Hormonal Issues?

[Dilly's Piggies]

My dominant sow Willow has just turned 3 years old and has been aggressively hormonal and frustrated for 4 weeks now, her nipples are enlarged and crusty. She is currently causing a riot with her herd and the sow just underneath her in the hierarchy is in season at the moment, making the situation much worse. When none are in season she picked on them all equally but when one comes into season she will chase and mount them constantly, causing lots of stress.

This behaviour is normal I know, but 4 weeks is not a normal length of time, typically my sows show this behaviour for a few days, 1 week maximum, so I'm concerned Willow has a hormonal issue especially with the enlarged/crusty nipples too.

Do I have a good reason to take her to the vet or should I give this more time?

 

[VickiA]

I would definitely rake her to the vets for a check. Sounds like she may have ovarian cysts. The vets will be able to advise you better. My RB piggy Violet was the sweetest piggy until she developed cysts. She then rumbled, rumblestrutted and mounted her cage mate constantly. In her case she had a laparoscopic removal of the ovaries, came home same day, was back to normal next day and peace reigned in their cage again. It was like a miracle cure.

 

[Swissgreys]

I agree with popping her along to the vet to be checked - it sounds like a hormonal horror movie in your house right now!

 

[Freela]

I agree with a vet visit to query ovarian cysts. The prolonged hormonal cycle and crusty nipples are definitely worth a vet followup (and her friends will probably thank you after putting up with guinea pig PMS for a month! LOL!)

 

[Dilly's Piggies]

Things have actually calmed down tremendously today! It appears Aspen (2nd in command) is no longer in season so Willow (boss sow with issues) is much more relaxed, she is still giving the odd rumble display but things are very peaceful today compared to the last few days Aspen was in season, it was honestly horrible, I felt so sorry for both Aspen and Willow. I'm just waiting for the next one to come into season (they live in a herd of 5 sows so it's never long until the next one) and all hell will break loose again haha!

Willow of course still has a problem due to the nipples and this being almost constant for a month, so I will get her checked out as soon as I can, thank you everyone for your humorous and sympathetic replies lol! I'll keep you updated on Lady Willow, I do hope she will be alright, having had her the longest she's a pig closer to my heart.