Ovarian cyst concern

[PT1]

i have 2 year old sow that I believe has ovarian cysts. She has self barbered her flanks and often makes little purring noises, sometimes a harsher squeak when pooping. The vet said it looked likely she had the cysts when giving her an ultrasound.
Aside from the above condition she seems in really good health and just under 1kg weight.
I currently have her on a pretty substantial dose of Meloxidyl (Metecam, Meloxaid etc) and the vet says it may be enough to keep her comfortable going forward.

However she is still making the noises and I worry she is in distress.
The vet has said that the alternative is to operate but I am really wary of this as I am worried about her not recovering from the anaesthetic.

Has anyone had success in managing this condition without surgery and if so how was it done? Can anyone recommend anything to make her more comfortable?

Thank you for reading and for any advice you can spare.

 

[Wiebke]

i have 2 year old sow that I believe has ovarian cysts. She has self barbered her flanks and often makes little purring noises, sometimes a harsher squeak when pooping. The vet said it looked likely she had the cysts when giving her an ultrasound.
Aside from the above condition she seems in really good health and just under 1kg weight.
I currently have her on a pretty substantial dose of Meloxidyl (Metecam, Meloxaid etc) and the vet says it may be enough to keep her comfortable going forward.

However she is still making the noises and I worry she is in distress.
The vet has said that the alternative is to operate but I am really wary of this as I am worried about her not recovering from the anaesthetic.

Has anyone had success in managing this condition without surgery and if so how was it done? Can anyone recommend anything to make her more comfortable?

Thank you for reading and for any advice you can spare.

Hi

Most vets in the UK do not support any hormonal treatment as success can be very hit and miss. Operative removal is generally the way forward.

All of us who have sows understand your your concerns but ovarian cysts pushing on other organs or potentially going cancerous are aspects you may want to discuss with your vet. It usually comes down to weighing up of risks and benefits.
Would it help you to know that I have had to emergency spay quite a few sows but that they have all done well - thanks to having access to a good operating vet. A couple have actually lived to up to 3 more years until the ripe old age of 8 years.

Here is a bit of an overview on possible treatments for ovarian cysts. Ovari-ectomy (removal of the ovarian cysts is a more commonly practised operation in the USA and is also often preferred to boar neutering.
Sow Problems 'Down Below' (Ovarian Cysts, Super-seasons, Womb Infection, Pregnancy & Mammary Tumours)