It was a sunny day in April and Becky Wilson of Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue was spending the afternoon working in her garden. The phone rang but she decided to finish what she was doing before returning the call. When her cell phone rang immediately after, she was concerned and went for the phone.

On the phone was a local shelter MGPR had worked with in the past. They explained to Becky that there were two female guinea pigs surrendered earlier. They were mother and daughter. The mother had obvious lumps and tumors and the decision was made to euthanize her. They had called Becky to see if she wanted to take the daughter or if the shelter should consider euthanizing her as well.

Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue was already completely full of guinea pigs but knowing these two were out of time, Becky made the trip to pickup the wayward guinea pig pair to see what could be done for them. The mother was named Jelly Belly and the daughter, Peep. They were both friendly and personable pigs. An appointment was made with one of MGPR’s leading veterinarians to check on Jelly Belly’s condition.

A biopsy on the lumps found they were simple fatty tumors and not life threatening. The doctor discovered a total of six of them. Surgery can be difficult and dangerous for guinea pigs but no surgery was required for these lumps. They only represented a cosmetic problem and her behavior was not affected by this issue.

Once they were given a clean bill of health, they were available for adoption. However, these pigs proved difficult to place in a home. Many potential families were scared away by the tumors despite Jelly Belly’s friendly personality. This pair can go on to live a long happy life is someone is willing to give them a chance.

If you’re interested in giving Jelly Belly and Peep a chance at a forever home, please fill out an adoption application with Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue.

Sadly, this is not a unique case. Guinea pigs are often surrendered to shelters or euthanized because of lumps or tumors that not life threatening. A visit to the vet can let you know if the problem needs to be addressed and your vet can discuss care options.

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