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Ovarian Cysts In My Guinea Pig, Bunty

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PingandChipy

PingandChipy

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Hello there,

So my guinea pig, Bunty, most likely has ovarian cysts. She has the classic crusty nipples and hair loss on her sides (that is getting worse) and she did have aggressive sexual behaviour to her sister, Sadie, but Sadie has since passed away, so I can't tell if Bunty is still doing that. But anyhow, I took her the vets and we decided to not spay her because of her age. She is almost 5 years old. Hormone therapy wasn't an option unfortunately. So is it risky to leave her as she is? She seems fine except for the hair loss.
 
I don't have any experience with ovarian cysts I'm afraid. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear this, and I hope she's doing okay x
 
Did the vet explain why hormone therapy isn't an option?
 
Sorry to hear this, having had two pigs with ovarian cysts. I don't know anything about hormone therapy so I would be tempted to seek a second opinion there. I did have one girl spayed at 3.5 years and the other ones cysts burst during examination prior to what was supposed to be an X-ray appointment lol (they did come back later though)
 
I have Ellie who was about 6.5+ yrs at the time. She kept suffering reoccurring urinary tract infections with blood &sometimes heavy bleeding when she pooped.
None of the other classic signs such as yours-hair loss, crusty nipples &dominant behavior.

my vet told me my only option was to spay- but she wouldn't do a spay on such an old piggy! Due to general anaesthetic risks etc.

So it was determined it was an ovarian cyst by a non intrusive,reasonably cheap ultrasound scan.
Ellie was fully conscious throughout&I was fascinated watching all the movement &bits n pieces at work!
A walnut sized lump was found.

So I suggested after research (mainly on here) could the (hcg)chorulon hormone injections be tried?

The vet researched it a bit &spoke
To the drug manufacturer to find out dosage etc whilst I was there.
Its actually a cattle licensed drug. But a signing of a disclaimer/permission solved that.
The drugs were ordered&came 2-3days later. 1injection into the leg muscle (&lots of wheeking!) &some cucumber.
Then 7-10days later a repeat of the process.
Touchwood ellie has had no bleeding since &that was about a year ago now I think.

The jabs were £20 ish each I think maybe less &there was a possibility of having a 3rd but the vet didnt in the end.

Consultation fee,metacam painkiller for a few days if needed &ultrasound so not even expensive considering. But well worth it :)

The cyst didnt seem to shrink but the bleeding has stopped.

I know others have had no joy with these but in my case it worked wonders &I would definitely try again.
Good luck with your furball baby &let us know how u get on.

As Helen&pebble have both said I'm surprised your vet didnt like the idea of the jabs,as I think its the least invasive first trial treatment to take.
Fingers crossed for you. From Ellie, Grace &I xx
 
Hi, thank you for taking the time to reply everyone. The reason we haven't done the hormone injections is because it is very expensive and she would have to get them done every month for the rest of her life.
 
PingandChipy said:
Hi, thank you for taking the time to reply everyone. The reason we haven't done the hormone injections is because it is very expensive and she would have to get them done every month for the rest of her life.
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Hi there. Thanks for the update.
Just to let you know Ellie had 2 injections approx 7-10days apart &that was a year ago. She hasn't had any follow on injections at all.
My vet mentioned that a 3rd may have been necessary if the bleeding had continued after the original 2. But glad to say not needed.

Oh &make sure she has a painkiller if needed, apparently ovarian cysts are very painful in humans. Might make her more comfortable.

Not sure what the dollar rate is at the moment but Ellies 2 consultations,jabs, ultrasound &metacam came to no more than £60 sterling at the time.

Althoug my vet isn't an exotics specialist &doesn't charge steep prices.
Do u have any other local vets that could quote any cheaper that are still piggy savvy?

@bisc&matt had dealings with these so might come up with some other ideas for you. Xx
 
PingandChipy said:
Hi, thank you for taking the time to reply everyone. The reason we haven't done the hormone injections is because it is very expensive and she would have to get them done every month for the rest of her life.
Click to expand...

Why is the hormone injection expensive? Is it in Canada not the standard therapy?
2 years ago one of my guinea pigs had ovarian cysts, too and got an injection with a hormon called "Delvosteron". It is one of the hormones used in Germany to treat ovarian cysts, and it wasn't expensive at all, it cost (the Delvosteron + the injection + the examination of the piggy) together appr. 15 Euros. The vet told me that a second or third injection would only be given if the symptoms come back. It is not necessary to give them regularly, if there are no symptoms.
The really expensive therapy in a case of ovarian cysts is the operation, which is dangerous and difficult, too.
Could you perhaps ask another vet for a second opinion?
 
I'm going to follow up with my vets. She might not be aware of this. Thank you :)
 
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