[Gpdd] Health: enlarged lymph nodes on guinea pigs

[dogcatpiggymom at yahoo.com]

Hi friends!
I just wanted to share something with you.
Last year my piggy SASSY developed enlarged lymph nodes (2).
The same thing had happened to my friend's young guinea pig and
she took him to the vet who removed them.  Of course, like all surgery
for guinea pigs, it was hard on him, but he healed and never got any
more enlarged nodes.
(Guinea pigs have 12 lymph nodes).
So, I went to the same vet who told me that if I didn't operate on SASSY,
that the lymph nodes would eventually get very large (like the size of a
peach) and eventually kill her.  He also said the surgery is risky (and he
admits to being nervous operating on guinea pigs, although he is a
specialist) and surgery is costly (about $1200).
Meanwhile, my friend has a guinea pig friend in Germany who advised
me to leave the nodes alone.  He has had guinea pigs all his life and a
few have had the same problem.  They can burst and if they do, it does
no harm; just keep the area clean.
Since SASSY was already 4 years old, I decided to leave her alone.  My
fear was surgery for her more than anything.
It's over a year later.  NO enlarged lymph nodes!  I did nothing about them
and they shrunk on their own.  It makes sense when you think of their
purpose that they can come and go.
I am only sharing my experience with you in case you find enlarged lymph
nodes on your pig (under their chin/neck area).  SASSY is doing great!
Health and happiness to all slaves and pigs,
Joanne & Baci, Sweetie, Sassy, Ellie
P.S. : Sweetie completely recovered from her stroke except for a slight head
tilt.  She is no longer paralyzed on one side of her face!