My Winston has a mammary tumor, what do I do?

[Bernie131]

My sweet Winston has a mammary tumor and the Vet aspirated some cells and doesn't Like the look of them. He is about 2,3 yrs old. I adopted him from Pet project a year and a half ago and he lost his buddy Porkchop months ago and I just got him a new friend a month ago and I noticed a lump in his mammary gland and made an appointment with his vet and found out Friday it looks cancerous. So do I have it surgically removed asap or try medications or what? I am so afraid he won't make it through surgery and I can't lose him. Any help, suggestions are appreciated

[Lynx]

He is not old - if otherwise in good condition and you have an experienced vet who manages anesthetics well, odds are good he would make it through the surgery fine. Also, the majority of mammary tumors are not cancerous. This type of surgery is not as invasive as some other types of surgery meaning most surgeries go well (though there are always risks).

I encourage you to read these pages if you have not already:
https://www.guinealynx.info/tumor_mammary.html
https://www.guinealynx.info/surgery.html
https://www.guinealynx.info/postop.html

[bpatters]

Doing nothing isn't really an option. It's not a terrible surgery, and most pigs do just fine.

Just be sure that you're seeing an exotic vet who has experience with guinea pig anesthesia, and not just a small animal vet. "Small animal" means dogs and cats, not exotic pets.

[RubySimon]

Surgery is always risky in a pig. But if he is in good body condition and younger, the chances of him getting through it are good. Never a guarantee but if you have a good, exotics vet, trust in them. Doing nothing will be risky too.

Please keep the forum updated. Good luck.