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My boy has a lump

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Mutlow

Mutlow

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I found a cyst type lump on my piggies side last week and yesterday I took him to the vet. She examined him and shaved the area then using a needle (ouch) she tried to see if she could get anything out. Nothing came out but when she squeezed the little hole she had pierced some black stuff came out, it wasnt runny really rather slightly gungy. She said the black bits could be something nasty and advised us to have it removed. We have a quote from the vet for £180.00 for the operation but if we dont want the lump sent away and analysed then it would be about £50 less.

I dont know what to do and wonder if anyone else has had this with their piggies. He is eating normally, playing normally and seems perfectly happy otherwise. On the other hand if it is something horrible then I wont hesitate in getting him better. It is a lot of money though.

The cyst (if that is what it is) is under the skin and can be moved about easily, it is about 3/4 cm long, bit like half a squashed pea.
 
I have the same problem at the moment (hopefully - I'm hoping Eric has a cyst rather than an abscess). Going to the vet tonight so will be able to say more tomorrow.

If it's black gunge then at least it doesn't sound like an abscess so it won't be infected. Can the vet culture the contents before they remove it? I'm just thinking that if it's benign you might be able to leave it alone and not have to pay for it to be removed.

I don't think cysts are generally a problem. I've got one on my scalp which the doctor has advised against removing and I think piggie cysts are more or less the same as ours. As long as it's not getting bigger it's probably ok.
 
Thank you for your reply, please let me know what your vet says. The last thing I want to do is put Spike through an unnecessary op and risk him dying on the operating table. I better start saving just in case!
 
Won't your vet let you have an account?

I owe my vet the best part of a grand thanks to 2 recent rabbit illnesses. I just pay a bit off when I can and the vet doesn't mind.
 
You have given a perfect description of a sebaceous cyst. It can be easily and safely removed WITHOUT a general anaesthetic. To take a biopsy/culture would be a total and unnecessary waste of time and money.
I have to say that even the "cheaper" cost is expensive, I almost wrote rip-off!
 
Welcome to the forum, Mutlow.

I agree with the previous posters, the contents of sebaceous cysts can quite often be black and of a consistency like toothpaste. Did the cyst grow rapidly? Removal may be unnecessary, depending on its location and how quickly it grew.
 
Yes, sounds very much like a sebaceous cyst. Celyn has one which is growing slowly on his side, but it doesn't bother him. My vet said there was no reason to remove it if it's not bugging him. They shouldn't require a general anaesthetic to remove them in any case. No idea why it should cost that much, nor even be necessary.
 
Mutlow, it generally seems you are approximately one hour from the CCT (www.britishassociationofrodentologists.co.uk), also one hour from Vets & Pets in Broxbourne, Herts. Both would be able to solve the problem with the skill and knowledge necessary, no anesthetic. It might be worth considering travelling if you can, especially if you are uncomfortable with your current vets treatment ideas.
 
Laura-CCC4 said:
Welcome to the forum, Mutlow.

I agree with the previous posters, the contents of sebaceous cysts can quite often be black and of a consistency like toothpaste. Did the cyst grow rapidly? Removal may be unnecessary, depending on its location and how quickly it grew.
Click to expand...

Thank you everyone for your advice etc. From what I could see it was sort of like toothpaste, strange. I only noticed it last week and it certainly hasnt got any bigger since and it definitely doesnt bother him, he didnt even flinch when the vet stuck a needle into it, jusy kept on nibbling my top.:))
I have always been a little unsure of this particular vet and only use it as it is 100 yards from my house, very convenient. I was thinking of getting another opinion from a vet across town.
 
Hi!

I took Eric to the vet last night and it seems he has a mammary tumour rather than a cyst.

I look forward to hearing what you end up doing about your piggy's cyst though.

Hope he's ok.
 
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