Guinea pig toe swelled and purple (not broken or bumblefoot) Thoughts?

[sas828]

My guinea pig's toe is swelled and purple. It has been like that for about 2 months and I decided to take her to the vet to get it checked out. The vet thought it might be broken or a tumor. The vet did an X test and didn't notice any broken bones and suggested running a bunch of blood tests to see what the possible cause could be. I do not have a lot of money to be paying for a bunch of blood tests that could be unconclusive. The vet suggested since I don't have the money to pay for a bunch of blood tests, I should just get the toe amputated just in case it is cancer but the amputation costs about $800 and I am thinking it might just be infected and not cancerous? It also does not seem to hurt my guinea pig when I move her toe around. The vet also said it isn't bumblefoot either since it is only affecting 1 toe. Any thoughts on what it could possibly be? I have an amputation scheduled in 2 days just in case but having an amputation done just doesn't sit right with me. My guinea pig is a 4.5 year old female of that makes any difference.

I can't seem to figure out how to add images to this thread so here are Google Photo image links:
New item by Sierra Spring
New item by Sierra Spring
New item by Sierra Spring

 

[Piggies&buns]

You will be able to add pictures directly to this thread once your registration is complete behind the scenes. You will know this has happened because the ‘attach files’ button will appear and ‘new born pup’ will show under your avatar.

You would need to be guided by your vet as to what would be the best course of action would be and what tests may be beneficial prior to going to amputation.

Were you given any antibiotics in case of infection?
You mentioned it’s been like this for two months - how soon did you see the vet after you noticed the issue? I’m only asking because if it wasn’t straight away and she had an untreated infection then other things may have come to light - weight loss, lack of appetite etc.

Has her weight been stable at each weekly weight check (daily weight checks when piggies are unwell or have any health concern).

 

[sas828]

It had been 2 months because when I first noticed it, I thought it might have been from a piece of hay poking her foot or something. I immediately changed and cleaned her cage while also monitoring it for a week to see if there would be some improvement. It wasn't getting better so I called the vet. They said it wasn't urgent enough to go to the ER so they scheduled me in as soon as the could for a normal appointment. The vet books appointments multiple weeks in advance because they are one of the few places that treat guinea pigs in my area and they are short staffed. Also my guinea pig's appetite seems normal and she hasn't had any weight loss.

When the vet looked at the toe, she did not send me home with any antibiotics or even mention it could be an infection... she thinks it might be a tumor but she can't verify without running a bunch of labs. I can't afford to have the vet run a bunch of labs plus the additional cost of amputation if it gets to that point which is why the vet said to just do a straight amputation because she doesn't know what it could be and thinks amputation the toe would be best just in case it is cancer.

 

[sas828]

I am able to add pictures now... here are some pics of her toe.

 

[Wiebke]

I am able to add pictures now... here are some pics of her toe.

Hi
That looks very uncomfortable. I am very sorry that your vet access is so slow.

If your vet is convinced after a careful hands-on examination that it is not a possible infection after having had a good look at the toe and a feel for any heat/swelling in the foot or leg (it doesn't look like that to me, either), then antibiotics are not needed. It is the first thing they would have checked for, right after feeling for a potential badly healed break.

I agree that in your case following your vet's recommendation for an amputation may be the best option. Once healed your piggy will still retain their mobility even if they may no longer want to run around like mad for long stretches; but they will be able to lead a normal, full and happy life in all other respects and be as agile and quick to the plate as any mates. Piggies are wired to just get on with it.

Here are our post-op care tips:
Tips For Post-operative Care
Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility (just in case your piggy is stuggling and more stationary at first; it should settle quickly, though)

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Hi, I would be guided by your vet. From the photos the toe looks enlarged but not inflamed. In an ideal world it would be lovely to run tests to prove your vets suspicions but as you say that is expensive and if correct the toe would still need to be amputated anyway.
The amputation should be a quick, straightforward procedure requiring only a short anaesthetic. With the toe gone it will take away the risk of it getting worse and causing increased pain. I once had a piggy who had to have a rear leg amputated (following a fall) and went on to live a long and happy life and was able to charge about as fast as anyone else.