Lumps that appear on the belly of your guinea pig may be mammary tumors. They can appear on male or female guinea pigs. If your guinea pig has cysts on their back or on the flanks of their legs, they may have trichofolliculoma, which affects their hair follicles. Not all lumps on your guinea pig’s body are tumors, but you should get them checked out by a vet regardless.
If the lump is painful or uncomfortable, your guinea pig may start chewing it. This may cause bleeding. If the lump is filled with pus, it may be an abscess and not a tumor.
A lack of appetite. Labored breathing. Bloody urine. Hair loss. A scruffy or ruffled coat.
If your vet determines it is an abscess and not a tumor, they may drain it and treat it with antibiotics instead. Some growths, such as lipomas, may not be harmful, and your vet may recommend no treatment.
If your vet determines that your guinea pig has cancer or a malignant tumor, euthanasia may be recommended. There are few treatments that can treat cancers in guinea pigs.
Complete blood count: The vet will draw blood from the guinea pig to count red and white blood cells. This can help diagnose leukemia, a cancer of the blood. Urinalysis: Your vet will test your guinea pig’s urine. This can help them find bladder and uterine cancers. Lymph node sampling: The vet may take a sample of the fluids from the lymph nodes to see if there is an infection there. This can help diagnose a type of cancer called lymphosarcoma.
Even if your guinea pig does not have a reproductive tumor, spaying and neutering can prevent these tumors from developing.
Antibiotics that your veterinarian may prescribe include Bactrim or Baytril. Some painkillers that you might be given include a narcotic like tramadol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Metacam. Not all vets will prescribe medicine following surgery. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. Never give your guinea pig your own medication, as most human medicines are toxic to guinea pigs.
The guinea pig is not eating or drinking. It appears to be in pain. It is chewing or pulling out its sutures. The wound is bleeding or oozing.
