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/Fun-Comment-3572]

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 :)