My guinea pig has a hard lump on her jaw. Does she need a vet?

Thanks for reaching out about Chim Chim. The pet store should be contacted as if the swelling is on the ventral neck, it is likely an enlarged lymph node and a condition termed "caseous lymphadenopathy" or strangles. Systemic antibiotics are needed, possible lancing of abscess. It is contagious to other guinea pigs. A veterinary visit is recommended, soon, before he stops eating.

This is likely an abscess which will need to be seen and treated by a veterinarian. The vet will need to lance the abscess and flush it. Since it may be involving the teeth, your vet may want to x-ray the head to see the extent. Kuri will need antibiotics. If you have financial concerns, investigate the possibility of getting care credit (www.carecredit.com), make a few phone calls to some pet charities in your area and talk with your vet about a payment plan.

Hello, I would recommend having Paisley seen by a veterinarian to check the lumps. A lump could be anything from a lipoma (accumulation of fat), a spreading skin infection, or a tumor, which could be either benign or malignant. The best way to find out what a given mass could be is histopathology with a surgical biopsy, but sometimes a needle aspirate can positively identify a tumor type or skin infection. A lipoma would not require any further treatment. A skin infection may be cured with a course of antibiotics. A more serious tumor may warrant x-rays, bloodwork, and ultrasound to be sure it hasn't metastasized extensively before surgery. I think it is absolutely worth investigating the cause of growths in guinea pigs. I hope this is helpful! If you get a diagnosis and have more questions, we will always be happy to answer them! :) Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This could be potentially rubbing against cornea and in the long term cause both chronic irritation/inflammation (the cornea can get darker than normal) and possibly corneal ulceration. This lump/growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am sorry to hear about Chewy! A photo of the bump may help us in providing you with a better answer. I would be concerned if this is a large bump about a possible abscess (pocket of infection), cyst, or tumor. I would recommend having her seen by a vet since she obviously seems to be bothered by it. The vet may aspirate the bump by putting a small needle into it to help identify what the bump is and how best to treat it.

Have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating pocket pets. A fine needle aspirate can be done to collect a sample for pathology. This may lead to a diagnosis. In the meantime, make sure he is eating, drinking and eliminating normally.

Hello! Masses near the breast area of a guinea pig could be a few different things. My first thought is a mammary tumor, which is common in rodent species, especially as they get older. Mammary tumors in rodents are usually benign, but rarely they are malignant and could spread to other parts of the body, so most vets generally recommend surgical removal of these masses if the guinea pig is healthy enough for surgery. The mass could also be a fluid-filled cyst or an abscess. All of these diagnoses will require the help of a veterinarian to confirm. At the vet, they will give Lola a complete physical exam, and they will most likely collect a small sample of cells from the mass to look at under the microscope with a small needle. This is called a fine needle aspirate, or FNA. The type of tissue or liquid that comes out, as well as what those cells look like under the microscope, will determine the recommended course of action. If it's a tumor, they may suggest removal. If it's a cyst, they may just drain it and ask you to watch for recurrence. If it is an abscess, it will also likely be drained, and Lola will probably be put on antibiotics. I strongly suggest that you make an appointment with Lola's regular vet, or, if you don't yet have one, with an exotics specialist. Here is one that is nearby: Northwest Exotic Veterinary Clinic 572 S Bartlett Rd, Streamwood, IL 60107 (630) 540-2490 Good luck, and I hope Lola recovers well!