Ovarian Cysts

[Tiamolly123]

I've been reading a back issue of Guinea pig magazine & they are saying that having them neutered would prevent this. Any thoughts people?

 

[7squeakers.]

Having a female spayed will prevent Ovarian cysts, yes. But spaying is a very invasive procedure, on top of the risk of the anaesthetic too. Having said that, though, I have had two females successfully spayed because of cysts. In the right hands, it is perfectly safe.

 

[Wiebke]

I've been reading a back issue of Guinea pig magazine & they are saying that having them neutered would prevent this. Any thoughts people?

You have to weigh up the risks - spaying is a major operation (much more so than a boar neutering op); cost are higher and recovery is often much slower. It very much depends on whether you can find a good vet with practice in small furries ops (not just rabbits). Unlike with rabbits where the cancer risk is very high, you are by far not as likely to have cyst issues with sows.

One of the most experienced spaying vets is not at all keen on performing that operation unless necessary, for instance. He used to spay all sows for sadly now defunct Rabbit&Guinea Pig Welfare rescue in Rugby for around 15 years, so he is one of the most practised guinea pig spaying vets in the country. I have got two spayed sows from that rescue (one of them my most antisocial girl).
As far as my own girls stand, I have lost Fflur in a spaying op 6 years ago due to large and fast growing cysts while Cariad had a very smooth recovery 3 years ago when her womb went wrong - that one courtesy of the well practised rescue vet, otherwise I would have thought twice about it!
I have and have had a number of sows that have lived to 6-8 years old without any cyst issues.

 

[Fizzbomb290]

My guinea pig had her spay yesterday as she was diagnosed with cysts yesterday after an xray. She is day 1 into her recovery. She is not fully eating on her own but i know it will reduce future implications.

On the other hand i have another sow who hasn't been spayed and she is as fit as a fiddle..

 

[Tiamolly123]

You have to weigh up the risks - spaying is a major operation (much more so than a boar neutering op); cost are higher and recovery is often much slower. It very much depends on whether you can find a good vet with practice in small furries ops (not just rabbits). Unlike with rabbits where the cancer risk is very high, you are by far not as likely to have cyst issues with sows.

One of the most experienced spaying vets is not at all keen on performing that operation unless necessary, for instance. He used to spay all sows for sadly now defunct Rabbit&Guinea Pig Welfare rescue in Rugby for around 15 years, so he is one of the most practised guinea pig spaying vets in the country. I have got two spayed sows from that rescue (one of them my most antisocial girl).
As far as my own girls stand, I have lost Fflur in a spaying op 6 years ago due to large and fast growing cysts while Cariad had a very smooth recovery 3 years ago when her womb went wrong - that one courtesy of the well practised rescue vet, otherwise I would have thought twice about it!
I have and have had a number of sows that have lived to 6-8 years old without any cyst issues.

Thanks for allaying some of my fears. I thought ovarian cysts were quite common place. Unless I have to, I won't go ahead. I have a lot of learning to do.

 

[Tiamolly123]

My guinea pig had her spay yesterday as she was diagnosed with cysts yesterday after an xray. She is day 1 into her recovery. She is not fully eating on her own but i know it will reduce future implications.

On the other hand i have another sow who hasn't been spayed and she is as fit as a fiddle..

Thanks for the advice fizz bomb, I hope your Guinea pig is back on her feet in no time

 

[Tiamolly123]

Having a female spayed will prevent Ovarian cysts, yes. But spaying is a very invasive procedure, on top of the risk of the anaesthetic too. Having said that, though, I have had two females successfully spayed because of cysts. In the right hands, it is perfectly safe.

Thanks for the advice 7squeakers I think I wouldn't do it as a precaution.

 

[TAN]

As Wibeke says - it's not common place to spay them unless it's for medical issues - I also have 2 spayed sows from Rugby that simon Maddock spayed- and 2 spayed sows that my piggy specialist spayed - my vet has hew own sows and routinely spays all of hers for preventative health reasons - but then there is no cost for her surgical time and she has obviously seen a lot of piggies in her time with "women's problems" and that's why she ops to spay hers - I have to say that both of my girlies that she spayed were up and munching away 10 mins after the op - so if you have a very experienced vet and the piggies aren't under for very long it's much less risky.

 

[Tiamolly123]

As Wibeke says - it's not common place to spay them unless it's for medical issues - I also have 2 spayed sows from Rugby that simon Maddock spayed- and 2 spayed sows that my piggy specialist spayed - my vet has hew own sows and routinely spays all of hers for preventative health reasons - but then there is no cost for her surgical time and she has obviously seen a lot of piggies in her time with "women's problems" and that's why she ops to spay hers - I have to say that both of my girlies that she spayed were up and munching away 10 mins after the op - so if you have a very experienced vet and the piggies aren't under for very long it's much less risky.

Not sure she would be able to neuter them, although she is a very good vet. I may look around to find a Guinea pig friendly vet.

 

[VickiA]

I've had many sows over the years who have not had cysts. Violet was spayed a few weeks back for cysts and it looks like Connie may also need to be spayed. Our vets are extremely cavy savvy but there's a risk with any procedure.
@Fizzbomb290 hope your girl is back to full health soon X

 

[Tiamolly123]

I've had many sows over the years who have not had cysts. Violet was spayed a few weeks back for cysts and it looks like Connie may also need to be spayed. Our vets are extremely cavy savvy but there's a risk with any procedure.
@Fizzbomb290 hope your girl is back to full health soon X

My girls are fine VickA, it was just an article that neutering prevented this problem, I was going through the shall I, shan't I.
As I was saying I have a lot to learn, which I will for the continued health of my wonderful piggies. Thanks