My guinea pig has a wound-like growth on her back. What could it be?

That looks like a laceration from the photo. I recommend to have Sussy examined by the veterinarian who may want to put her on antibiotics. In the mean time, you can gently wash the area with soap and rinse it very well. Pat dry the fur well. Make sure to keep her warm until she is dry. Remove the bedding and put a towel down so no dust or particles can contaminate the area. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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!

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.

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach! This looks like a ringworm lesion to me. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1800&aid=2494 You can try using a topical anti-fungal medication like Clotrimazole to see if it helps. Apply a thin layer to the lesion twice a day. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Antifungal-1-Clotrimazole-USP-Cream-1-oz-tube/950932820 Remember two important things: 1. It can take weeks to months for ringworm to resolve. If you are not making much progress with the cream after a couple weeks I would take her to the vet. They can give you an oral medication to use that may be more effective. 2. Ringworm can be contagious to people so wash your hands thoroughly after handling her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Toby and including photos. Dermal cysts, skin abscesses and benign tumors (trichofolliculoma) are very common in guinea pigs. A veterinary visit is recommended, but these are rarely emergencies. But is the abscess, cyst or tumor ruptures, secondary problems can develop. Good luck.