Ovarian Cyst? - Treatment?

[LennyPig]

Well... just to update, Belle went to the vets and I described all her symptoms and behavioural changes and vet was very honest in saying that she suspected something hormonal but was not experienced enough to offer further advice so was going to speak to her piggy savy vet colleague.

This is a follow up from the below thread where I asked about my Belle's crusty nipples (and humping habbit!)

www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=72630

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Well... just to update, Belle went to the vets and I described all her symptoms and behavioural changes (crusty nipples, humping all her cages mates ALOT!, a little weight loss, dandruffy hair and a little hair loss) and vet was very honest in saying that she suspected something hormonal, possibly ovarian cysts but was not experienced enough to offer further advice so was going to speak to her piggy savy vet colleague.

This colleague has agreed with our suspicions of Ovarian cysts and now wants to spay Belle which I'm aware is the usual course of action for ovarian cysts?

However she hasn't performed an ultrasound and has reached this diagnosis by palpating the stomach and taking our description of behavior in to account.

Advice please? Do you think this is enough to go straight into a spay operation or do you think we should ask for other investigation first?

There is definitely something going on with Belle but apart from obviously feeling a bit off due to the hormonal changes, she doesn't appear to be in discomfort. I say this because, don't know if, because it doesn't appear to be an urgent problem requiring immediate emergency surgery and should we therefor spend a little time longer finding exactly what is wrong or is performing a spay op now, ok to do?

 

[Wiebke]

If you can have an x-ray or scan done (preferably without or only very mild anaesthesia, then you will know how big the ovarian cysts are. They are not uncommon at all in older sows. Spaying is a major surgery.

I have no idea whether hormonal treatment is available in the US (it is only in a few places in the UK), and even then, it may take more than one course. But it may be an alternative to spaying. However, if the cysts are alreasdy quite large and fast growing, then spaying may be your only option.

I wish you the best of luck!

PS: Don;t look at this thread with a full tummy or before a meal, but that is how BIG cysts look just after the op of a forum member's girl (who has made a full recovery as far as I know):
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=72362&highlight=Ovarian+cysts

 

[LennyPig]

I am in the UK Wiebke lol

The vet so far hasn't even gone so far as to confirm that it IS cysts and has certainly not mentioned size... but said that is what they possibly think?

She also mentioned (and allowed me to feel) that she could feel something very low down but in the end thought it was poops inside her? Would you be able to feel this?

not quite sure what to do from here. they do have an ultrasound and I wouldn't want them to anaesthise her... can't see why you would honestly need to for a start!

Not heard of this hormone treatment approach? I have been reading GuineaLynx and it suggested spay was the usual approach?

Oh just one other thing she mentioned which I picked up on... she mentioned that Belles tummy felt, to the touch, quite "fluidy" which she didn't think was normal and asked if it felt the same as normal to me (which I thought it did)?

Only thing with my piggy that doesn't seem quite consistent is that she doesn't appear overly swollen or round which I would have thought you'd expect with cysts? I thought maybe that the lack of swelling could mean that the cysts (if indeed there at all!) could only be small at the moment?

How long does the condition (cysts) take to get to it's "worst"?

 

[LennyPig]

I am in the UK Wiebke lol

The vet so far hasn't even gone so far as to confirm that it IS cysts and has certainly not mentioned size... but said that is what they possibly think?

She also mentioned (and allowed me to feel) that she could feel something very low down but in the end thought it was poops inside her? Would you be able to feel this?

not quite sure what to do from here. they do have an ultrasound and I wouldn't want them to anaesthise her... can't see why you would honestly need to for a start!

Not heard of this hormone treatment approach? I have been reading GuineaLynx and it suggested spay was the usual approach?

Oh just one other thing she mentioned which I picked up on... she mentioned that Belles tummy felt, to the touch, quite "fluidy" which she didn't think was normal and asked if it felt the same as normal to me (which I thought it did)?

Only thing with my piggy that doesn't seem quite consistent is that she doesn't appear overly swollen or round which I would have thought you'd expect with cysts? I thought maybe that the lack of swelling could mean that the cysts (if indeed there at all!) could only be small at the moment?

How long does the condition (cysts) take to get to it's "worst"?

 

[CandyFloss]

Sorry I cant offer any help but just wanted to say hope everything works out for Belle
xx

 

[wygant78]

I have no idea whether hormonal treatment is available in the US (it is only in a few places in the UK), and even then, it may take more than one course. But it may be an alternative to spaying. However, if the cysts are alreasdy quite large and fast growing, then spaying may be your only option.

 

[ChocksterNo1]

Hi

Our guinea pig was recently diagnosed with ovarian cysts. at the moment we get 2 injections about 11 days apart that reduce cysts for about 2-3 months. We just went through our 2nd cycle of injections, but our vet did say there was an option to have an hormonal implant that could last upto 2 years. (we will think about this option over the next couple of months, need to get mor einfo on this option).

hope this helps

Chock