Pink-cauliflower-like growth around tail

[catscats]

Hi everyone, I wonder if anybody has ever seen this kind of growth on a gerbil's tail? It looks a bit like a pink cauliflower! Pickles has bitten it a couple of times and I've seen some blood on his tail, so he's clearly noticed it too. If you look at the photos, I struggle to figure out if it's on his tail or on his body, exactly where it meets his tail.

I booked a vet appointment for Monday and I first noticed it about 3 weeks ago - it was much smaller so I've monitored the growth, so it keeps growing and growing.

I've searched this site and online but something similar and the only "similar" thing I've found is the growth that appears in gerbils' ears (it has a name but can't remember). This one isn't in his ear, but around his tail.

Any clues as to what it may be?! Anyone experiencing the same?

Photo of Pickles:

drive.google.com/file/d/1o8vvIIROhOlTr59ef-FsshczJMZPLvYW/view?usp=sharing

Photo of growth:

drive.google.com/file/d/1fUUCO9Rm1f3e4DT3Od0gR231fIIN2pjd/view?usp=sharing

Location of growth:

drive.google.com/file/d/1hudGV02peZBYqZoGS1_BWH5ua6qvUv25/view?usp=sharing

I hope you can see the photos, I tried creating an account on Imgur as another thread suggested but it's not available in the UK ?!?!

Thanks

[Markpd]

We can't access Google drive without you giving us each permission, you'd be better off sharing links of the photos by clicking on the photo > share icon (3 dots with 2 lines at the top right, left most icon) > create link > create link, then copy and paste that link here. e.g photos.app.goo.gl/zH3b5bLXZPXZf6RD9

And Imgur is available in the UK! [edit. But not for new accounts it turns out!] I have an account. Example pic below.

[betty]

Cauliflower-like growth are often tumors of some sort - but not all tumors are 'dangerous'. The ones in the ear (cholesteatomas) - like SGTumours - don't spread around the body - but because of their fast growing speed and inoperable location - are often fatal overall because only palliative care is possible.

However, as your growth is on the tail - there is a high chance that if it stops growing and isn't chewed on (maybe painkillers can help stop the chewing at least short term) it may not cause any extra issues.

If it is fast growing though - or chewed a lot - at least surgical removal could be an option. Only if it is too close to the nerves around the pelvis/toilet areas could it be an issue - but only an exotic vet could find that out for you.

Fingers crossed.

[catscats]

Thank you Markpd for your reply - It looks like Imgur isn't available in the UK anymore based on the "We're sorry! Account sign-up is not possible in your region" error message when I enter my details. Things may have changed, or the site doesn't like me.
I'll use Google Photos instead, thanks fro your help.

[catscats]

Many thanks betty - I'll update this thread once we've been to the vet. Let's hope it's a benign tumour and the biting doesn't become a regular thing!

Here's another attempt to share a pic:
photos.app.goo.gl/nvwaDyz4K82U4WD56

[Markpd]

Feb 5, 2023 8:54:53 GMT -8 catscats said:

Thank you Markpd for your reply - It looks like Imgur isn't available in the UK anymore based on the "We're sorry! Account sign-up is not possible in your region" error message when I enter my details. Things may have changed, or the site doesn't like me.
I'll use Google Photos instead, thanks fro your help.

I do apologise, you're quite right! I just tried to sign up a 2nd account and got exactly the same response

How about using ImgBB? (this one has been tried by others here and worked, although I don't know what country. It's also one that's in the 'how to post your photo' thread).

Anyway, your link works now (btw, did you know that photo is showing your name?).

[catscats]

I may try ImgBB to avoid my name appearing, alhtough it's quite common so I'm not too concerned xD
Imgur must have changed their mind about their service :/
I'll update this thread in the next days. Fingers crossed!

[betty]

Good luck at the vets - the image came through fine the second time - and I can see why you are concerned...

[catscats]

Hi everyone, I said I'd give you an update, so here it is: the growth is actually a papilloma. Different kind of papilloma as the one humans get and it's not contagious, however the vet wasn't sure how papillomas affect gerbils (e.g. are they contagious between gerbils?). The vet said that it wasn't concerning and removal surgery was an option if it grows really big or it's bitten and there's blood loss. Luckily Pickles has been ok so far and we've seen signs of biting but not excessive or concerning. He behaves as always, with us and with his brother, and there's no sign of papilloma in his brother so we're counting on that it's not contagious between gerbils. Pickles is well and we won't opt for surgery as there's no need (and it'd be quite traumatic for him :/ )

Thanks everyone!

[betty]

That is great news for sure. From what I gather, papillomas are caused by the action of viruses (but I will need to look that up later) - so I can see the concern about 'catching it'.

however, as your vet has ruled it out - and seems really hopeful for their future - I hope Pickles gets a celebrationary piece of mini sweetcorn or brocolli tonight!!

[Markpd]

Thanks for the update catscats, keep us posted