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Romily

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I have just been snuggling with Avril my sow and when I was checking her over I noticed that both her nipples are very pointy and they are covered in crusted yellow stuff. This must have come on in the last 24 hours as she was fine yesterday. Just wanted to check if this was something I should deal with using warm salted water or if it requires a trip to the vet? Thank you in advance for your help.
 
Naturally, you are concerned. Therefore, a visit the vet is advisable.

However, I will hazard a guess that Avril is a young sow, aged between four and twelve months? I believe the ' yellow crust' is a hormonal issue. I do not believe it is anything to be overly concerned about. The 'yellow crust' should simply wash off.

Avril will need to see your vet. I would take photo of her nipples, and attempt to get a sample.
 
If that case, I would be more concerned. However, I still believe it is a hormonal issue. Has Avril had a litter?
 
Avril was a rescue pig and as far as I know she has not had a litter.
 
Again, I believe it is a hormonal issue. I would expect to see it in a sow that is experiencing adolescence. Avril will need to see your vet.
 
Thank you for that advice I will see if they can fit her in tomorrow.
 
I am really not sure of her age (rescue pig) although she is over 12 months. Just been reading online and I am now worried it could be an ovarian cyst so I will make sure she is taken to the vet tomorrow. I would be devastated if anything happened to her.
 
I was about to approach the subject of ovarian cysts, Romily, but didn't want to worry you if she wasn't an adult/ older sow.

Good luck at the vets. I hope that Avril is not diagnosed with ovarian cysts. However, if she is, there are options.
 
Romily said:
I am really not sure of her age (rescue pig) although she is over 12 months. Just been reading online and I am now worried it could be an ovarian cyst so I will make sure she is taken to the vet tomorrow. I would be devastated if anything happened to her.
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I hope you don't mind me asking but what vet do you use?
 
If that is the diagnosis what kind of treatment options am I likely to be given?
 
With ovarian cysts depending on size, vets often suggest hysterectomy. However I understand that this is not necessary as large cysts can be drained painlessly without the need to operate. I do not have experience of this being done though?

Has she any other symptoms?
 
Ovariohysterectomy (spaying) - removal of the ovaries and uterus - will be the likely treatment. Alternatively, I believe, draining the cysts or hormone treatment may be prescribed. You will require a cavy savvy veterinarian.
 
There has been no other symptoms that I have seen, she is perky enough, eating well and drinking. Our herd spent the day in the run in the garden and she was behaving as normal. I check them all daily to make sure they are ok (especially her and the other long haired piggies) and I saw her nipples were very pointed and both were covered in a layer of cracked crusty yellow stuff.
 
I have managed to get an appointment for 11.40am today, I will let you know what happens.
 
I had a rescue sow here with crusty nipples as you describe, I put bepanthan cream (nappy) on it and also a cream from Gorgeous Guineas (super souffle) which cleared it up.

However she was later diagnosed with ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer (after she was rehomed). Sadly this piggy didn't make it, but lots do have the treatment and make good progress, or indeed are left untreated and still live full lives.

Hope you get on ok at the vets

Sophie
x
 
:(|):(|):(|):(|):(|) Fabulous news from the vet! He said there was no sign of cysts and thinks it is a localised infection. Given some cream to put on a couple of times a day and she should be fine within the week. Thank you for all your support and advice, here is a pigture of her relaxing in the garden today :(|)
 

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Romily said:
:(|):(|):(|):(|):(|) Fabulous news from the vet! He said there was no sign of cysts and thinks it is a localised infection. Given some cream to put on a couple of times a day and she should be fine within the week. Thank you for all your support and advice, here is a pigture of her relaxing in the garden today :(|)
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woah! your piggie is soooo cute!
 
Gorgeous pic - she is absolutely adorable! Such a cutie!

Glad to hear that it's good news. Hope it clears up very soon :)
 
Gorgeous pic - she is absolutely adorable! Such a cutie!

Glad to hear that it's good news. Hope it clears up very soon :)
 
Thank you all for your posts, it means so much to know I have a wealth of advice and support available at the click of a button x
 
I am glad that there is nothing major wrong with your stunning girl. Hopefully, the infection is coming down now.

As I have lost an older sow in an ovarian cyst op just last month, I am so relieved that you didn't have to go through it all.
 
Fingers crossed, we have to go back in two weeks just to make sure.
 
The problem is back again and this time there is a bit of hair loss too. The bald bits are on her sides and there is no sign of flaky skin, scabbing and no scratching, just baldness and a crust on her nipples. She is also quite sleepy and lying down a lot.
 
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