Hi everyone
well we've been to the vets, she said it is a prolapse. and that he could have a worm which has caused this. and put some spot on drops on the back of his head. and said to watch him over the next 2 weeks, as she doesn't think its anything to worry about as it goe's back in by its self, if it stops going back in call them straight away and if it stays out longer than it has still call them. but she feels it will correct its self in time, she checked him all over and said there is no obstruction or any thing out of the ordinary. apart from his prolapse he is very healthy and a good size, but she did advice that i get both my boys done when they are about 6 months old. which is in about 2 weeks and that she can do a follow up at the same time to see how jerry is.
thanks everyone for your help
jan x
The correct answers/information were provided on your last thread and i really feel I need to post here given what your vet has said. There may be other forum members in the future who read this thread becuase they have a similar problem with their piggies and it is important that no-one is misled.
Yes it is a prolapse - the penis has come out of its sheath and one of the horns ("spines") which is an integral part of the penis is visible and engorged/inflamed
To re-iterate: It's NOT a sperm rod and
It's NOT caused by a worm. Guinea pigs rarely get worms, worms live in the gut and are found in the poos. They do not inhabit the willy.
The most likely cause is a build up of hay/debris/smegma round the shaft has forced the penis out - and/or possibly that he has a condition known as cauliflower willy (or frilly willy) which is where the penis doesn;t retract completely in the foreskin and pokes out a little creating a cauliflower appearance...however the spines/horns should never be visible. Lots of boars have cauliflower willy and it just means you have to keep a more regular eye on their "bits" as they tend to get a build-up of hay etc stuck in the frills.
The drops sound like ivermectin - which given topically will not get rid of worms however will get rid of mites/lice.
A guineapig with a prolapse should receive a thorough inspection of the penis (including the end of the urethra) whilst completely extruded from the sheath, for signs of infection/ulceration/boar glue/hay/smegma (particularly at the base of the shaft). Once the penis is clear/clean it should be gently eased back into the sheath with a lubricant such as KY jelly. Leaving it in its current state for it to "go back in of its own accord" over a two week period is running a real risk of infection/abcess of the exposed penis.
Why has neutering been suggested? It will not change the behaviour of a pair of bonded boars, it will just stop them making babies and in view of the risks and post-operative conditions that can occur, should not be undertaken unless
a) a clinical reason exists (e.g. prone to blockage of the urethra by sperm rods leading to secondary cystitis, hormonal issues, testicular tumour) or
b) because you wish to pair a male up with a female.
Please let us know whereabouts in London you live so we can recommend a more cavy savvy vet to you.
Can I also please ask members to read this thread
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=82631
HTH
x
