Hello everyone, about 3 months ago, I adopted 2 guinea pig girls (Lunkarya guinea pigs, age 2,5 years ). One of them was completely fine, but the other seemed to be stressed and squeaked every time I picked her up/touched her belly. We went to the vet with her, but the vet said that she´s healthy and just needs to get to know the place. We paid about 15 dollars just for this statement. A week after that, she gave birth to 2 guinea pigs (one of them died, the other one is alright). The thing is, the breeder didn't know that she was pregnant, neither did the vet, and, according to the fact that we visited the vet just a week before she gave birth and the vet didn't notice it, she probably wasn´t (and isn´t) able to do anything with guinea pigs. After she gave birth, we thought that the reason for her discomfort was her pregnancy, but she didn't change at all, she just lost a LOT of weight. Her actions were weird and I was afraid that there´s something more to her state. She ate and drank normally, was very afraid to leave her house (only went out of it to eat and drink), her breathing was fast and somewhat heavy, she didn't squeak anymore when I tried to pick her up. I was hoping that she just needed to calm down after the pregnancy since she is kinda old and many guinea pigs die in this age when giving birth. After a week or so, I took her out of her cage and starter petting her on her head (the breeder told us that she loved that) and I almost collapsed when, while striking her hair, a HUGE clump of hair stayed in my hands. I also noticed a bald space around both of her eyes. I had to go to the vet, even though I didn't want to stress her even more by driving her around for hours in my car. I went to a different vet in order to get a better opinion on her health, she said that she PROBABLY (wanted to kill her) doesn´t have scabies, but she felt a lump in her stomach. She said that it could be an ovarian cyst, could be cancer, but that she has to have an ultrasound in order to be sure. I paid 30 dollars for that opinion. I made an appointment with this vet (after asking her if she would be able to do an ultrasound with an animal like a guinea pig, because vets in my country mostly care about cats/dogs) for the ultrasound a few days later. When we finally got there, she did what she had to and told me, that she DOESN´T KNOW MUCH ABOUT GUINEA PIGS AND ISN´T ABLE TO SPECIFY THE LUMP. I wanted to murder her after i gave her another 60 DOLLARS FOR NOTHING. I am desperate right now. I´ve called every vet in my region and nobody knows how to work with guinea pigs. Her state hasn´t changed and I have no idea what to do. I don´t want to make her suffer by driving her for hours in my cars into another region in my country and I also don´t have enough money for that. I leave her alone and am afraid to touch her, she looks very sad and scared, breathes as if she was having a heart attack 24/7. Please, what can I do? I don´t want her to suffer but I don´t want to give up on her jut yet. My only thought is spaying her, but what if that doesn´t help, what if she dies durign the surgery since the vets don´t specify on guinea pigs? Thank you for your help. I appreciate every comment.
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Guinea pig ovarian cyst
- Thread starter Boubelka
- Start date
I don’t have experience of ovarian cysts as both my guinea pigs are male , but it would be helpful for the other health and illness advisors who may have experience of cysts who can advise further to know what country you are in as it can sometimes make a difference to the advice we give. Ultimately though she really does need to see a cavy savvy vet for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
You say she has lost weight - how much did she lose? Is she still losing weight? If she is, then please step in and support for her to prevent further weight loss.
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
You say she has lost weight - how much did she lose? Is she still losing weight? If she is, then please step in and support for her to prevent further weight loss.
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
She lost weight because of "getting rid of" the two babies inside her stomach. Her weight is similar to my other guinea pig´s and she seems fine when talking about weight and eating now. She just seems to be stressed and breathes very heavily even when eating or just not doing anything. I live in the Czech Republic in a smaller region with not many vets, which wouldn´t even help because of the field they work in. Animals smaller than rabbits won´t find professional help in my region and as I said, I am not in the position of driving her around and stressing her, also not in the position of spending a lot of money on guinea pig-professionals. I am currently saving money for her future treatment, but I am afraid that she might not make it till that. As i said, the only thing wrong with her in my opinion is the fast and heavy breathing (I suppose her not leaving the cage is just her shy personality, hopefully) and I hope that she won´t suffer a heart attack. Plus, aaccording to the vet, the mysterious lump in her stomach is making me very concerned.
My worry is that the lump could be a retained fetus from her pregnancy. She does need a scan to see what is going on. A cyst is possible but she sounds quite unwell and they are not usually unwell with ovarian cysts. A tumour is another possibility.
Have you double checked the sex of your other pig to make sure it is definitely female?
Good luck
Have you double checked the sex of your other pig to make sure it is definitely female?
Good luck
Lady Kelly
Senior Guinea Pig
This was my thought too. I don't have experience of pregnancy but none of the symptoms sound anything like my experience of ovarian cysts and the fact that lethargy was there straight after giving birth I would suspect something has been retained and this could be fatal for the mum. I'm really not sure what to suggest without a vet willing to have a go
I thought about that option as well, but the vet said, that it would not be possible for a fetus to be in the place of the lump. I am also constantly thinking that it could be a tumor, but I am hoping that it´s something less serious. The other guinea pig is 100% a female, because she had many babies when she was with the breeder. I´ve already found a vet, who is unfortunately half and hour away from my house and very busy, but we´ll be visiting him in 2 weeks. Hopefully he´ll be able to help my little angel
Thank you for your advice