tumor ruptured

Question
QUESTION: I've read a few things that you've written about the rupturing of a tumor or cyst.  We took our piggie to the vet about 6 months ago when her cage mate developed alopecia.  the vet pointed out the tumor, and quite a few more that we hadn't seen.  It too, was squishy on the inside.  She has another one directly on her rump that she doesn't like us to touch.  That one is still intact.  The one on her haunches burst yesterday and about half of it is still present.  I don't know what came out of it.  You can see red fleshy substance on it.  It doesn't appear to be oozing, but is so large we are quite worried.  We cleaned her in a bath, cut her long hair around it ( and around the other one so if it bursts we can keep it clean)  and doused it with a very watered down betadine solution.  She is eating, walking, drinking and grooming herself as normal, but it is pretty large, about 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  We can't afford to take her to a vet, but if she is in terrible pain, or if it gets infected, we will take her to the shelter to have her euthanized.  Can you suggest any thing else we can do?  Can we use neosporin?  How much should we dilute the betadine?

ANSWER: Hi Kris

I dont know anything about Betadine or Neosporin. I am in UK so I don't know about these treatments.

There is a big difference between a tumour, abcess and a cyst. A tumour is serious, perhaps cancerous which needs vetinary attention, a cyst is basically just a harmless lump.

It sounds in your case that puss has come out of the lump meaning it is more infectious than a tumour although of course I cant be sure.

I don't know what else to tell you. A vet is needed to diagnose the problem and administer the correct treatment. Taking your pet to a shelter to have her put to sleep may be ending her life when the problem can be treated.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your prompt reply!  Neosporin is simply an antibiotic cream that is available over the counter.  Betadine is like an iodine solution that is used to kill infections.  Another over the counter topical solution suggested by a vet.  

The vet originally took a sample and said that it appeared to be either benign or a cyst.  She couldn't tell for certain without surgery, which she estimated at $500, (not including post operative care) unfortunately,  out of the question. The pigs are both over 5 years old, although we don't know for certain as they were adopted fully grown over 3 years ago.  

Nonetheless, I have taken her out of her normal cage, and put her in a cage with a white towel as suggested by one of the websites.  (So I can monitor if she is bleeding, if any additional fluids are discharged, and to keep her clean).  So far she is still eating, drinking and acting normal.  
If you think of anything else, please let me know.  We will continue to keep it clean, and keep her comfortable.  Do you have suggestions as to how to keep it clean, or how to keep her from licking it?

Answer
Hi again

Betadine sounds fine to use to clean the wound but I couldnt advise on what solution to use.

Due to the pig's age, if you can keep her comfortable and she is eating and acting fine then she should be ok.

Try to keep the wound as clean as you can and let me know if you need further help.

andy