tumor

Question
hi, my mae guinea pig is 3-4 years old. \
I brought him to the vet a while ago regarding a lump under his neck. The vet said it was most likey a fatty tomour, and to watch his weight otherwise it will get bigger.
I felt it today and the tomor had grown, but my boar is not any fatter, i am taking him to the vet, if it is harmful, should i get it removed, or should i get him put down? i am wondering this because he is quite old, he has not being himself latly and the antasetic, also the expencises, what would you do?

Answer
Hi Maddy,

If the lump is growing rapidly it is likely to be an abscess - in which case it can be lanced rather than removed, with no need for a general anesthetic. It is unlikely to be cancerous if it has appeared suddenly, is growing fast and he has shown no other symptoms. If surgery is advised, I would recommend that you seek a second opinion from a specialist small animal vet. Specialist vets are less likely to resort to surgery (knowing the dangers) and if they do suggest it, you can be sure that your guinea pig will be operated on as a guinea pig and not a small cat/dog, which is never a good idea!

If your boar is eating and drinking as normal, and seemed himself until the lump arrived I would strongly urge you against having him put down. At 3-4 years old you should have at least another 2 years with him, which I'm sure you will agree will be worth whatever expense you incur to get him better.

I hope this helps and that he gets better soon. Do let me know if you have any other questions.

Jenny.