Lump

[Andywilson]

Hi everyone,

I have two eight month old boars, one has a lump under his skin the size of a very large pea, quite deep not on the surface. I am about to take him to my vets but wondered if anyone could give me advice as to what it might be and what the vet might say?

I am very worried, i love them both so much and I can't believe it is a tumour surely not at such a young age. If it is a cist I am even worried that it could do him harm.

He hasn't been off his food and is showing no signs of distress or pain when touched.

Also worried about what the Vet is likely to say and if she will perscribe anti-biotics or even operate on him. If anti-biotics are perscribed what are they likely to give him?

Also worried about him being away from his brother if he has an operation to remove the lump.

The location of the lump is on his right cheek, set back close to his neck.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

Andrew (Bumble and Clyde).

 

[twiams]

Hello,

Your doing the best thing by taking him to the vet, it's sometimes quite difficult for people over the internet to say what they think it is without seeing it or being able to feel it, however I'm sure someone a bit more experienced than myself could give some pointers,

If he hasn't been off his food or anything it's likely you've caught whatever it is quite early which is obviously a good thing as that makes it easier to treat,

There most common guinea pig antibiotic is 'Baytril' which is just given by syringe in the mouth, which can be difficult but if you need any help with this plenty of people here can give you tips,

Obviously being separated from his brother is stressful so take him to the vets with his brother in the carrier to keep him calm however if an operation is needed he may need to be separated so that the wound isn't harmed from playing etc. this is sometimes just a case of putting a partition in the cage so they can still smell and see eachother, but it really just depends if he's even gonna need an operation,

Good luck at the vets from me and my pigs, fingers and paws crossed all goes well !

 

[piggyfan]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Please do not be so worried just yet as it could be a fatty lump. My little Amina had one and it was drained quickly with no problems. It was just fat. If you are concerned about your little one being away from his brother then you are allowed to take them both with you. If you are given antibiotics it is likely to be baytrill and this is very common with piggies. All I would advice is for you to give a probiotic with it as it can upset their little tummies. I really hope all goes well at the vets.

 

[klee]

Sorry to hear your boy is not well. I would get him to a vet as soon as you can, so that it can be checked out. It may be something like a cyst or a fatty lump and might not be anything to worry about but better safe than sorry, Also it may be worth asking the vets to check his teeth in case of any abcesses.
Do you have a vet that is specialised in guinea pigs that you can go to?
Sorry I can't answer many of your questions but hopefully someone with a little more experience can help.

Let us know how he gets on

 

[Andywilson]

Thank you everyone you have all been very helpful. I have a vet that we all trust and have used for a long time they do treat small animals and are listed as treating exotic pets but I mainly think they look after dogs and cats. There are no guinea pig specilist vets near me I don't think, I am living in Hailsham, East Sussex if anyone knows of one which isn't the Horsebridge veterinary practice which I use, then let me know.

 

[Abi_nurse]

A tiny pea sized lump sounds like a cyst. But if your vet is unsure, then best to get a little sample (via a needle) of it to send of analysis. That way you can know what your dealing with. Dont panic yet, if its not bothering your piggie and your vet isnt worried etc, then its likely they will leave it be.

x.

 

[piggyfan]

How did your piggy get on at the vets?

 

[Andywilson]

Thank you Abinurse and Piggyfan, their appointment is 6.30pm so better get on my way, will let you know when back at least now I know a little bit more thanks to all of you x

 

[Freela]

It's best to get it checked out. There's really no way to know without a competent vet check. Pigs are prone to cysts and abscesses, most of which are pretty easily treatable. Hope he makes out well at the vet!

 

[Andywilson]

Hi Everyone,

Update on Bumble from the vets is that guinea pigs have a glad each side of their faces, bumble has a different lump which isn't attached to his glad, so two lumps on the right hand side, one his gland and the other a pea-sized harder lump which is under the skin.

I was told due to his age (8 months) it was unlikely to be anything sinister but without putting him under sedation and looking under his skin, they won't know 100%. They told me to take him back and check the size of the lump once a week. They said it is more likely to be a cist but can't tell me 100%. I would prefer he didn't have the op unless completely neccesary so will monitor. Can someone tell me are cist ok, would it always stay there and if it doesn't grow is it ok to assume it is a cist and it will always be there and not do him any harm? They didn't give him anything, just told me that they are prone to them and if it is a cist it won't do him any harm if it stays the same size.

Does it sound ok?

 

[piggyfan]

Well that is a relief. My Amelia Jane had a cyst on her back and it just went on its own. I am sure the vet will ensure it is removed if it gets bigger. It sounds like the vet ensured a full examination was done.