Malignant melanoma found in Piggy

[MissPiggy307]

Hello all,

We recently found a lump on Miss Piggy’s back leg. The vet examined her today and took a sample of the lump and thinks it is a malignant melanoma (there were a mass of black cells mixed with the blue). They are recommending surgery right away. She is 2 1/2 years old, very healthy, and hasn’t showed signs of the lump bothering her. I was certain it was going to be benign and I’m so surprised and distraught at the diagnosis. I also can’t find anything online about malignant melanoma in guinea pigs.

Has anyone had this issue with their sweet guinea pigs and how was the recovery process? I’m so worried about her-she’s the sweetest animal.

Thank you

 

[Wiebke]

Hello all,

We recently found a lump on Miss Piggy’s back leg. The vet examined her today and took a sample of the lump and thinks it is a malignant melanoma (there were a mass of black cells mixed with the blue). They are recommending surgery right away. She is 2 1/2 years old, very healthy, and hasn’t showed signs of the lump bothering her. I was certain it was going to be benign and I’m so surprised and distraught at the diagnosis. I also can’t find anything online about malignant melanoma in guinea pigs.

Has anyone had this issue with their sweet guinea pigs and how was the recovery process? I’m so worried about her-she’s the sweetest animal.

Thank you

Hi and welcome
I am very sorry about the bad news; it is not the kind that any of us ever want to hear.

Cancer is comparatively rare in guinea pigs although with fast improving diagnostics this may change to a certain extent. We have come quite a way over the last 15 years but they are still pretty much the most underresearched common pet species, being classed as an exotic pet but too common for the real exotics buffs.
To my knowledge, we haven't seen really much in the way of malignant melanoma in guinea pigs (or better, hardly any); especially as there is a growing trend to keep them as indoors pets. It is rather a new kid on the block as far as guinea pigs are concerned, I am very sorry to say - hence the lack of information. We had an enquiry about a benign and most definitely non-cancerous tumor a few days ago where one of the medically not quite experienced poster threw in malignant melanoma intor round even though it did in now way apply to the issue in question which has obviously been picked up by google. Please also keep in mind that we very often don't get any feedback to any illness posts as to their outcome.

Lump-ectomies are generally not the most difficult of operations, depending on where on the body they are located; it is trickier in areas close to sensitive organs or where mobility can be affected. It also depends on how far the cancer has spread. What guinea pigs have against them when it comes to cancer is their much faster metabolism, which is why your vet is so keen on operating as soon as possible.

Here is our practical care advice for post-op piggies: Tips For Post-operative Care

Wishing you all the best.

 

[Freela]

Awww, I'm so sorry for the diagnosis. It's obviously not something that you want to hear. I do think that a lumpectomy ASAP is the best option, to remove as much of the affected tissue as possible. ((HUGS)) to you and wishing your piggie all the best.