cuppy has a lump on her side

[tmllcart]

Hi my piggie Cuppy has a lump on her side. It's kinda big and it's soft. I am really worried because my little pig her sister Stinker had the same kinda of lump. When I took Stinker to the vet she said there was nothing she could do. The lump grew very quickly and I made her as comfortable as possible until it was just to big and I had to put her to sleep. Cuppy is now 6 1/2. Does anyone know if this is common in older pigs. Is this something that is common. I can't bear the thought of Cuppy going through what Stinker did. I cry everyday, I'm taking her to the vet today and I have a feeling she is going to tell me the same thing. (My poor little Cup and Stuff)
Thanks,
Mary

[Foggycreek]

Very rarely there is "nothing she could do", unless the lump in question is a cancerous tumor.

The vet should take a needle biopsy of it to see exactly what you're dealing with. Most tumors can be removed surgically. Most cysts can as well, and most abscesses (or some abscesses are lanced and drained).

If your vet says there's nothing that can be done without taking a biopsy or culture, then I think it's time to get a new vet.

[tmllcart]

Thanks, Foggycreek
I was upset when Stinker had to be put down. I think she did say it was cancerous. How did she know that if she didn't do a biopsy. I was going to take Cuppy to the same vet but I'm looking up a new one as we speak. Will they put Cuppy to sleep to do the biopsy? Do you know if it is cancerous can they still remove it?
Thanks,
Mary

[Foggycreek]

Usually they just quickly stick a tiny needle in and draw out whatever's inside the lump. Then they take a look at it under a microscope.

Cancerous lumps can be removed--it depends on the type, the rate of growth, if it's invaded other tissues/organs, etc.

[Cavymomma77]

I am sorry to hear about your cavies lump on her side. where abouts is the lump? The reason i ask is because I just rescued a cavy from her previous owner and she has a rather large lump on the side of her leg (hip area). The lady said it was a scar, but it is in fact an open wound.

[Foggycreek]

It will need to be seen by a vet. Open wounds can be cysts that have burst, or abscesses. The pig most likely needs antibiotics.

Thanks for taking her in, and good luck with her, Cavymomma77.

[Cavymomma77]

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/bawaterw/PIGLEG4.jpg Here is a picture of her poor leg

[tmllcart]

Cuppy's lump is on her right side almost under her belly and behind her right foot.

[Foggycreek]

Cavymomma, that looks just like an opened (or burst) cyst. It will need to be removed surgically and stitched closed.