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Lump On My Piggies Chin

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FernRobyn

FernRobyn

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hello.

My poor little pip is only 11 weeks old and has developed a lump under his chin, it's large and very central. The lump is very round and is hard but quiet squishy to touch, doesn't feel like it's joint to anything. It's not skin hanging or anything like that and isn't a fight cut. I'm pretty sure it has come up over night as I handle my piggies everyday and so does my mum. Neither of is seen it last night. He seems ok in himself and is eating and drinking, he also lets me touch it so doesn't seem to be hurting him. I called the vet soon as I found it but can't get pip in till tomorrow. I'm really quiet worried, I have took him out from his brothers as if it is a virus I don't want them all sick.

Does anyone know what it is, or what I can do to make it easier on him till tomorrow ?

Thank you x
 
Oh dear! Lumps are a horrible thing to find but try not to worry too much until you've seen the vet. It could be a relatively harmless cyst or an abscess but there's a possibility it could be something more sinister (as with all lumps!) but the vets will be able to investigate and give a thorough diagnosis tomorrow. If Pip is acting like normal and appears outwardly healthy then you should be fine waiting until tomorrow to see the vet, especially since you've caught this so early. Its very unlikely its a virus or contagious so I would personally put him back in with his buddies as the separation could cause him (and them) a bit of stress if they are well bonded.

If you could put a picture of the lump up some of the more experienced piggy health members on here might be able to help you identify what it could be.
Good luck at the vets!
 
Guinea pigs are very prone to harmless fatty lumps that only cause concern if they impede function when they get too big. In my experience some piggies tend to get lots of lumps and others get none at all. Guineas' lumps around the jaw are also often abscesses which need urgent treatment. Neither of these lumps are contagious.

Your vet can aspirate the lump (by sticking a needle into it) and can then look at the cells to determine what type of lump it is.

This is just my own personal experience of lumpy pigs; there are much more experienced people on the forum that can give advice.

Good luck at the vets with Pip.
 
I agree with Posyrose. Around the jawline it could well be an abscess, but it is easy enough to treat, especially if it is caught early. It could be an indicator for a dental problem though, so this will need to be checked out. Other possibilities are a sebaceous cyst (not serious). Fatty lumps tend not to be on the jawline, but again they are harmless. I'm sure Pip will be fine! x
 
Thank you so much guys. He has just need to the vets.

It was a abcsess, it bust just before we got the the vets. They have shaved it and cut it open abit more, it's now been drained and the have said to keep it open for as long as we can so keeps draining. We have a 10 day course of antibiotics.

If any one has any advice on how to keep it open or look after the cut I would be very much thankful

Thank you for the support

Fern x
 
Poor Pip, I'm sure he'll get better soon. There is lots of advice how you can help the treatment of abscesses on this forum. I'm sure you'll find some if you search for it. Or someone might be able to point you in the right direction.
 
Keeping the 'wound' open is the key, so you can let the abscess heal from the inside out. It sounds horrible, but if you can work the scab off with some warm water, flush it with a syringe and then dab manuka honey around the site and in the abscess cavity. I'm a great advocator of the scab pulling, flushing and honey routine, it worked wonders for my Fudgey's jaw abscess. Manuka honey has some wonderful healing and anti bacterial properties, I read somewhere that it is also making a comeback in the treatment for human abscesses. Healing wheeks to your little guy x
 
What antibitoics has he been given? Zithromax is really good for abcesses.
 
Thank you everyone. Going to keep it open as much as I can. He hates it sits shaking.

He's on baytrill antibiotics 2.5 ml twice a day. Poor boy.

Fern x
 
If you find the Baytril is not clearing it up then ask the vet about Zithromax, it is the best antibiotic for abcesses.

Have you got probiotics?
 
No we don't have any probiotics.

I will be straight back If it doesn't sort it's self out. Thank you I'll remember the name of them antibiotics.

It's cute because his brothers keep licking it, but pip keep squeaking because it hurts. My poor boys x
 
You will need to get some, it is important that a pig on Baytril has probiotics at least an hour after their Baytril.

You can buy them online at sites like Vetuk. Examples are Avipro Plus, Bio Lapis and Fibreplex. Also, Pets at Home sell Pro C.
 
Diluted hibiscrub works well syringed into wound (Chemists sell it) ask your vet if not sure, I used it with Humbug.
 
Well he is okay at the moment, when you wipe it he cries.

It's gone down loads and it seems to be draining well.

I keep giving lots of cuddles. And his brothers keep licking him better x
 
He'll be ok soon, and good to hear it's slowly going. You'll probably get a pretty good bond with this little guy when he's better ;) x
 
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