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Lump under chin/neck region.

K

KLY

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Hello, My guinea pig Flora had a small lump under her chin back in January and when I took my 2 pigs to the vet for a check up the vet took a biopsy from the lump. The results came back inconclusive. Now the lump has doubled in size and you can clearly see it under her chin. She looks like she has a double chin...

This lump has not stopped her from eating and is not causing her any breathing difficulties. She does not get agitated by it either. The lump is very mobile and hard to touch. When I apply pressure it is not painful and she does not squeal.

Can anyone give me some advice. I was stupid enough not to take out insurance... which I could kick myself for now... I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place.

Many thanks.
 
I don't have insurance for my piggies either it is hard to find for piggies I believe. I just put a bit by each month in a "piggy fund" so that I have some as and when I need it. I would take your piggy back to the vets as something has caused the lump to double in size.

Christian developed a small lump back in January and then for no reason that I or the vet could understand it almost doubled in size and I booked him in for an op to have it removed 2 weeks ago and then in the 5 days before the operation it doubled again. The abscess (for that is what it was) was this size and it was close to bursting.

Christian Abscess 1.webpChristian Abscess 2.webp

Which is pretty massive for a small piggy. I'm not saying that what your piggy has is an abscess only a vet can diagnose that. What I am saying is it needs to be checked out.
 
I agree with Betsy.
It is better to see the vet now and have the lump removed rather than risk it suddenly bursting (if it is an abcess) and having to deal with a life and death emergency on a Sunday night (becasue emergencies never happen at 9am on a Monday morning!).
The vet will be able to offer you advice on the costs involved so you can make a decision.
 
Try and get a quick appointment and explain how the lump has grown.

As for Insurance, I think only exotic direct offer it (I insured our pigs). There’s two choices in terms of the cover.

Hope she’s sorted as soon as, glad it doesn’t seem to be affecting her.
 
Huge hugs to you they can be such a worry. My Donald also had a lump under his chin in November, a prick test confirmed an abscess and he had an operation to remove it. Turned out there were two abscesses and a fatty lump there. Yes it wasnt cheap and I didn't have insurance either but it's done and he's doing really well now
 
Can anyone give me a rough price for having it removed? Might have to eat air for a month!
 
Sorry to hear that :no: I didn’t have insurance for Streaky either and he developed 2 large lumps on his belly and leg, they started getting red and big, the vet had originally said to see how it goes as it wasn’t causing him discomfort and he was his usual self. I decided the best option would be to have an operation on it and it went really well which I was so happy about, despite the huge cost of the operation it was definitely worth it!:no:
 
KLY said:
Can anyone give me a rough price for having it removed? Might have to eat air for a month!
Click to expand...
Costs will vary hugely depending on the exact location and size of the lump, and what tests and extras are required.
The only way to get an accurate estimate is to speak directly to the vet who will perform the operation.
 
I also can't get any time whatsoever off work should she need post op care. I am on holiday the week after...
 
I agree that inconvenient as it is, any lump that’s grown in size needs an urgent review at the vets.
What plans did you have in place for your holiday? Many small pet boarders are experienced in caring with meds etc.
 
No plans but if anything I was hoping that she could have it removed the week I am on holiday so I could be there for her. I am a nurse so my shift work is awful! Next week I m working and then the week after 25/6/18 I am on holiday.
 
Oh I see. The vets can advise you if it can wait. They may decide to try something before surgery or it may not even need surgery.
These things always happen at the most inconvenient times if my experiences are anything to go by!
 
I know vet trips seem to happen right before payday haha! I have booked a vrt appointment for tomorrow morning so will see what they say then.

Thanks for all the help everyone!
 
How savvy is your vet? Something like this needs an experienced vet. I paid £300 which included the consultation, overnight stay, x-ray to check it wasn't related to a tooth problem, the operation, antibiotics and pain relief to come home with. That was with a referral to the specialist vet who charges more than my regular vet anyway. If it's not an abscess then things like the x-ray and pain relief might not be necessary
 
KLY said:
Hello, My guinea pig Flora had a small lump under her chin back in January and when I took my 2 pigs to the vet for a check up the vet took a biopsy from the lump. The results came back inconclusive. Now the lump has doubled in size and you can clearly see it under her chin. She looks like she has a double chin...

This lump has not stopped her from eating and is not causing her any breathing difficulties. She does not get agitated by it either. The lump is very mobile and hard to touch. When I apply pressure it is not painful and she does not squeal.

Can anyone give me some advice. I was stupid enough not to take out insurance... which I could kick myself for now... I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

I would have the lump checked as it is in a sensitive area.

PS: Operation cost can vary widely, but if you see an exotics vet with experience in small furries operations it usually also inlcudes a wider range of extra services, including post-op care at the vets to make sure that a piggy has recovered well after a GA and is stable to come home. Things that are not included in a much cheaper no-frills op.

Cost can also vary as they depend on how long the op takes and whether there were any unforeseen complications or not.
 
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