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Suspicious lump removal

SandD

SandD

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Sep 4, 2019
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Location
Dublin, Ireland
Hello! I have just dropped my little darling, Skwugs, off at the vet and I'm kind of freaking out.
We found a small lump on her lower back after leaving her boarding with a local pet shop for the week. She had also lost a fair bit of weight, but she was always a bit chunkier so this didn't effect her too much.
We brought her to a vet who wasn't sure what it was, but thought that the two piggies might have gotten into a fight while they were boarding and the lump was an abscess from a bite. He gave us antibiotics and told us to call if they didn't help.

After a few days she had regained the weight but the lump was still there. We wouldn't have done anything else only that she whimpers when you touch her around it and freaks out if you try to press the lump at all.
We called the vet and he said that she'll probably need to be operated on, but still doesn't expect the operation to be serious because she is so young (6 months) and otherwise healthy.
I dropped her off this morning and I just got a really bad feeling after we dropped her off. He didn't really take the time to explain what he was going to do, he just felt the lump and said that she'll need the surgery and it might be difficult because it's right on her spine.
Then he said he'd call me when it's over and didn't tell me around how long it would take.

I'm just so worried right now. She's still in with him and I just won't be able to calm down until I have her back.

Has anyone else had an experience like this? what happened?

How long do these surgeries usually last?

Could you guys give me any aftercare tips? I'm worried he might leave something out

Thanks in advance
 
Hi!

Please take a deep breath and rather than driving yourself mad with worry concentrate on putting your emotions into praying or sending your piggy loving/healing vibes. ;)

The sebaceous cyst itself is obviously small and totally harmless, so you do not have to worry about that aspect. Sebaceous cysts are very common and normally would just be kept under observation. They are usually only removed if they burst (as they will refill again with a cheesy textured substance), grow very large or are situated in a sensitive location where they can impede movement or could cause problems if they grow further - the last is what is the case with your piggy.
Right now there is no immediate risk; it is just a precautionary measure to prevent potential problems from the cyst pressing on the spine and the nerves. ;)

How long the operation takes depends on how many ops there are on the list, where in the order your piggy is coming and how easily your vet can cut in the tricky area. There is no rushing that bit; it is more a matter of being careful and very precise than being quick.
You then have to wait until your piggy has come round again. Generally you will either get a call or you will have been told when you can contact the clinic to enquire after your piggy. Collection is once your piggy is stable and bright enough to come home. ;)

I hope that this helps you? The wait during the operation is always the worst bit. if you can, please find something to keep yourself occupied. You can ring the clinic to enquire which time roughly you can contact them for new about your piggy or whether you will be contacted by them.

Here are our post-op care tips: Tips For Post-operative Care

All the best!
 
Thinking of you and your little one. Please let us know how you get on.
 
The waiting is the worst bit! My Christian had to have a HUGE abscess removed last year (I'm talking the size of a small egg!) and he came through OK. I'm sure your piggy will be fine. Hugs.
 
UPDATE: He just called me there and she has passed on... I went to get the body and he said she did well during the surgery but afterwards she just gave up. He says the lump was a tumor. He said there was a lot if liquid coming from her mouth after she died so he thinks she had tumors on her lungs as well.
I think it might have been malpractice so I've asked for her to be sent off her an autopsy.

I'm just in shock
 
SandD said:
UPDATE: He just called me there and she has passed on... I went to get the body and he said she did well during the surgery but afterwards she just gave up. He says the lump was a tumor. He said there was a lot if liquid coming from her mouth after she died so he thinks she had tumors on her lungs as well.
I think it might have been malpractice so I've asked for her to be sent off her an autopsy.

I'm just in shock
Click to expand...

Oh gosh I am so sorry for your loss
 
I am so sorry that this has happened.
Please be kind to yourself at this very difficult time.
You are clearly a very dedicated owner who did everything to give Skwugs the best life possible.
 
SandD said:
UPDATE: He just called me there and she has passed on... I went to get the body and he said she did well during the surgery but afterwards she just gave up. He says the lump was a tumor. He said there was a lot if liquid coming from her mouth after she died so he thinks she had tumors on her lungs as well.
I think it might have been malpractice so I've asked for her to be sent off her an autopsy.

I'm just in shock
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

I am so sorry for you! What a nasty shock! 😭

You may find these two guides here helpful in the coming days and weeks:
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
((HUGS)), I'm so sorry for your loss!
 
So very sorry for your loss. Piggies are very delicate creatures and can react badly to anaesthesia. Massive hugs!
 
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