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DMS260820
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In all the years of keeping piggies, I have only ever had one sow who had cystic ovaries, that have caused a problem. I believe most older sows have ovarian cysts, but most are unaware of them, as they cause no problem.
Less than 10% of my past sows have needed a spaying operation for problems with cysts or the uterus, although cysts have been present in many of my older sows (3 operations so far: Fflur 2010, Cariad (womb going wrong) 2013 and Iola 2017) - and that is out of nearly 40 RIP or currently over 5 years old sows of mine.
Of my current four (out of 20 living) sows which I have had checked for the suspected presence of ovarian cysts only one has been recommended for spaying over the course of the next year because her cyst is hard and could develop cancer in old age. She is the only one that is presenting with hair loss and crusty nipples; the other three are symptom-free as the majority of cysts are. The other sows may need a quick drain during a normal consultation with no or minimal sedation at the most if their cysts become too large.
Please have your sows checked for hormonal ovarian cysts if you notice these symptoms or of non-hormonal hard cysts, which can be a potential cancer risk:
- crusty nipples
- symmetric hair loss on the sides of the belly
- behaving like being nonstop in season with a gradual weight loss
- large fluid filled ovarian cysts that are visible through the skin and can cause gassing/soft poos etc. when they are pressing on the gut
- swollen genitalia and/or strongly smelling watery discharge: infection of the womb lining (pyometra; fatal if left untreated). Depending on what is going on in the uterus an antibiotic can be enough; if there is indication of other problems a spay may be the best way forward.
- bleeding from the reproductive tract; this is very often a sign of cancer and requires a spaying operation.
Possible treatments in degree of invasiness:
- draining of fluid filled cysts: no or minimal sedation required. This measure is not permanent, but will last for months at a time and can be repeated as often as necessary even in frailer/older sows. It is also the cheapest way of treating if money is a big problem.
- hormone (chorulon) injections (UK) / hormone implant (US). May need more than one round of treatment and is only recommended for hormone based ovarian cysts. Can occasionally come with side effects if administered by an inexperienced vet.
- spaying operation. Necessary for suspected cancerous cysts or a womb that is going wrong (cancer, cancerous lumps, fluid filled etc.) Finding a good vet you trust is important as it is a major operation.
In the right hands the success rate even in older sows is not bad; with vets that have not as much experience with guinea pigs the success rate can be lower. Personally I'd rather travel a longer distance for a spaying op if that means getting to a good exotics or piggy specialising general vet; in fact I have done so with both tiny 700g Cariad and 5 year old Iola - both have lived over a year longer and have died from unrelated problems.
Of my current four (out of 20 living) sows which I have had checked for the suspected presence of ovarian cysts only one has been recommended for spaying over the course of the next year because her cyst is hard and could develop cancer in old age. She is the only one that is presenting with hair loss and crusty nipples; the other three are symptom-free as the majority of cysts are. The other sows may need a quick drain during a normal consultation with no or minimal sedation at the most if their cysts become too large.
Please have your sows checked for hormonal ovarian cysts if you notice these symptoms or of non-hormonal hard cysts, which can be a potential cancer risk:
- crusty nipples
- symmetric hair loss on the sides of the belly
- behaving like being nonstop in season with a gradual weight loss
- large fluid filled ovarian cysts that are visible through the skin and can cause gassing/soft poos etc. when they are pressing on the gut
- swollen genitalia and/or strongly smelling watery discharge: infection of the womb lining (pyometra; fatal if left untreated). Depending on what is going on in the uterus an antibiotic can be enough; if there is indication of other problems a spay may be the best way forward.
- bleeding from the reproductive tract; this is very often a sign of cancer and requires a spaying operation.
Possible treatments in degree of invasiness:
- draining of fluid filled cysts: no or minimal sedation required. This measure is not permanent, but will last for months at a time and can be repeated as often as necessary even in frailer/older sows. It is also the cheapest way of treating if money is a big problem.
- hormone (chorulon) injections (UK) / hormone implant (US). May need more than one round of treatment and is only recommended for hormone based ovarian cysts. Can occasionally come with side effects if administered by an inexperienced vet.
- spaying operation. Necessary for suspected cancerous cysts or a womb that is going wrong (cancer, cancerous lumps, fluid filled etc.) Finding a good vet you trust is important as it is a major operation.
In the right hands the success rate even in older sows is not bad; with vets that have not as much experience with guinea pigs the success rate can be lower. Personally I'd rather travel a longer distance for a spaying op if that means getting to a good exotics or piggy specialising general vet; in fact I have done so with both tiny 700g Cariad and 5 year old Iola - both have lived over a year longer and have died from unrelated problems.
Eriathwen
Senior Guinea Pig
I've only ever had 2 with ovarian issues, one was monitored but caused no issues other than crusting on the nipples, the other was spayed and lived a further 4 years or so. The other 8 ladies who passed of old age showed no symptoms what so ever, my current 11 ladies show no signs of issues yet either although they are all still young with the oldest just under 3.
Guineapigfeet
Adult Guinea Pig
I’ve had no ovarian issues in four rainbow pigs (one did get pyometria though) and (so far) with three 3year old pigs.
I’ve had numerous sows over the years and only 2 have had ovarian cysts and were spayed for that reason.
Claire W
Forum Donator 2025/26
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My late Emma had had an ovarian cyst but she had no symptoms so it was just monitored. I had 6 sows before her who had no ovarian cysts.
My Ellen was displaying hormonal signs but I’ve just had her checked for cysts and she doesn’t have any so my vet has put it down to normal dominance behaviour
My Ellen was displaying hormonal signs but I’ve just had her checked for cysts and she doesn’t have any so my vet has put it down to normal dominance behaviour
Lady Kelly
Senior Guinea Pig
2 out of 4 of my RIP sows had cysts (only one needed spaying). I currently have 3 sows and a neutered boar and thankfully so far no signs of cysts.
