Leela has a lump in her genital area

[Freela]

So today when I picked up Leela, I felt that her underside was wet, like she had been sitting in pee. When I looked at her, I saw that there is a swelling on one side, right next to the genital opening. It wasn't there yesterday. It is about the size of a marble, slightly squishy, you can move it under the skin. It may feel slightly warm to touch. She is eating but feels a little light when I pick her up. She seems slightly mopey/subdued, but did eat treats, kiss our hands, and generally behave like a quieter version of normal.

Leela is 5.5 years old... when she was about 4 we were told that she had enlarged kidneys, that there was really no way to treat that, and we declined further imaging because they said there was nothing to do with kidney disease in guinea pigs. Since it has been 1.5 years since then, I've been wondering if she was misdiagnosed and has ovarian cysts or something instead. It wasn't a vet I was familiar with, even though it was the practice I usually use. It's probably unrelated to today's issue, though.

Our vet isn't open on Sundays, so I am going to try to get her into a closer vet that sees exotics in our area tomorrow. I got them to see my daughter's hamster, Bean, for an emergency illness a few months ago. They seemed good when I saw them. Fingers crossed they can get her in. I don't know why this stuff always happens on the weekend, it's almost impossible to find emergency vets that treat small animals around her. It's literally that one clinic or I have to wait until Monday to even have a hope of seeing anyone.

I just hope it's an abscess or something we can manage... we've lost a lot of pets in the past year, I really don't want to lose Leela. She is such a good girl and I'm worried sick right now.

 

[Viennese Furbabies]

I'm sorry. I know exactely how you feel.
All fingers and paws crossed that it's something that can be treated easily.
Sending healing vibes ti your sweet girl!

 

[Siikibam]

Wishing you all the best for tomorrow. Hopefully you can get her a quick appointment and it’s something simple.

 

[Claire W]

I am so sorry Could it be a bladder stone? Whatever it is, I hope it’s easily treated.

All the best with getting her seen x

 

[Bill & Ted]

Hope whatever it is is easily sorted, sending Leela lots of luck x

 

[weepweeps]

Good luck Leela.

 

[VickiA]

Good luck getting her seen by the vet today. Fingers firmly crossed.

 

[posthistorytocome]

Good luck OP, crossing my fingers you'll have a plan of action and optimistic outlook soon.

 

[Freela]

So we did get to see the vet, the news is not great. She does have an abdominal mass that the vet thinks is likely a malignancy. They think the puffiness by her groin may be lymphatic drainage. They are doing an x-ray now to confirm. If it is what they suspect, I'm reluctant to do major surgery on a 5.5 year old piggie... they said it's quite possible she wouldn't get through surgery. I'm more apt to give her the best possible Leela summer as long as she is eating and drinking and then help her pass when she's not enjoying life anymore. This sucks, guys. I'm pretty gutted, I feel bad. On top of that, we were told 1.5 years ago that she had an enlarged kidney, that treatment wasn't really available, and that diagnostics would be a lot of money and not helpful. So we didn't pursue them. Turns out this is probably an ovarian malignancy that could have been removed at 4. I'm mad at myself for not investigating it then when it would have been easier to treat. Freaking misdiagnosis.

 

[Claire W]

I'm so sorry If your fears are confirmed, I hope you have lot's of happy todays left together.

Try and not beat yourself up and think about the what ifs. You did what you thought was best at the time (((hugs))) xx

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your news.
When I had a similar diagnosis for Jemimah it felt as if the bottom had fallen out of my world. Her tumour was inoperable and as a lady of mature years the risk of surgery was too high anyway.

We gave her as many happy todays as possible so there were no regrets when she passed away.

Remember that you will have started grieving for Leela so make memories and be gentle with yourself.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry you have had this diagnosis for Leela. I hope she has a wonderful spoilt summer and more

 

[posthistorytocome]

So sorry for you and Leela.
We had a guinea pig with a large tumour when I was growing up and I think we had a few months of good/non-painful times with him before we had to let him go (don't think anyone even considered operating even though he wasn't old). It's so hard though.