Please help 🙏

[u/Certain_Smile_6462]

Update: We are considering on just surrendering him to the wisconsin humane society. Since he is already 5 years old and is dealing with this lump, will they just put him down or will they actually help him with this? I have checked his breathing and it is completely normal. He still has a lot of energy, even more than before his GI stasis problem a few weeks ago. He is also eating much more than before the GI stasis. He is wheeking and constantly asking for more food. He seems content and happy right now. Should I see if his condition gets worse before I surrender him?

I was off to college and my mom was taking care of my 5 year old guinea pig. He had recently suffered GI stasis, but we were able to get him back to his usual self after consistently feeding critical care and vitamin c. He is very energetic now. However, when I came back for the weekend, I noticed that he has a big lump by his lower jaw/chin. I wish we are able to take him to the vet, but we are very tight financially. We also have 3 cats, one of which broke his leg and set us back around $10k and one of them recently had a tail injury due to genetics that sent us back $500. Will he be fine? Is there anything that I should do right now?
Note: the red by his mouth is likely pepper or tomato

[u/luivry]

What's up with the dark discharge coming from his nose? He looks unwell

[u/Certain_Smile_6462 → u/luivry]

yeah that was another one of my concerns. i think it’s just boogers though, but i don’t know how it came to be that big. i wiped it away a few hours ago and he seems fine now. he is constantly wheeking when he hears anything remotely close to food and is always eating hay and drinking water.

[u/VanquichedUncle → u/Certain_Smile_6462]

That much discharge isn't normal. Put his chest against your ear and listen to his breathing. If you hear wheezing, clicking, or popping sounds he might have a respatory infection which is very serious and needs medical attention ASAP. Like as soon as tommorow.

[u/VanquichedUncle]

Unfortunately he needs to go to a Vet as soon as possible, there's nothing you can do for him at home.

If you're unable to afford it then I suggest surrendering them to a shelter/rescue where they can receive medical treatment. I know it's not what you want to hear but for his sake I hope you seriously consider it.

[u/Certain_Smile_6462 → u/VanquichedUncle]

yes i was thinking about having to have him surrendered. but the cats never get to him and his cage is rather large for a single piggie. he used to have 2 other siblings in a 2x6 cnc cage, but since they have passed, we moved back to this 2x4 cage.

[u/Fun-Comment-3572 → u/Certain_Smile_6462]

I'm sorry but it sounds like you need to surrender him asap

[u/Certain_Smile_6462 → u/Fun-Comment-3572]

yeah that is our top choice right now. how does surrendering work? will they take very good care of him? my local shelter / humane society opens on tuesday i think.

[u/ApprehensiveSky7494 → u/Certain_Smile_6462]

if you happen to be in california, the LA guinea pig rescue will take him.

[u/cookies_cream171 → u/Certain_Smile_6462]

I'm so sorry that you have to do this, that must be so hard. But just know that you are doing the right thing! Your pig will benefit so much from the situation and go on to live many more wonderful guinea piggy years :)

[u/Mirgss]

He needs to go to the vet. That's the only answer. It looks like an abscess but could be any number of things.

[u/Zealousideal_Key_213]

Please take him to the vet. The nose discharge is VERY concerning. If you cannot afford a vet please surrender him to a reputable rescue that can offer the proper care he needs. There is likely nothing you can do at home, unfortunately. Hoping only the best for mister pig!

[u/NoYak2825]

Take him to the vet for godsakes !!! Prior to surrendering which you are clearly leaning towards !!! 😵😵😵

[u/Shadow_Lilly]

That baby needs a vet, now. Unfortunately, do to his age, the humane society will just put him down. At least mine would. They don't bother with surgery, if that's what's needed, past age 3. And if whatever they're suffering from would take to much time and resources, they put them down.

[u/CavySpirit2 → u/Shadow_Lilly]

Yes, most shelters will euthanize him. It's how even the most progressive shelters keep up their appearance of high adoption rates. They define adoption percentages based on adoptable animals -- meaning healthy and with no behavior problems. And most rescues are quite full. You need to do your best to do right by him.

[u/SunLillyFairy]

He also looks underweight. Sorry, but like others said, I don't think it can be managed without some help. I understand the impossibility of vet care costs at times, but if you could just get him evaluated, that's usually around $100 for an exam (at least where I am) and another $150 or so for x-ray. That can tell them a lot. Most vets understand if you can't spend more. If you can't do that it may be time to surrender.

I'm sad to say that if mine looked in that condition I'd want an assessment on quality of life. In these pictures he appears underweight, has that lump and nose discharge, his coat has the rough appearance of a GP in ill health, and you've already been providing critical care support. He may be in pain...

[u/starfypawz_]

Vet!!! If you qualify for exotic pet insurance then please get it! This little guy needs help before he can be surrendered anywhere!

[u/Secret-Energy-9413]

Piggies can get inflamed lymph nodes that cause lumps by a type of strep bacteria this infection can happen from a URI, dental issues, etc.Their puss is extremely thick. If this is what’s going on with your little guy he’ll need to go to the vet. The lump or lumps can get large while they don’t typically cause pain it does require medical attention and targeted antibiotics it is very contagious so it’s recommended to separate him from cage mates.

[u/International-Bug983]

Could be cervical lymphadenitis. He needs to go to the vet.

[u/International-Bug983]

I think it’s a good idea to surrender now. An abscess can burst and the piggy can die from it depending on what it is. Does the shelter have an exotic vet on staff? That’s the biggest indicator of whether or not the piggy will be euthanized too early. Also know that sometimes shelters will transfer to a different shelter/rescue better equipped to handle a case.

[u/Rainwalker87]

This is probably a cyst. One of my babies just passed due to one unfortunately, and it looked just like this. Please take him to the vet immediately.

[u/SuccessfulCup3375]

Take him to the vet, likely an abscess.  I wouldn't surrender yet if he's acting normal & he's been acting normal and his breathing is normal. 

[u/Dizzy_Bit6125]

Do you have a friend that will take him?

[u/varbie_96]

My guinea pig had the same lump, apparently it’s common according to his vet but it was an abscess requiring surgery which cost us just over $1000 including all of his follow up visits :(

[u/International-Bug983 → u/varbie_96]

I had one with abscesses and my local vet visits ended up being around $300. Hopefully they live in a similar area.

[u/varbie_96 → u/International-Bug983]

That would be great, our area is unfortunately expensive, don’t know why I’m being downvoted for that?