Prickles Has A Cyst Or Tumor On The Elbow

[hedgiebedgie]

I took Prickles and Cupcake to the vet today for their semi-annual well-hedgehog check-up. Cupcake is fine but Prickles has a cyst or tumor the size of a kernel of corn on his right elbow. It is white. The vet found it while Prickles was puffed out for his exam - he would not unball. He had been really persnickity lately and has not even been interested in Cupcake. Its almost impossible to get him to unball. He has been active in his habitat though and running on his wheel at night.

The vet said to do nothing for the time being except keep an eye on it to see if it grows, changes shape or changes color or appears to be causing him pain. Not good enough!

I am going to try to get a photo of the cyst or tumor but in the meantime if anyone has any ideas as to what it might be, I'd appreciate the info and any advice.

Thanks

[Love4Hedgies]

Aw poor prickles! I'm sure a photo will help some of the experts answer some questions for you!! Keep us updated!

[hedgiebedgie]

I finally got another look at the cyst or tumor while Prickles was squirming around in my hand. It has not become discolored and the way he was waving his right arm around it does not appear to impede his mobility. Still no idea what it is.

[Kalandra]

Did the vet mention anything about doing a fine needle aspirate of the lump? My experience with my vet has been that he typically will do a fine needle aspirate and look at the sample under a microscope and to send off to pathology (depends on the lump of course). Might be an option to ask about, especially if he thinks it may be a tumor. I just hate sitting and watching a lump. I have seen too many cancers now in hedgehogs, and I always sit and fear that the lump is cancer and that it is spreading. At least a pathology report lets me know what to expect.

[hedgiebedgie]

I will ask the vet about that on Monday. She did not suggest it. I don't like sitting around waiting to find out, either. Thanks for the suggestion.

[hedgiebedgie]

I just examined Prickles and the tumor or cyst is gone ... it just is not there anymore. He is also back to his old self, crawling all over me, sitting unballed on his back in the palm of my hand blinking at me, just like old times. The power of prayer is an awesome thing!

[Schmuzzle's Mom]

Wow, that is awesome, hope he stays well and continues to flourish and be his old self again. YAY!

[Silly_Quilly]

I wonder if it was just a tiny sabacious (sp?) cyst. They can just burst and go away. They are filled with a type of stuff that is like stringy gum when you try to pop them. Could have been that.

Either way, i'm glad it's gone.

[Ododad]

I just examined Prickles and the tumor or cyst is gone ... it just is not there anymore. He is also back to his old self, crawling all over me, sitting unballed on his back in the palm of my hand blinking at me, just like old times. The power of prayer is an awesome thing!
I am so glad that Prickles is ok. I have been coming back to this thread hoping and praying for a happy ending. I am so happy for you!

[Schmuzzle's Mom]

Coincidentally that was exactly what I was thinking, although I didn't know the proper terminology. Ha Ha. Whatever happened, I'm just happy he seems better! I love hearing from people who know so much! You guys rock! :applause: