Ovarian Cysts - picture
Thought members might be interested to see this picture of recently removed ovarian cysts from Caroline Whittle´s guinea pig, Tabitha. Tabby is a very small, slim, crested guinea, she´s about 2 years old. She became gradually fatter and fatter and as she was living with an aged male (6 years old), Caroline thought that she was pregnant (she´d been living with the male for some time without any resulting pregnancy). However, no babies resulted and Tabby got fatter and fatter. We also then noticed some hair loss and she became very sensitive to touch down both sides plus quite aggressive. Caroline had been told previously that if the pig had ovarian cysts, there was nothing that could be done for her. We couldn´t just let her die though so she was taken to a great vet, Mr Clarke, in Staines, Middlesex who, last Thursday morning performed the operation on her and took out these huge cysts. Touchwood, Tabby is doing well so far. Back to the vet on Saturday to check the scar which is healing nicely, no oozing or infection. Another antibiotic injection. The piggie is eating and drinking normally. She´s got a scar from her neck to her back legs which is not surprising given the size of the cysts. She´s back to the vet in 10 days for stitches out. This vet is very good with guineas. He used to keep them himself and is not afraid to carry out surgery unlike some who think its not worth it on a pig. In addition, Caroline is very proactive in the after care, something which many people (and I don´t mean those on this board) are. Many people would think £100 to spend on a pig´s operation and then intensive aftercare, would be too much money and trouble "just for a guinea pig". Hopefully, Tabby will make a complete recovery. At least so far she is doing well and has a fighting chance which is something she didn´t have with the first vet. If only more vets esp in the UK were keen to learn more about guinea pigs and how to help them.
( I hope you can all see the picture. If not, maybe someone can tell me how to put it on the web! Thanks)
( I hope you can all see the picture. If not, maybe someone can tell me how to put it on the web! Thanks)
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
So happy to hear the good news. My pig is doing fine several months after her spay (she´s even a touch friendlier).
More info on her surgery and symptoms:
www.guinealynx.info/surgery.html
More info on her surgery and symptoms:
www.guinealynx.info/surgery.html
Last edited by Lynx on Sat Jul 19, 2003 8:55 am, edited 1 time in total.
My guinea pig, Whisper, is 4 years old and has recently been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Should I have her spayed or not?
Small ovarian cysts can sometimes be reduced with an injected medication (HCG??) if they are caught early. However, most sows need to be spayed. You really want it do BEFORE the pig starts going downhill, too.
Guinea pig surgery is much more delicate that it is in cats and dogs, for example, so the vets needs to be experienced. I´d definitely have your sow spayed, but by a competent, experienced exotic vet.
Guinea pig surgery is much more delicate that it is in cats and dogs, for example, so the vets needs to be experienced. I´d definitely have your sow spayed, but by a competent, experienced exotic vet.
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
Teresa has a page on neuters at cavyspirit. It is more detailed about male neuters but the advice on finding a vet is the same.
Check out the Guinea Lynx button and find Neutering in the index.
HCG is a temporary fix. And I understand it can be expensive. You might try a search on ovarian cysts for more info.
Check out the Guinea Lynx button and find Neutering in the index.
HCG is a temporary fix. And I understand it can be expensive. You might try a search on ovarian cysts for more info.