Opinions Please! 5 year Old With Large Ovarian Cyst..do I Spay Or Leave Her Be?

[Knocknamuck]

Well, Mrs Mops (real name Ethel, but it never stuck) has had an ovarian cyst problem for about 18 months. The first lot of Chorulun sorted out her apathy and lack of appetite but her crusty nipples have always stayed with her. She started squealing when weeing about 6 weeks ago so I took her to the vet. It turns out that the cyst(s) had come back. After 3 more Chorulun injections the cyst is still there and large. The vet is being neutral on the next course of action. Should I leave her be (she is 5 years old), as she is still bright, chirpy with an appetite, or get her spayed? If I do nothing there is a risk of rupture and ongoing pain (but she is on 0.2 ml/day of Metacam for that), but do I have her spayed - at her age there is an obvious risk which I am reluctant to take.

I've read through various posts and am still no wiser as to the best course of action. Help!

 

[Poppy'sMum]

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Well, Mrs Mops (real name Ethel, but it never stuck) has had an ovarian cyst problem for about 18 months. The first lot of Chorulun sorted out her apathy and lack of appetite but her crusty nipples have always stayed with her. She started squealing when weeing about 6 weeks ago so I took her to the vet. It turns out that the cyst(s) had come back. After 3 more Chorulun injections the cyst is still there and large. The vet is being neutral on the next course of action. Should I leave her be (she is 5 years old), as she is still bright, chirpy with an appetite, or get her spayed? If I do nothing there is a risk of rupture and ongoing pain (but she is on 0.2 ml/day of Metacam for that), but do I have her spayed - at her age there is an obvious risk which I am reluctant to take.

I've read through various posts and am still no wiser as to the best course of action. Help!

My piggy (Aged 4) had a very large cyst which was drained by needle aspiration then followed by the injections. I must say I think 5 is getting on a bit & I would be reluctant to put her through such a large op unless absolutely necessary Sorry not to be of much help, I understand your dilemma though.

 

[LeahsPiggies]

I wasn't aware that ovarian cysts were painful to piggies?

One of my girls was diagnosed with one on her right ovary a few weeks ago, and as of yet we haven't done anything about it, the vet (who is one of the leading specialists in the UK) didn't mention doing anything.

I will have to contact them again as this has gotten me worried now I have no advice for you unfortunately but as Poppy'smum mentioned, 5 years old is risky for such a big op. I would have a word with your vet and talk through it. I wish you good luck x

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

I have no experience with ovarian cysts in pigs, but plenty experience with them in my own body, and they certainly do hurt. Lol I guess it's not a very helpful comment as far as advice goes, but food for thought. Anyway, I hope you come to a good solution.

 

[GPTV]

Hmm know exactly where your coming from
Ellie has had ongoing blood in urine problems&now blood when she poops but not visible in her urine. Numerous trips to the vet &baytril on what seems to be an awful lot of occasions just recently
Yesterday was another vet visit &a lump was found which the vet said was probably an ovarian cyst.
She's having a scan on Monday to see if they can come to a conclusion.
But she's 6.5yrs now & like yours I don't think spaying is really an option as too risky.

However I'm sure I have read about chorulon injections which will reduce the size. But I will be researching a bit more later. In case Mondays visit confirms cyst.

They think the lump is too big to be stones. So I'm on tenderhooks at the moment

Good luck with your lil piggy &guess pain relief is the main issue at the moment.

Keep us updated &I'll let you know what options my vet comes up with Monday if it is a cyst.
Xx

 

[LeahsPiggies]

Does anyone know the price of hormone treatments?

 

[Knocknamuck]

Many thanks to all for your replies. LeahsPiggies and GPTV, the Chorulun injections for my pig have been £50-£60 each injection x 3. They worked the first time 18 months ago and so I would recommend giving them a try if needed. Mrs Mops was depressed and off her food that time, but perked up hugely after treatment. This time she has been fine in herself but has hair loss on her sides and crustier than normal nipples. She was also squealing when urinating. The injections this time initially shrunk the cyst but then it returned to large size. However, the squeaing has largely stopped and the Metacam seems to be helping. She also LOVES the taste of it! I've got a lovely video clip that I will post if I can work out how to.

Any more thoughts would be gratefully received.

 

[Knocknamuck]

OK, a video may take it bit to get on here, but here's another pic, because she is one cute bundle!

 

[piggyfan]

She really is gorgeous!

 

[TAN]

I have 2 4 year old sows - both were spayed a few months back by Rachael Mowbray in Dursley - a very experienced vet with spays - both came through amazingly quickly even though both had another growth in their wombs - the more experienced the vet with spaying a pig the better - the cost of the op with aftercare and meds was £90 - i personally wouldnt hesitate to spay a pig of mine - BUT only if using a very experienced vet in spaying.

 

[Pebble]

Oh I do love crazy-hair piggies!

If the chorulon isn't working, I would personally consider a spay even at 5 years old provided it was a very experienced vet so i would go to Simon Maddock at Cat and Rabbit in Northampton. He has spayed a couple of my pigs, and has also spayed all sows that have come into a particular rescue over the years.

Perhaps it might be worth a chat with him (either yourself or your vet can contact him) as a second opinion on best way forwards and whether he would have any reservations about spaying because of her age?

HTH
x

 

[biscandmatt]

i can understand why you're worried. just to add to this though - my vet (aidan at ashleigh vets manchester) said that alot of piggies they see and operate on are in fact older piggies, especially with regards to spays if hcg injections haven't worked. they are very experienced and don't seem to have any issues with this type of procedure. x

 

[hot fox]

Hello. My Daisy had a splay last year at the age of nearly five. Prior to this she also had one of the cysts drained which improved her symptoms massively but within six weeks it had completely refilled. It was a huge cyst to remove on one side and she recovered so well and so quickly I wish we had gone for the spay in the first place. However I would state unless an emergency ever occurs when I have a nearer practice I use for basic stuff which are okay, I would only ever let Simon Maddock loose on one of my pigs for surgery, anaesthesia and teeth. He is 25 miles from my home but he is the only vet I trust and my standards are very high! Daisy has multiple health issues but is still waddling round at nearly six. I think she actually is immortal but that's another story! HTH. X