My guinea pig has a penis growth. Is it serious? Is it contagious?

Thank you for reaching out about Piglet - that is a very cute name. I didn't see how old he was? The reason that I ask is that it is common for older guinea pigs, including males, to have problems occur with their nipples. This can include trauma, masses, and crusting. This can be due to hormonal changes, other systemic disease processes, and cancer. I would recommend one of two courses of action - you can continue to monitor the masses for changes (if this occurs, please take Piglet to a veterinarian) or you can take him to a veterinarian for evaluation now, and get additional recommendations based on the exam that s/he performs. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

Thanks for reaching out about Meeko and including pictures. This appears to be benign growth called a trichofolliculoma. These are tumors of the skin with very low likelihood of metastasis but likely to recur if not surgically removed. Hair should be gently clipped around the mass in an attempt to decrease bacterial contamination. Clean cotton tipped applicators can be used to gently remove the debris from inside the lesion. Gentle flushing with sterile saline can help irrigate the lesion, then allow to heal on its own. As previously stated, these are likely to recur. Do not apply any topical antibiotics such as Neosporin or triple antibiotics since guinea pig gastrointestinal tracts are very sensitive to antibiotics. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs might be compatible with a urinary tract infection/inflammation. Stress related (idiopathic type of inflammation) infections and presence of crystals are the most common causes of it. Kidney stones are possible as well. These signs must be checked as soon as possible as urinary tract infection can be dangerous in male (especially neutered) guinea pigs as it can develop into a urinary tract obstruction/blockage. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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!

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!

Thanks for reaching out about Teddy and including photos. This could be a sebaceous cyst or abscess. For now, wash the lesions with a mild soap, such as Johnson Baby Shampoo or Dawn dishsoap. If the lesion continue to grow or appears to be bothering Teddy, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

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.