Sow: Crusty Nipples and Hind End Staining

[Merry2018]

Hi everyone,
I have a vet appointment scheduled for Sunday for my girl, but I am just so worried about her I was hoping to get input. I got her 3 months ago from a rescue who thought she was about a year old.

Since I got her, I noticed she had hind end staining (she is white), so I give her the occasional butt bath. It never got rid of the staining, but I felt it stopped it from progressing further. I also realized that she has crusty nipples. I’ve heard that the crusty nipples could mean ovarian cysts. Is there any connection to the hind end staining?

Today her hind end seemed extra wet and the staining higher up than usual.

I clean them regularly and her cage mate does not have any staining on the white section of her hind end.

If she does get diagnosed with ovarian cysts, is getting her spayed/just her ovaries out a good idea?

Please see the pictures attached for the crusty nipples and hind end staining.

 

[Truffolo]

I am sorry to hear that your lovely blonde piggy has health issues. I don't have much expertise, but I think she needs to see a good exotics trained vet, a vet who has plenty of experience with guinea pigs. I believe there are injections you can get, but having boars, I'm not too well versed on the jabs. I'm not sure about the staining. I think crusty nipples are an early indication of potential problems and possible ovarian cysts. The main issue is finding a vet who treats guinea pigs alot, not always easy. But it is excellent that you are doing research too as this will help a great deal. Wishing you healing

 

[Merab]

Staining is probably wee and in white or blonde piggies is impossible to remove.
Keeping the bum clean is important but rather than too frequent bum baths I used unscented baby wipes to keep my long haired Priscilla clean.
Keeping the fur around her rear end short also helps.
I’m glad you have a vet appointment tomorrow. Hope it goes well

 

[Wiebke]

Pee staining is not at all unusual in long-haired piggies but it really shows up in light coloured ones. I usually cut the hairs short around the bum end and legs. It is not related to ovarian cysts, just her sitting in her pee.
Here is our hair cutting guide, which you may find helpful: An Illustrated Guide to Hair Cutting

Hormone treatment for ovarian cysts seems to be not very favoured in the UK because it doesn't work for all types of cysts and it can come with side effects.

There are two types of operation - a full spay (removal of the complete reproductive tract including the womb) or an ovariectomy from the back, which removes only the ovaries.

Here is a bit of an overview:
Sow Problems 'Down Below' (Ovarian Cysts, Super-seasons, Womb Infection, Pregnancy & Mammary Tumours)

Wishing you and your girl all the best.

For operation pre- and aftercare (may be worth reading now, in case questions come up you may want to ask your vet if you decide on an operation):
Tips For Post-operative Care