Ovarian Cyst Surgery

[DizzyD95]

Hi everyone,

It's been a long time since I posted on this wonderful forum. We went to the vets yesterday for something totally unrelated and it was found that my gorgeous Minstrel has ovarian cysts. My other guinea pig (Popcorn) may also have them, although we are having an ultrasound to confirm as it was less clear and she was a little uncooperative for the vet (she has the biggest attitude ever ).

Both are 2.5 years of age and otherwise seem healthy and happy - they showed no symptoms and had we not been going to the vet we wouldn't have even known they were there.

After a lot of debating I have decided that we will go ahead for surgery with Minstrel as it seems that she will inevitably need it as they get larger. I have complete faith in my vet (Highcroft Whitchurch) and they have been nothing but helpful and kind throughout the process.

I guess I am looking for advice/experiences/tips for the surgery and aftercare. I am absolutely terrified about putting her through surgery as I know it's risky and haven't stopped crying about it since yesterday (oh how we love our pets eh!).

Just looking for a bit of comfort from other guinea pig lovers more than anything!

Thanks all

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,

It's been a long time since I posted on this wonderful forum. We went to the vets yesterday for something totally unrelated and it was found that my gorgeous Minstrel has ovarian cysts. My other guinea pig (Popcorn) may also have them, although we are having an ultrasound to confirm as it was less clear and she was a little uncooperative for the vet (she has the biggest attitude ever ).

Both are 2.5 years of age and otherwise seem healthy and happy - they showed no symptoms and had we not been going to the vet we wouldn't have even known they were there.

After a lot of debating I have decided that we will go ahead for surgery with Minstrel as it seems that she will inevitably need it as they get larger. I have complete faith in my vet (Highcroft Whitchurch) and they have been nothing but helpful and kind throughout the process.

I guess I am looking for advice/experiences/tips for the surgery and aftercare. I am absolutely terrified about putting her through surgery as I know it's risky and haven't stopped crying about it since yesterday (oh how we love our pets eh!).

Just looking for a bit of comfort from other guinea pig lovers more than anything!

Thanks all View attachment 155661

Hi!

Here is our information on ovarian cysts. They are very common in sows; most older sows have them. the most common variety are the large non-hormonal fluid filled cysts, which typically become more prominent and active when sows get older and can pose a problem when they grow very large; otherwise they very often don't cause any problems and go mostly unnoticed.
Your girls are in their middle age age in which smaller but often very active hormonal cysts can cause the classic behavioural and symptoms that are normally associated with ovarian cysts. A small number of these hard cysts can turn cancerous in later life.
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

I currently have got three spayed sows; two because of large non-hormonal cysts and one with hard cysts (and the classic hair loss pattern) that were prime candidates for turning cancerous if not removed in time; but I have had several other spayed sows before that. They have all come through their operation well but I am using a vet I trust.
Here are our post-op care tips in case you need them: Tips For Post-operative Care

All the best!

 

[DizzyD95]

Thank you @Wiebke - that's great to know that your piggies came through the op! My vet is amazing so I am hopeful all will be well - it is just so hard not to worry! I will read the links you have sent - really helpful, thank you

 

[artcasper]

aww all the best with the surgery.... its such a worry... my pig was booked in for surgery this week but after seeing a specialist vet it was
decided it wasn't an issue - bladder instead... Its good to hear you have a good vet!

 

[DizzyD95]

aww all the best with the surgery.... its such a worry... my pig was booked in for surgery this week but after seeing a specialist vet it was
decided it wasn't an issue - bladder instead... Its good to hear you have a good vet!

Thank you! It is a worry, but I am hopeful she will be fine. She is otherwise healthy and a nice chunky 1kg which is a good!