Lump Swollen lymph nodes?

[ashleyisawesome]

Hi, I'm a new guinea pig owner. I just got her 2 days ago from my boyfriend's dad since he was not able to care for her. (She originally belonged to his grandson.) I was petting her earlier today and noticed "lumps" under both of her arms. They are soft and mobile beneath her skin. I assume they are axillary lymph nodes or glands? I don't know if they are swollen or if this is normal to be able to feel something, since I've never had experience with a guinea pig before. Has anyone else noticed this in their pigs? She doesn't seem sick to me. She's been eating well and moving around in her cage. I just am not sure if this is something to worry about. I assume if they are swollen, it would indicate some type of infection? Are they prone to upper respiratory infections? She was kept in a humid environment prior to me taking her in. I appreciate any replies. Thank you!

Ashley

 

[bpatters]

I don't know that they're prone to URI's but they can certainly get them. But I doubt that an URI would cause swelling in the glands under the arms.

Other possibilities are lymphadenitis, but that usually causes swelling in the glands under the chin. Or fatty lipomas, but they're not usually bilateral in the same place. Or maybe mammary tumors, but those are usually much closer to the nipples.

Are these sore? In the same place on both sides, like some normal anatomical structures?

 

[ashleyisawesome]

They don't seem tender. And yes, both are exactly the same on both sides. I was thinking maybe they are just normal structures, because they aren't hard. They are very soft. I just was seeing if anyone else had noticed this in their healthy guinea pig?

 

[foggycreekcavy]

I have not noticed lumps of any kinds under the arms. You are referring to the front legs, no? If there is any swelling, I imagine it would mean some type of infection, especially if it were unilateral.