My guinea pig has lumps on his back. Do I need a vet and what's the cost?

Question

My Guinea Pig, Pickles, has what we think is an abscess. I gave him a bath after he’d rolled in feces a while ago, puss came out of the lump. It was just white. He has since developed 2 more. They’re all around his lower back area but they don’t seem to bother him. If I take him to a vet what’s the estimated price range? Is it necessary to take him to one? Thank you for your time. Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 10 months old

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question about Pickles. There are a couple of things that the lumps could be. You are correct that they could be abscesses, as these don't occur uncommonly in guinea pigs. Another potential is a type of tumor called a trichofolliculoma. This is a special tumor that occurs in guinea pigs, and typically occurs around their rear ends/hip/back region. It would be a bit strange to have multiples of them, but it can happen. I would recommend taking Pickles to the veterinarian. Depending on your area, the exam fee may range from $50-80 typically. After a thorough examination, your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate and cytology of the masses. This means that they put a needle into the mass and extract some cells. They put these cells on a slide and look at them under the microscope. If they see bacteria, it is likely to be an abscess. If they see other cells, then it would be something else (such as the trichofolliculoma). A fine needle aspirate and cytology can vary in price, anywhere from $30-60 depending on the practice. After that, depending on what is found, the veterinarian may make further diagnostic recommendations, such as a culture if the masses are abscesses, or surgery if they are tumors. Thankfully, if it is a trichofolliculoma, surgery is curative. They may also have treatment recommendations, including pain medications and antibiotics. Please don't give Pickles any human medications, as many of them are harmful to our furry friends. If you are unsure about what veterinarians are comfortable seeing guinea pigs in your area, you can look at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians website. They have some resources on finding a vet in your area. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I wish you the best of luck!

My guinea pig has lumps on his back. Do I need a vet and what's the cost?

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