Has Anyone Had There Piggies Ovarian Cysts Drained?

[natw1181]

Very unsure what do to, as both my girls have huge ovarian cysts which can't be left any longer. I know spaying is the best option, but I just wanted to know a bit more about draining them instead. I can't really find anything, I wondered how long on average they take to refill, if anyone knows? Just very reluctant to have the op, as one has recently survived survivor bloat and have just turned 5years. Many thanks Natalie

 

[Wiebke]

Very unsure what do to, as both my girls have huge ovarian cysts which can't be left any longer. I know spaying is the best option, but I just wanted to know a bit more about draining them instead. I can't really find anything, I wondered how long on average they take to refill, if anyone knows? Just very reluctant to have the op, as one has recently survived survivor bloat and have just turned 5years. Many thanks Natalie

Draining is not practised that often by vets here, especially since hormone treatment has become more accessible. I would think that the time span depends on how much is drained and the individual cysts. The advantage of draining is that it doesn't need a full GA and that relief is instant, especially with a sow that has just been through severe bloat.

My 5 year old Iola, who has been spayed last week for her large cysts needed them drained somewhat before being put under GA to make the procedure safer considering that she has woken up well over 200g lighter than she went into the operation.

Your vet may be able to give you a better estimate. Please be aware that large ovarians cysts can press on the guts and cause bloating. One of Iola's cysts had in fact started to adhere to the guts and it took all my own vets considerable skill to get most of it out without cutting into the bowel. Iola has been put on extra zantac for her recovery to minimise the risk of a full-on bloat as a reaction to the guts no longer being squashed up between the cysts.
By the way, she is making a good recovery.

 

[natw1181]

Thank you for that, good to know she's doi
ng wellI'm guessing I might be best going for a spay then as they don't know what caused her bloat, so it was probably her cyst and defo don't want her going through that again.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for that, good to know she's doi
ng wellI'm guessing I might be best going for a spay then as they don't know what caused her bloat, so it was probably her cyst and defo don't want her going through that again.

I would talking it over with my vet. There can be something else that has been causing severe bloat, and you have to be aware that it can flare up again weeks after the first episode. I would be very reluctant to operate on a piggy that has not long had severe bloat. I have mentioned that I would recommend draining for you bloat piggy.

Please also be aware that spaying is a major operation.