Ovarian cysts

[Loopylou123]

Hi, I have an elderly guinea pig that has just been diagnosed with ovarian cysts. We have been given 4 options with regard to her care by the vet 1) leave well alone and let it take its course 2) have surgery (not an option in this case) 3) have it drained and risk it returning or 4) have a hormone treatment that could reduce it.
Does anyone have any experience in these circumstances an how well they work as we can’t put Millie through an anaesthetic as she is quite old and we have been told there would be a high risk of death.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, I have an elderly guinea pig that has just been diagnosed with ovarian cysts. We have been given 4 options with regard to her care by the vet 1) leave well alone and let it take its course 2) have surgery (not an option in this case) 3) have it drained and risk it returning or 4) have a hormone treatment that could reduce it.
Does anyone have any experience in these circumstances an how well they work as we can’t put Millie through an anaesthetic as she is quite old and we have been told there would be a high risk of death.

Hi!

The two options you are realistically looking at are draining and or hormone treatment.

In the experience of our forum members who opted for this solution with their own elderly or frail sows, draining has lasted for a quite a number of months, so it is not a precedure that you need to repeat frequently. It can be performed without GA and comes without any side effects. It is also a lot cheaper.

Hormone treatment is about as expensive as a spaying operation. In the UK it is commonly applied by a series of injections and is therefore not invasive. It can cause some side effects. We have got several members who have opted for hormone treatment.

Here is some more information and further links: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)