Lumps

Question
My three and a half year old piggie has gain a lump in his stomach.  It feels like a pea and I noticed it when lifting him.  It does not appear to be causing any pain but he had lost a lot of weight, although he seems to be eating ok, but he is also drinking a lot more than normal which I have read is a sign of illness.
I have been told that as they are such delicate animals more often than not the shock of removing the lump at the vets would kill him so as it does not appear to be causing any pain, he is still running around and playing with his mate I wondered what your advice is on leaving him as he is

Answer
You're right, it's always risky doing surgery on these little guys.  If the lump is not growing and doesn't seem to be bothering him I would leave it alone. You might however get the opinion of a vet as to what  it might be.

Losing weight is always a red flag. It could be a sign of illness or it could be just a sign that he's aging rapidly. Although the average lifespan of most pigs is four to five years some start showing signs of old age as young as three or three and a half, just as yours is.

The excessive drinking can be due to the environment. If it's hot outside they drink more water just as you and I do. I think at this point a visit to your vet could at least give you an idea what you're facing, or whether this is truly something benign such as a fatty lipoma versus a tumor.  

You're asking my advice as to what I would do so I have to be honest and say I would leave it alone. He may have it until his time has come, which could still be a couple of years ahead.