Possible Cyst?

[Memelz33]

I've been a foster mom for my guinea pig for like two months now, so I'm learning things as I go. Peanut overall seems to be healthy and happy, but yesterday I noticed what I thought looked like a tiny 'butthole' looking thingy in the front of his neck, about an inch below his mouth. Tiny, pink looking thing. I hadn't noticed this before and was wondering was this something normal, so I googled, as you do. That brought me here and from what I'm seeing it looks like it might be a cyst or abscess of some kind. I feel better after reading some of the post here. From what I can tell it's not life threatening, so that's good!
My question is why in the world would a sheltered animal, who is fed the right foods, stays in a clean cage, watered like they are supposed to be, and not around any other animals, get something like that?

 

[zombieprincess]

If it is a cyst then any healthy animal can get one. Usually the are sebaceous cysts that develop in a hair follicle. They are pretty harmless and will eventually burst and then you will have to express and clean it. They often refil. I've had a number of pigs with cysts. If they get to big or are in an awkward place they can be removed.
Abscess can become nastier as they are a contained infection. Most commonly from an old injury or wound. They can take a long time to develop so there is every possibility he received it before he came to you. They can develop through other means too.

Really you need to get him to the vet to find out what it is. A cyst can be left but an abscess, especially under/on the jaw needs to be lanced, drained and flushed until healed.

 

[Memelz33]

I plan on making an appointment first thing Monday. Thank you for your help, Zombie! Much appreciated!

 

[Elwickcavies]

I agree with Zombieprincess. Abscesses are the thing to worry about, and it can be tricky to tell the difference between a cyst and an abscess, so a trip to the vet will sort things out.