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What Causes Ovarian Cysts
- Thread starter lauralucy
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Ovarian cysts are pretty common in sows, especially as they age. However, unlike with rabbit does, there is no direct cancer link. The majority of cysts never cause any problems; that is why there is not the same emphasis on spaying compared to rabbits.
It is due to the constant stimulation of the ovaries by the female hormones. Nature designed piggies to more or less be pregnant all the time, and also not to live very long. In captivity they live longer and tend not to have pregnancies, so the hormones never switch off. They are very common in sows over3 years old. Don't ask me if they have a menopause though!
No menopause for guinea pigs, sadly - that is why most pregnancies in older sows usually end with death for the babies and often death for mum, too.
That is a typical age for sows to develop ovarian cysts as they are well past their ideal child bearing age by then.
lauralucy
Adult Guinea Pig
How do you tell if they are causing problems for the piggy? i think Betty may have them but she seems fine in herself if a little round. should i leave them and see?
the previous 2 grew and grew so they had to come out.
It is often the rather small cysts that cause the noticeable hormonal problems when sows are basically constantly in season, with the strain that causes on their own body and on their social interaction. Ovarian cysts should also be checked if there is any bleeding from the vagina. In those cases, they need addressing.
The other case that needs to be treated are the very large cysts which often don't cause any other symptoms and that have been growing "silently" until then.
Of course, any cysts that look like they are going wrong (cancer etc) should be removed.
If you have a very good operating vet, then spaying is a reasonable option. If not, it is often a case of weighing up the risks and considering alternative, less intrusive treatments.
If in doubt, have a chat with your vet and see whether he thinks that simply monitoring is enough or whether he recommends a preventative spay. There is no firm consensus on that subject as to the best approach.
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