Mammary Mass (on Guinea pig named Monkey)
- CavyHouse
- Supporter in '11
I'm currently boarding a guinea pig named Monkey who was adopted from us about 5 years ago. He now has a mammary mass and the owners have stated that the only vet care he will get will be for a "peaceful death". They'd like to re-home him but it's unlikely to happen with a mass like this.
I contacted my vet (via email with a photo of mass) and he said that it looks ulcerated already and at least needs antiseptic wipes. He thought the guinea pig could be comfortable for a while as is. Surgery to remove this is $800-$1000. I'm no longer rescuing so don't have a vet fund built up.
I'm considering my options. I'd like to get this piggy better care. Has anyone left the masses without surgery? I'm wondering what life for him would be like and for how long. $1000 for surgery for a piggy that's not mine is a lot, but I want to do what's right for this piggy. He was one of the last ones adopted from me.
Thanks
I contacted my vet (via email with a photo of mass) and he said that it looks ulcerated already and at least needs antiseptic wipes. He thought the guinea pig could be comfortable for a while as is. Surgery to remove this is $800-$1000. I'm no longer rescuing so don't have a vet fund built up.
I'm considering my options. I'd like to get this piggy better care. Has anyone left the masses without surgery? I'm wondering what life for him would be like and for how long. $1000 for surgery for a piggy that's not mine is a lot, but I want to do what's right for this piggy. He was one of the last ones adopted from me.
Thanks
- CavyHouse
- Supporter in '11
Monkey also has a good size hard lump on his side - about an inch big. I don't know if that's related to the mammary mass or not. I've heard most of the mammary masses are benign, but I'm wondering if this second mass means it has metastasized of if it's just a coincidence?
Thought?
Thought?
- CavyHouse
- Supporter in '11
Well I got some great news today for Monkey. The owners are going to surrender him to me, plus pay most of the cost of the surgery! I found another vet in the area who has an exotic practice and can do it for $550-650 - much better than the $800-$1000. I can't get him in until September but at least things are looking up for him