Lump in abdomen

Question
Hi Kat,I have a 5 1/2 year old female guinea pig called Hazel.She has never had babies.For a little while she has been drinking water excessively but in all other aspects appeared very healthy.Now however she has gone the other extreme and is drinking very little.She has almost stopped eating her GP food and hay although still likes her fruit and vegetables.She has got very lethargic and her breathing is at times very laboured.While examining her I can feel a large lump about the size of a small plum in the right side of her abdomen.Unfortunately I cannot get her to a vet until tomorrow evening.She is on her own now as her companion Ellie was put to sleep as Christmas after developing a tumour on her overy.She is very well cared for, is kept indoors and has a large grassy area outdoors when the weather is fine.I imagine her outlook is'nt going to be very good.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.Thanks a million.

Sharon

Answer
Hello Sharon,

It may very well be a tumor or possibly an abscess or a sebaceous cyst. Your best bet is to keep her eating until her vet visit, force feed her if you have to. Keeping her eating will hopefully keep her well enough to make it to her vet visit and possibly receive treatment. Good luck. Hopefully she will be fine. I'll keep her in my prayers.

-kkat
http://www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs