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Lump in skin under neck area

curlykrish

curlykrish

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hello, a two weeks ago when I was holding Jyn for lap time I felt a little lump the size of a bead under Jyn’s head near her neck. It seems to move with the skin and hasn’t changed size since then.
She is behaving normally, although her weight does fluctuate by 20g or so (she is 13months) while the rest of the herd (who are younger) are all either flat or gaining weekly. I weigh them all at the same time each week. And although she is the eldest, she weighs less that Rose who is about 10 months. She also feels thinner, but she is probably the most active of the herd.
I took Jyn to the vet over a week ago, who tried to see if she could aspirate it, but Jyn is really wriggly and still nervous being held. Vet gave some antibiotics, and will take her back next Thursday. It hasn’t grown at all, it’s about the size of a small pea. But it hasn’t gone either.
Anyone else had this before? I’m a little worried. Vet said next step was to see if it could be aspirated else it might be better just to cut it out.
 
Sorry, I’m not too experienced with lumps and bumps!

I would’ve maybe thought a cage mate had bitten her and it’s swollen? Could just be a cyst. But for some piece of mind you’re doing everything you can. Trust your vet, you’re doing great. Hugs and lots of luck to Jyn! ❤️
 
It sounds like your vet is taking the best approach - caution at first and ruling out the obvious.

I have had many piggies with different lumps over the years and most turn out to be harmless and easily dealt with.
I hope the antibiotics do the trick, but if not an aspiration is a good next step to find out more.
 
Quick update; after two weeks of antibiotics there has been no change in the size or shape of the lump, so vet has suggested she just cuts it out - appointment booked for next week. Unfortunately Jyn is so wriggley that vet would need to put her under just to aspirate - so probably makes sense just to remove it if going through that anyway.
 
curlykrish said:
Quick update; after two weeks of antibiotics there has been no change in the size or shape of the lump, so vet has suggested she just cuts it out - appointment booked for next week. Unfortunately Jyn is so wriggley that vet would need to put her under just to aspirate - so probably makes sense just to remove it if going through that anyway.
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I would agree. If she is going under then better to do the whole thing in one go.
Good luck next week.
 
Jyn had her op today - turns out it was just an abscess, but likely the antibiotics just didn’t work on it. Anyway, it’s been removed and Jyn is recovering well.
 
Just another update two weeks on from surgery and Jyn has recovered - just the last bit of scab to come off. In addition her weight has finally stabilised ! ( it was up and down previously but only ever by 20/30g )
 
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