Danielle Smith
Teenage Guinea Pig
My girl Tablet started showing signs of ovarian cysts a few months ago after her babies were weaned; complete change of behaviour (previously very quiet, not the rumbling humping terror she is now), fat redistribution, crusty nipples. No noticeable hair loss, but she is a sheltie. I took her to the vet who did a scan and we found a very small cyst. After being treated once with a hormone injection, the symptoms resolved and we couldn't see the cyst on a scan.
However, all of the symptoms have now come back. She's worse than ever, and she's also not taking care of herself as previously (manifesting as a very wet matted bum; no squeaky wees or blood in urine though).
She's lost 50g in weight this month (putting her down to 900g, she feels very skinny), and has lost 100g in the past 3 months since symptoms started in earnest. She's eating absolutely fine, and pooping up a storm. I'm offering extra food in the form of CC and oats, which she'll have a nibble at but isn't too keen on. To be honest, I think the weight loss may be from her constantly chasing the other pigs, but I can't separate her even with a grid wall as she'll climb it to get to the other pigs.
I went to the vets a couple weeks ago thinking we needed another injection but the vet wouldn't do it as no cysts showed up on her very thorough scanning.
I want to take her again as there's obviously something going on, but the vet's done pretty much all the investigation she can at this point. I'm thinking of just going for a spay but I'd be very worried because of how thin and delicate she is at the moment.
I'd travel with her if necessary to seek treatment, but she's terrified of travelling and doesn't cope well at all, so I'd rather minimise that unless it needs to be done.
I just want your opinions before I call my vet again!
However, all of the symptoms have now come back. She's worse than ever, and she's also not taking care of herself as previously (manifesting as a very wet matted bum; no squeaky wees or blood in urine though).
She's lost 50g in weight this month (putting her down to 900g, she feels very skinny), and has lost 100g in the past 3 months since symptoms started in earnest. She's eating absolutely fine, and pooping up a storm. I'm offering extra food in the form of CC and oats, which she'll have a nibble at but isn't too keen on. To be honest, I think the weight loss may be from her constantly chasing the other pigs, but I can't separate her even with a grid wall as she'll climb it to get to the other pigs.
I went to the vets a couple weeks ago thinking we needed another injection but the vet wouldn't do it as no cysts showed up on her very thorough scanning.
I want to take her again as there's obviously something going on, but the vet's done pretty much all the investigation she can at this point. I'm thinking of just going for a spay but I'd be very worried because of how thin and delicate she is at the moment.
I'd travel with her if necessary to seek treatment, but she's terrified of travelling and doesn't cope well at all, so I'd rather minimise that unless it needs to be done.
I just want your opinions before I call my vet again!
xx
Last time we checked (April this year), there were no signs of cysts on scan or palpation but she's got all the symptoms, now including -- upsettingly -- hair loss.
She had better pull through.
