long term. Please take a deep breath and book an appointment before Christmas NOW! That will give you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy some happy days.

Lumps need to be vet checked as they require a hands-on examination.

 

[KLY]

Thanks for the input.

I'm gonna try and get a vet appointment on Sunday. My only day off. My next day off is Friday so if I can't get tomorrow then I will make one for Friday!

 

[Merab]

Let us know how you get on

 

[Bill & Ted]

Hope your vet appointment goes well and it’s nothing serious. It’s always a worry going to the vets with a much loved pet, I understand completely where you are coming from x

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for the input.

I'm gonna try and get a vet appointment on Sunday. My only day off. My next day off is Friday so if I can't get tomorrow then I will make one for Friday!

Let us know how you get on and take a deep breath - the sooner you know, the sooner you can take a deep breath and cheer up again!

 

[KLY]

Hi all!

I managed to get a last minute appointment at closing time and took her.
I have never been soo nervous to go to the vets... ever! Being back in the vets was vrry overwhelming because the last time I was there I was picking up Floras ashes.

The vet was new and lovely with Fauna. I took Cleo along with us for moral support since Fauna is very skittish. The vet was very gentle with her and had a good examination of the lump and a general all over examination of her body etc. He says it's nothing to worry about because she is not flinching when he touches it and came to the conclusion it was a fatty, non-benign lump. At this point I was a nervous wreck but thank goodness there was some clarity and good news for once.
Brought them back home and now Fauna and Cleo are snuggled up together

Just to give you a show of my beloved piggies... my beautiful Flora on the left and my new addition Cleo with Fauna on the right.

 

[Claire W]

Aw they’re lovely I’m glad the lump is nothing to worry about

 

[Bill & Ted]

That’s great news, and now you can enjoy your beautiful girls, and no worrying x

 

[Merab]

So pleased to hear the good news.
You have beautiful girls

 

[KLY]

Thank you for the kind words! I am biased but they are beautiful!