Our Guinea pig Sascha is 7 years 3 months old. His sister died very abruptly about 3 months ago. He lives alone now in a large C&C cage with a fleece liner, multiple houses, and access to abundant hay, pellets, vitamin C each day and lots of fresh produce. They were rescues and have lived a long and happy life together.
A few days ago I noticed some swelling in his neck and thought he had just put on some weight. It's grown a lot over night and I discovered he now has a lump larger than an egg in his neck. It's free floating and doesn't seem to hurt him when I handle it.
I am reading that if it's an infection it requires surgery to correct and many sites say it would be too much at his age. He's still happy and eating but isn't making as much noise as usual.
What to do? I am heartbroken. Do I still take him to the vet given his age and current comfort level? The other thread here I read went to the vet and it was recommended to put the guinea pig to sleep on the spot. I need help knowing what to do.
A few days ago I noticed some swelling in his neck and thought he had just put on some weight. It's grown a lot over night and I discovered he now has a lump larger than an egg in his neck. It's free floating and doesn't seem to hurt him when I handle it.
I am reading that if it's an infection it requires surgery to correct and many sites say it would be too much at his age. He's still happy and eating but isn't making as much noise as usual.
What to do? I am heartbroken. Do I still take him to the vet given his age and current comfort level? The other thread here I read went to the vet and it was recommended to put the guinea pig to sleep on the spot. I need help knowing what to do.