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Tumour

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VickyMidlands

VickyMidlands

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone

I have a male Guinea pig that's 6 years 8 months old. I've had him since a few weeks after he was born. His brother passed away a year ago in his sleep suddenly.

2 months ago I took him to the vets and was told he had a cyst which was right by his mammory gland. The vet drained a bit and said it wasn't cancerous and to keep an eye on it.

I took him back today for it to be checked and a different vet prodded it and there was a bit of discharge. He drained a bit and said there was a tumour underneath and if we wanted to know what it was it would need a biopsy and he'd only recommend that if we were considering an operation.

He's still over a kilo heavy, still eating normally and no odd or unusual behaviour.

I'm really scared I'm going to be watching him die in the next few weeks....I know he's old but he's so happy and active. I don't know what to do for the best and hope someone here has a bit more information about this. Thank you.
 
It sounds to me that you have 2 different diagnoses from 2 different vets .

Has either vet offered to do a scan?
 
No offer of a scan. I don't know whether to take him to a different surgery all together.
 
It took me a while to find a vet I am really happy with . I have taken my Bess to 3 different vets! I don't want you to waste money . Are you happy to give an idea of what county you live in and a forum member may be able to advise on recommended vet.
 
It is very difficult one to call. You have to decide whether you want to risk an operation, which is not quite an easy decision with an old guinea pig, or to let him live out his life as he is.

You are always free to ask to speak with to your vet again re. various pros and cons and about his assessment of whether he thinks that an operation would be worth the risk. He is the one who has seen your boy and has the professional knowledge. If you ask a vet for an honest evaluation of facts and risks, they will do so, so can make as informed a decision as is possible under the circumstances.

Unfortunately, nobody can make that decision for you. We all feel different and also have different bonds with individual guinea pigs. What is right for one, may not feel right for another. There is no right or wrong whichever way you decide to go down in the end as long as your decision is made with your old boy's wellbeing and comfort upmost in mind.

I have currently got an older sow with an internal tumor living out her life until the growing tumour is interfering with her quality of life. I have made that decision after the (experienced) vet rated the chances of it being an easy operation with a good recovery pretty small. But it is not an easy decision to take, as sooner or later I am faced with the dilemma when to call it a day. I decided to operate with another (younger) guinea pig with a very fast growing mammary tumour two years ago.
 
Thank you for your replies.

I don't know if it's cancerous. The vet said ideally it should be operated on but because he's so old he wouldn't recommend it because of his age. He said he keeps Guinea pigs himself and to get to rio's age and still be well is an achievement. He said if it's left it could spread of burst and I just can't stand the thought of watching him die.

I'm from the uk. Midlands. I might look at getting a second opinion.
 
VickyMidlands said:
Thank you for your replies.

I don't know if it's cancerous. The vet said ideally it should be operated on but because he's so old he wouldn't recommend it because of his age. He said he keeps Guinea pigs himself and to get to rio's age and still be well is an achievement. He said if it's left it could spread of burst and I just can't stand the thought of watching him die.

I'm from the uk. Midlands. I might look at getting a second opinion.
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For a knowledgeable third opinion, please have a look at our Uk vet locator on the top bar: Guinea Pig Vet Locator

My Tanni is 5 years old, but what we thought was a large ovarian cyst was unfortunately not. I've had her for 5 years on 4th January. She's been diagnosed with the tumour since October. So far - although quite visible - it is not affecting her much and she is still able to live a normal life. In guinea pig terms, that is a couple of years.

Realising that you may have reached the end of the line and having to make a decision about it is very heart-breaking and tough.
 
I would ask to have a scan done first. If he appears to be fit & healthy otherwise & not in pain I would be loath to put him through an op unless it was certain that it was life threatening x
 
Depending where in the Midlands you are. Craig at Chine House in Leicestershire is excellent as far as investigations and diagnostics go. I can't really comment on his operations as I only had one pig operated who died a few hours after surgery (deep seated abscess the size of a golf ball).

I would want to know more about the chances of spreading or bursting before making a decision. That said I understand that just the anaesthetic alone will be a big risk for an elderly pig
 
Thank you for your replies. I think maybe a scan is a good idea. I think the tumour is a mammory gland tumour and he's been itching it a bit and there was a little discharge from it last night after it was drained. Poor thing.

I'm based near Burton so will have a look on the search function.
 
If you are prepared to travel to Alfreton, I can highly recommend Ellie at Alfreton Vets. I travelled there from Sheffield with my sow Bess and am so relieved I did. Ellie is a general vet with a special interest in Guinea Pigs .

Alfreton vets is on our vet locator
 
I've just looked at the alfrrton one. 'My old local vet is on there too in Birmingham but it's an hour away and he's not keen on the car. Alfreton is more doable so think I'll book him in next week. Is it a scan I should ask for.
 
VickyMidlands said:
I've just looked at the alfrrton one. 'My old local vet is on there too in Birmingham but it's an hour away and he's not keen on the car. Alfreton is more doable so think I'll book him in next week. Is it a scan I should ask for.
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I go to Alfreton vets, make sure you see Ellie or Claire (Ellie works part time). They work closely together and are very experienced with guinea pigs (and rabbits in Claires case). If you tell them the full story , maybe ask the receptionists to get the notes from your current vet. They usually do scans there and then. Neither Claire or Ellie have any special qualifications in guinea pig care but really do care and have a lot of experience (all Barc piggies go to Alfreton for neutering and general care). Ellie is an excellent surgeon and does keyhole surgery on guinea pigs. They operated on my friends pig that had an 'inoperable' mammary tumour according to her vet, she is still alive and well with an invisible scar! They will assess the general health of your piggy before recommending surgery, they will put the welfare of your piggy first. I can't recommend them highly enough, they are also lovely ladies and the prices are quite reasonable. Good luck, l am there on Tuesday so might bump into you! X
 
Thank you! My husband said to wait a week or two to see how he's managing but time isn't going to do anything so I'm going to see about taking him this week.

He seems fine, eating lots as usual, pooing fine and running around. I might be imagining it but he does seem to be walking a little raised on the side with the growth although he's been laying down on it on my lap with no problems.

Is it possible to have a tumour and a cyst over it like swelling etc?
 
VickyMidlands said:
Thank you! My husband said to wait a week or two to see how he's managing but time isn't going to do anything so I'm going to see about taking him this week.

He seems fine, eating lots as usual, pooing fine and running around. I might be imagining it but he does seem to be walking a little raised on the side with the growth although he's been laying down on it on my lap with no problems.

Is it possible to have a tumour and a cyst over it like swelling etc?
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Yes definitely, or it can become infected. I say go asap if you can
 
Thanks. Where the vet stuck the needle in to drain the cyst it's been bleeding. I don't know if it's because he's been itching it but it's now 2 days after the visit. It's not bleeding loads only a little but I'm going to take him back tomorrow to that vet and ask them to sort that out and then contact alfreton. I'm scared to go to sleep tonight because of the bleeding.
 
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