How to Identify & Treat a Ovarian Cysts in Guinea Pigs
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What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are a reproductive issue that only effect female guinea pigs, most commonly as they age. Cysts form on the ovaries of the guinea pig and can grow rapidly.
How do they occur?
Ovarian cysts grow on the ovaries and can occur with age. There is no known specific cause of these cysts.
How can you identify it?
Some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cysts are hairlessness especially on the sides or back of the guinea pig, a crusty skin build up on the nipples and a noticeable mass forming in the abdominal region. Exact identification of the cysts must be done by a vet, normally through the use of x-ray and/or ultrasounds, with ultrasounds being a much more specific diagnostic tool.
How do you treat it?
Ovarian cysts have two treatment methods depending on the size and position of the cyst. Vets may be able to drain the cysts using a needle and keep this treatment reoccurring whenever the cysts become noticeable again. The other, more common treatment method is to spay your guinea pig. This surgery removes the ovaries completely, not only removing the current cysts but also preventing any more in the future and desexing your piggy at the same time.
When should you see a Vet?
If your piggy is displaying any of the symptoms of ovarian cysts it is a good idea to get your piggy checked by the vet. If left untreated ovarian cysts can burst causing further, sometimes irreversible damage so the earlier they're caught the easier they're treated.
Ovarian cysts are a reproductive issue that only effect female guinea pigs, most commonly as they age. Cysts form on the ovaries of the guinea pig and can grow rapidly.
How do they occur?
Ovarian cysts grow on the ovaries and can occur with age. There is no known specific cause of these cysts.
How can you identify it?
Some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cysts are hairlessness especially on the sides or back of the guinea pig, a crusty skin build up on the nipples and a noticeable mass forming in the abdominal region. Exact identification of the cysts must be done by a vet, normally through the use of x-ray and/or ultrasounds, with ultrasounds being a much more specific diagnostic tool.
How do you treat it?
Ovarian cysts have two treatment methods depending on the size and position of the cyst. Vets may be able to drain the cysts using a needle and keep this treatment reoccurring whenever the cysts become noticeable again. The other, more common treatment method is to spay your guinea pig. This surgery removes the ovaries completely, not only removing the current cysts but also preventing any more in the future and desexing your piggy at the same time.
When should you see a Vet?
If your piggy is displaying any of the symptoms of ovarian cysts it is a good idea to get your piggy checked by the vet. If left untreated ovarian cysts can burst causing further, sometimes irreversible damage so the earlier they're caught the easier they're treated.
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