Tumour

[Rhones]

We have 2 chins, 1 is about 13 and the other 10 or so. We came home from holiday last night to discover a huge lump on the 10 year olds front leg. Took him to the vet and she said it's a tumour she can remove for 750 CAD. Any thoughts on whether we should do this... I'm concerned about anesthesia and recovery, he's an extremely nervous chinchilla who is almost blind. I worry about the trauma and risks.... wonder about cancer etc.

 

[MaineChins]

Does your vet see a lot of chinchillas? Did they do any tests for strep? Strep usually presents as a large nodule on their neck, chest, or arm. If it breaks then youll see lots of pus. Strep is very contagious to your other chin and should get treatment immediately. It doesn't require surgery.
Maybe consult with another vet. Was there an x-ray?
Your chins are a little old for surgery, they don't handle it well. If it's just a benign growth maybe consider just leaving it. If it bothers him and he starts gnawing it then you'll have to do something. Maybe get a collar from chinnieboutique to prepare, they're only about $8.