Beginner - Found a lump

[orris]

i.imgur.com/V6RrEuZ.jpg

We got the Degus a week ago from Pets at Home and while cleaning them today noticed a lump under the fur of one of them. I have done some a few websearches and found this forum. I think I've narrowed it down to bad scratch (there has been a few rough and tumbles but I have not seen any blood in the cage), ringworm or tumour.

I have only recently moved to the area and don't know any vets except pets at home but they are now closed. Was hoping someone here could shed some light on what it could be.

Thanks in advance

[yasmin]

Where is the lump located? Is the degu eating, drinking, behaving normally? Is the lump round, long or irregular in shape?

BTW: Welcome to the forum.

[orris]

Lump is on his back, mid way between left shoulder and hind leg.
I have been working all week and haven't been watching them, but if i hand him food he will eat it. Behavior is normal (i have only had them a week)
My other half has said she noticed it yesterday, I was told it doesn't look like its got bigger. Its kinda round, looks like a scabby lump, doesn't seem to be any hair loss.

Thanks, I have been reading posts from here for a while as we were looking into getting some, first place i thought to come when i panicked

[moletteuk]

It could be anything, but is most likely to be the scab from an abscess as this is fairly common.

Since you've only had them a week, Pets at Home should cover the cost of a visit to their vets, so that might be worth a try if it's going to be free, but generally we strongly recommend looking round for a vet with degu experience, we have had several stories on the forum about the inadequacies of PAH vets.

Welcome to the forum, do have a look around, particularly at the housing and cage size stuff (the Pets at home cage isn't big enough and will make fighting worse).

[animalmadchloe]

After having my degus for a week maybe a little more from pets at home I quickly discovered that they were all infected with ringworm. They developed bald patches and sore rings from the infection. I phoned up pets at home and demanded to see there vet companion care, they tried to talk there way out of it at first saying that they must have caught it after moving to our home, but after my oh have them a talking to we had them all treated for free!! And rightly so! Phone pets at home if you've only had the animals for. A Week they more than likely would have been sold to you with the problem, even if it's nothing they should stil look at the animals for you for nothing.

[orris]

I had them out running around today while cleaning them out. I managed to get hold of him and it does seem to be healing up, I am hoping its just the abscess. I have not long finished work and am passing P@H a little later, i'll go in and see if I can get any tests.

There doesn't seem to be any other symptoms other than the lump. He is still playing, fighting, eating as much as the others and there is no hair loss. I would still like some tests done just incase

[animalmadchloe]

If ur worried id pop in and see them if it's not oozing or dosent look nasty then it's prob heing it's self up just keep an eye on it

[jenowuk]

Hi Oris, where are you? Possible someone on the forum is local and may be able to recommend a vet.

[orris]

Apr 8, 2014 21:44:07 GMT animalmadchloe said:

If ur worried id pop in and see them if it's not oozing or dosen't look nasty then it's prob heing it's self up just keep an eye on it

Work has basically exploded and I haven't had time to find a vet, but I did see a pet shop person who said the same thing. It doesn't hurt him, he still has all his energy and appetite and the others are not picking on him. I'm keeping an eye on it daily to make sure its not getting worse (good news it looks like its getting better)

Apr 9, 2014 7:08:43 GMT jenowuk said:

Hi Oris, where are you? Possible someone on the forum is local and may be able to recommend a vet.

I live just outside Bolton & Manchester and can easily get to both. If anyone knows any good places (even to get some food/chewtoys) that would be great.

[moletteuk]

This vet has been recommended on the forum www.vets4exotics.com/

Internet is usually best for food and toys, Zooplus is a good place to start as you can get food (like Versele Laga Degu Crispy & JRFarm Grainless Guinea Pig), forage like dandelion, parsley stalks, and 'Garden Herbs' and a good choice of accessories.