My guinea pig needs surgery! How can I come up with the money?

Question

A couple months back my guinea pig Annika developed a lump on her rump (rear end). It didn't seem to bother her until the other day when I noticed that it ruptured. It was oozing and grew to the size of a golf ball. I took her to the vet today and was charged $69 for the examination alone. Upon further inspection of the lump the vet told me that the lump could be a malignant (cancerous) tumor and that the only way to know for sure was to take a sample and send it to a lab. This would cost an additional $70. I asked the vet what would happen if it turned out to be a malignant tumor versus a benign (non-cancerous) tumor. I was told that either way the tumor would have to be removed surgically. The surgery alone would cost $750 not including any antibiotics/pain medications that she would need during recovery. Knowing that I could not afford this I asked about the costs of euthanization....this would cost $118.

I know that the cost of treatment is more expensive because she is classified as an exotic pet and although I wish that this was not true I cannot change what is. I can only try to find a way to get Annika the surgery.

I was just hoping that someone could give me some ideas as to how I can raise money for her surgery because I do not wish to euthanize her.Thanks.

PS: Serious answers only please. This is a serious matter for me as I love her very very much.

Answer 1

Is your vet an exotics vet? I suspect that the lump could be an abscess and that pus is oozing out. Annika should have this drained and have treatment with antibiotics (NOT penicillin, check the guinea lynx website for details of dangerous antibiotics to avoid for guinea pigs www.guinealynx.info).



It might be an idea to get a second opinion as cancerous tumours are relatively rare in guinea pigs. Obviously you want the best for your guinea pig, which means making sure you get the best diagnosis before treatment, so she needs to have the sample tested. If it is a lipoma (fatty lump) it would only need to be removed if it is so big it is causing her problems or she if biting it; lipomas are fairly common in guinea pigs.



Before Annika has any surgery, check which anaesthetic the vet plans to use (and what experience they have with surgery on guinea pigs). Isoflurane is the best anaesthetic to use with guinea pigs; it is a gas mixed with oxygen in use, and has a better recovery than injectable anaesthetics such as domitor and valium. If she does need surgery, one of the things you need to watch for is that she continues to produce poos; if not, it is a sign of gastrointestinal stasis (where the gut stops working) and she would need an injection of metocloprimide to stimulate the gut into action.



You could ask the vet for an easy payment plan or get a loan (family, friends might be willing to contribute to help little Annika, or try the bank). Selling items (car boot sale), doing odd jobs (e.g. dog walking, gardening or part-time work) or maybe offer to do some filing or cleaning for the vet for free in exchange for her treatment.



Good for you for wanting the best for your piggy, I hope all goes well with little Annika. I'm happy to respond to any further questions if you want to email me.

Answer 2

Maybe you could start smaller, like a hamster to show your parents you're a responsible person who can handle having a pet. Guinea pigs also stink pretty bad if their cage isn't cleaned daily. I'm sure the last thing your parents want is having a house that smells like guinea pig crap lol. Your parents might also be worried your going to loose interest in the guinea pig after a while... What I would do is buy guinea pig care books and leave them laying around your room so a parent might see it. Or leave your computer on you a page with guinea pig info when you know one of your parents will be in your room for whatever reason. Your parents might also be worried if anything were to happen to the guinea pig, (medical). If you don't have the money to pay for it's medical issues, your parents could be worried you're going to want them to help pay for it. Medical issues can be quite costly. Personally, I think guinea pigs are great starter pets being that they're not a difficult pet to care for and I'm sure you should be able to persuade your parents to let you get one! Good luck! :)

Answer 3

$750 seems a heck of a lot of money for the lump removal. It's true that guinea pigs are classed as 'exotics' but that shouldn't add to the cost of treatment. The time and drugs cost the same.

I appreciate it depends where you live, but for comparison, I was quoted no more than £250 for an invasive surgical procedure for one pig (if it had turned out to be necessary). Our last vet check up cost about £25 for 2 pigs and included jabs.

It's also disturbing that this vet isn't offering you any help or compassion at this time. Such as allowing you time to pay in stages or even reducing the bill because of your circumstances.

Years ago when I lived with vet students they used to say- 'there are Robin Hood vets and there are the rest'. Any profession with high entrance requirements, status, and the potential to make money will attract its fair share of ambitious people whose first motive is money. To be fair there are probably fewer vets like that than doctors or lawyers but there are certainly some.

I agree with others here that the first thing is to quickly find another vet who has the right specialist knowledge and get a second opinion. I suspect this vet does not, and is also charging you standard dog and cat rates for the procedures.

Answer 4

I'd ask your vet about a payment plan, a contract so you can pay a bit each week/fortnight.



I don't know how old you are to give many suggestions on earning money but a few for different age groups



Find a job at a small local shop that needs help

Do extra chores or do jobs for neighbours, such as weeding, walking their dogs, mowing the lawn, helping with their cleaning.

Have a garage sale / sell things you don't want /use

Take a tv/computer/ something you can live without for a few weeks into a place that does cash loans and get a loan.

You could also ask family members/friends for a loan.

Also go through all your cupboards and search any and all pockets for change, check in the lounges, behind things, anywhere where small change can get lost, every little bit adds up :)



Good luck, it's good to see someone who cares about their guinea pig, instead of thinking because they are cheapish and small they don't need vet treatment =)

Answer 5

Ok. I have a couple ideas, but it depends. If you need the money tomorrow, I'm not sure what to do. When is the surgery?

Garage sale.

Lemonade stand (somewhere there is a lot of people, like a park)

Bake sale





It's not a lot, but if you really tried, I'm sure you could get to $750

Answer 6

My suggestion is to contact a bunny or guinea pig rescue in your area to see if they have a vet that would work with you on a payment plan AND to get a second opinion.



I've been in your situation and know that this is very hard for you.

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

I had a guinea pig that had to have a tumor removed and i did not have the money required to pay for it. I took pictures of her and found one the really showed the tumor very well. I had that made into 8x10 pictures and put them in large signs that read Sally needs surgery Yard Sale, and put them on all street corners around my house.

That yard sale brought in $750.00. Yes i had to sale some things that i though i could not live without but guess what, my guinea pigs did just great and i never missed the stuff!! Trust me it can be done, and it is not all that hard. I had people come and simply donate money. I will never forget the little lady who was in her late 80's, she hobbled up and said " i do not do yard sales but would you take this dollar for Sally" That was the most dear dollar i made that day.

Answer 9

Make SURE you get an EXPERIENCED vet surgeon--who has puts guinea pigs to sleep --and out of sleep SUCCESSFULLY wakes them up afterwards

Answer 10

Get Ovarian Cyst Miracle!

Answer 11

try to discuss this problem with your family members.

Try to get a one day job during weekends,if u are studying.(My bro got a one day job and earned S$50)

Be thrifty.1 penny counts

Answer 12

hi hope you fid the moeney wow you must really love her i dont know any one that wound do that they wuld just kill them maybe you should take up a small job a woolworths thier always hiring if you have one a macdonalds and kfc i know sucky jobs but its worth it for the pet you love

good luck hope she gets better

ps if shes oder than 2 years than sorry to say but you may need to think about not doing it because shes closer to dieing sorry good luck

Answer 13

Garage sale? but if money is tight right not you might want to euthanize her