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Jeremy’s operation

Tabybim

Tabybim

Junior Guinea Pig
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My 3 year old skinny pig, Jeremy has a lot of lumps mostly on his abdomen area. He’s had a few checked by the vet and they say that they are fatty lumps. However recently I noticed 2 more larger lumps so I took Jeremy straight to the vets and they said these lumps especially the one nearest his naval are more firm and attached than the others and they want to remove them under anaesthesia and have them tested. Basically I just want to know if anyone else has been in a similar situation with their pigs ( are skinny pigs more lumpy in your opinion?) and do you think an operation is a good idea? I’m concerned about putting him under and is it possible to find out what these lumps are without surgery? All advice would be greatly appreciated his operation is booked for Wednesday..
 
I’m sorry your boy is unwell. What did the vet suspect the lumps could be? I think you should be guided by your vet. Anaesthesia does come with risks, but if you have an experienced vet who you trust then hopefully that makes the decision somewhat easier. I don’t think skinny pigs are ‘more lumpy’ but I can’t say for sure.

It’s a tough decision but I think you will make the right one for Jeremy. Be patient and someone with more experience should come and help you. I’ll also tag @furryfriends (TEAS)
 
I’m sorry that Jeremy isn’t well but as above, be guided by your vet. Is your vet cavvy savvy?

You could have a fine needle biopsy taken from one of the lumps and have the sample sent away for testing. I’ve done that with 3 of my piggies. Two came back as cancer and one as harmless fatty lumps but that’s something to discuss with your vet
 
I do think the Skinnies seem to be more prone to lumps. We had a skinny a few years ago, who had a couple of lumps on her tummy. Our vet advised against removal, saying he thought they were just fatty lumps. However, she got another, a year or so later, which seemed more suspect, so we had that one removed, very successfully. I think as long as your vet is experienced in guinea pig surgery, especially operating on a skinny pig, as keeping them warm, during and after the op is more challenging, then I would suggest you go ahead.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I do think the Skinnies seem to be more prone to lumps. We had a skinny a few years ago, who had a couple of lumps on her tummy. Our vet advised against removal, saying he thought they were just fatty lumps. However, she got another, a year or so later, which seemed more suspect, so we had that one removed, very successfully. I think as long as your vet is experienced in guinea pig surgery, especially operating on a skinny pig, as keeping them warm, during and after the op is more challenging, then I would suggest you go ahead.
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A little OT but do they know what is in their physiology that makes them more prone to lumps? I guess no studies have been done on it.
 
I echo what has been said.
In the end you make the decision that you feel is best.
Although surgery is a risk sometimes it is the best decision.
Holding you in my thoughts
 
Siikibam said:
A little OT but do they know what is in their physiology that makes them more prone to lumps? I guess no studies have been done on it.
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No, as far as I know there hasn't been any studies into why they seem to get more lumps. Could it be that we notice them more, as they are hairless, I wonder? Particularly the small sebaceous cysts.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
No, as far as I know there hasn't been any studies into why they seem to get more lumps. Could it be that we notice them more, as they are hairless, I wonder? Particularly the small sebaceous cysts.
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It could be that. Interesting...
 
Wishing you and Jeremy the very best. It’s a difficult decision but if you trust your vet I guess it’s possibly best to go ahead with the surgery because at least you’ll know what the lumps are and there’s a good chance Jeremy will be ok. Try not to worry. Sleep on it and see how you feel in the next day or so. We are here to support you x
 
Thanking everyone for their replies and well wishes. I think I am going to talk to the vet again just to make sure we’re on the Same page and I have all the info before committing to the surgery, but I do think that’s probably what is necessary.
Jeremy is my baby and after losing my skinny boy Godfrey a few years ago to cancer I can’t help but be very anxious.
 
Tabybim said:
Jeremy had his surgery on Wednesday. The vet removed 2 lumps and I should get the results in about a week 🤞.
He seems to be doing okay, he’s on painkillers and 1 week cage rest.
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Fingers crossed that the results come back as benign. I hope Jeremy makes a speedy recovery x
 
I’m glad the surgery went well. Get well soon Jeremy.
 
Just got the results from Jeremy’s biopsy, they were both fatty lumps and harmless 🙌🙌🙌. I’m so relieved.
His wound is taking a bit longer to heal than usual and he is on antibiotics in case of infection. He has developed a hematoma so I’m keeping an eye on the scar site, thanks for all your well wishes.🥰
 
Tabybim said:
Just got the results from Jeremy’s biopsy, they were both fatty lumps and harmless 🙌🙌🙌. I’m so relieved.
His wound is taking a bit longer to heal than usual and he is on antibiotics in case of infection. He has developed a hematoma so I’m keeping an eye on the scar site, thanks for all your well wishes.🥰
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woohooo for Jeremy!
 
Just caught up with this thread about the very lovely Jeremy. So pleased he's come through the op and heres hoping he makes a quick recovery.
 
Thanks again! Jeremy has developed a bit of a swelling at his scar site( which is believed to be a hematoma) Does any one know what I should do about that? Is there anything that could help him heal faster?
 
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