Sadly, if left, the tumour will just grow and grow causing difficulties further down the line especially if it is already rubbing on the ground My Edward is 6 too and has a lump in his neck. Fortunately it's a harmless fatty lump which we have decided to leave as it isn't causing him any problems but I wouldn't hesitate to have it removed if it had of turned out to be something more serious. My Elizabeth is around 3 and has small lumps all over her belly including one near her nipple. They're all harmless fatty lumps that we have been advised to leave alone but she may need them removing in the future if they grow and impact her mobility. The final decision has to be yours though, go with your heart and whatever decision you decide will be the right one x
Thank you so much. Let me see if I can attach a photo and you can tell me what you think
Thank you so much. It is so hard to decide because mentally she’s still her old normal self and my vet said they never lost a guinea pig to anesthesia before. She’s healthy but overweight. The only thing it concerns me is that the vet said since she’s not spayed which I didn’t think of doing it since her cage mate was a female is that most likely more will grow so how many surgeries can we put my baby thruHi
I am very sorry.
Unfortunately, the thing about mammary tumors is that they just continue to grow and to grow and to grow until the legs can no longer touch the floor and then they continue to grow.
Mammary tumors can be both benign or malign but are generally not too bad to operate out as long as they are still encapsulated.
It means that you have to either face a make or break operation or euthanasia . It is unfortunately one of these horrible 'between a rock and a hard place' situations where there is no easy way out and the choice is between two rather difficult options. In terms of an operation, it all hinges on your vet's confidence and practical experience in operating on small furries. I know of a number of mammary tumor ops that have come off well, even where the tumor was already quite large.
I REALLY wish I had better news; especially at this time of year. At least you can be proud that your girl has lived to a good age.
I know. I responded to the other comment about my vet saying that since she’s not spayed most likely more will come and how many surgeries can a baby go thru. This is a new vet. I just moved to Georgia from Florida so she said she hasn’t lost a piggy in 15 years but another vet 1 year ago where I took the cagemate when I first moved here opened a cyst on her and she died the next morning. It’s so hard to decideHi!
It looks very uncomfortable to me.
Thank you. Is 6 years a senior age or is she considered youngI hope your vet is experienced in operating on piggies. If she is otherwise well in herself I think I would opt for the operation to give her a chance before it gets too big and sore. If she unfortunately doesn’t make it at least you know you tried everything. Good luck. The flip side is you give her as many happy days now. She’s a fantastic age so is obviously very well cared for and loved.
Thank you
she said it’s a mammary tumor. Doesn’t it mean malignant but she said she never lost a piggy to surgery. My concern is that she said more can appear and how much surgery can she take. Has anyone here had tumors removed and more came?thank you for your helpIs your vet absolutely sure that it is a tumour?
My sow Winifred had a mammary lump, my regular vet assumed it was a tumour and said nothing could be done. A different vet said it might not be, and when it was tested after removal it was found to be benign.
Your girl's lump still needs removing though so there is still that issue... Any surgery has risks, especially in older piggies, you can try to reduce the risk by using a vet who has plenty of experience removing lumps. If you feel the risk is still too high, the alternative is palliative care to keep her comfortable for as many happy today's as may be. Wishing you luck!
I have so far not come across a mammary tumor growing back on here.
Thank youI am sorry for the predicament you find yourself in
Thank you. I am getting a second opinion on January 5th seen that this is a brand new vet
It’s a hard decision to make but as said, she could have a few years left in her yet. All the best with whatever you decide x
Thank you. We will take her to the vet next week. Meanwhile we’re giving her pain meds that the vet gave us
Thank you for your help. Hope your baby feel better soon
Sorry, I should have been clearer. Winifred's lump wasn't a tumour, benign or malignant. Tests showed it to be a granuloma or steatitis, growth produced by the body in response to an "insult" the vet said. The mass was neat and straightforward to remove.
You helped a lot. That’s my fear. It’s making a decision without 100% certainty. In 4 days we go see a second vet for another opinion. Hopefully that gives me clarity.
