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Hernia - Post-surgery fears

PiggyFive

PiggyFive

New Born Pup
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Hi all,

I've always stumbled upon this forum during my guinea pig-related searches and a recent surgery has prompted me to join you all (and seriously, there's really very limited info out there on guinea pig hernias!)

I've a young male guinea pig who recently went in for surgery 2 days ago to treat a hernia (an unfortunate result owed to his castration almost exactly a year ago). He's healing really well and feeding and pooing. In terms of his recovery, I think he's doing fantastic - his 4cm(!)incision looks very clean too. Having said that, he still has a small lump near his genitals where his hernia was located. It hasn't even been a full 48 hours yet since his operation so I'm not gravely concerned just yet.

I suppose my question boils down to this - 'Is it normal for the lump where the hernia was located to remain for some time after surgery?' As I understand, I should expect swelling and fluid build up. I'd probably worry less if it had a different shape or size than before! I had a post-op check booked in for tomorrow but I've very kindly been offered by my busy vet to check him over later today instead. Though the visit is just a few short hours away, I need someone, anyone, to calm my fears!

Thank you!
 
I think some swelling is to be expected, but obviously a hands on examination by a vet will be the only proper way to be sure.
It's great you are being seen later today, and it sounds like your boy is doing well.

Welcome to the Forum.
 
Dusty still isn't a big fan of us at the moment but he's plodding about his little enclosure quite happily for the time being! I'm due to see the vet within the next 2 hours so I'll report back. Hopefully it'll help those who may stumble upon this thread and have similar concerns.

Thanks for the comment, I'm feeling a little more calm!
 
Update!

So, I took Dusty to the vet and they gave him a full look over. His remaining lump is something of a mystery to them as they've never had anything quite like it. The nurse was confident that he was no longer herniated as he didn't respond in pain when being prodded and the lump is very soft, almost as if there were liquid inside. Her best guess is it may be residual fat from beforehand though she can't be 100% sure. For now, we were assured there was no immediate worry and to keep an eye on it. Over the next few days, we just need to make sure it isn't enlarged, red, painful to the touch or hard (key symptoms of a hernia!)

Per the nurse's suggestion, we have another check-up on Monday with the vet who operated on Dusty - she may know something that we don't.

Overall, very happy with the result. I half suspected it would all be doom and gloom but the main take away is that he seems well and there's no immediate threat to his health. He's just a special case!
 
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