Guinea pig nipple swollen

[GuineaGang96]

We have recently noticed that the area around one of our guinea pigs nipples seems to have grown much larger and am wondering what this could be.

We have 5 female guinea pigs and the one pictured is just under 2 years old.

I have done lots of research and believe the most likely option may be ovarian cysts, however she doesn’t seem to be experiencing a lot of the symptoms such as hair loss and abdominal pain (she could of course be hiding her pain) Also I wouldn’t say the nipples are particularly elongated, just swollen around.

I am going to try get her to an exotic’s pet vet ASAP, however I was just wondering if anyone else had any experience with this, and any ideas what this may be.

Just struggling to add photos so I shall try add a couple after posting.

 

[Piggies&buns]

It takes a little while for new members to be able to add pictures, while your registration is completing in the background.
As soon as you can add pictures, then press attach files underneath the message box.

Definitely have her seen by a vet. I hope she is ok

 

[GuineaGang96]

We have recently noticed that the area around one of our guinea pigs nipples seems to have grown much larger and am wondering what this could be.

We have 5 female guinea pigs and the one pictured is just under 2 years old.

I have done lots of research and believe the most likely option may be ovarian cysts, however she doesn’t seem to be experiencing a lot of the symptoms such as hair loss and abdominal pain (she could of course be hiding her pain) Also I wouldn’t say the nipples are particularly elongated, just swollen around.

I am going to try get her to an exotic’s pet vet ASAP, however I was just wondering if anyone else had any experience with this, and any ideas what this may be.

Just struggling to add photos so I shall try add a couple after posting.

It takes a little while for new members to be able to add pictures, while your registration is completing in the background.
As soon as you can add pictures, then press attach files underneath the message box.

Definitely have her seen by a vet. I hope she is ok

Thank you very much for such a quick response! Glad it wasn’t just me Messing it up.

I will definitely get her to vet ASAP, just a shame it’s a bank holiday when we have noticed and just wanted to make sure there is nothing else we can be doing to make her comfortable. We’re

Will post pictures as soon as I am able - thank you again!

 

[GuineaGang96]

Managed to upload photos now.

I will be taking to the vets as soon as I can anyway. As I say just wondering if anyone has any ideas, and if there’s anything I can do to make her more comfortable if she is likely to be in pain

 

[Wiebke]

Managed to upload photos now.

I will be taking to the vets as soon as I can anyway. As I say just wondering if anyone has any ideas, and if there’s anything I can do to make her more comfortable if she is likely to be in pain

Hi

It is not an emergency but should be vet checked, especially if only one nipple is affected. Please don't panic and take a deep breath. Have your piggy vet checked during regular opening hours at your own convenience unless there are more changes. Hormonal ovarian cysts typically appear between 18 months and ca. 4 years. In older age, the non-hormonal large cysts that can grow very large become more prevalent without causing any iother symptoms.
For ovarian cysts there do not need to have all symptoms be present; in fact in my own experience the whole complement is comparatively rare; most sows may just have crusty and/or enlarged nipples and stronger seasons or what looks like a nonstop season.
It can be a hormonal issue but it can also be a localised one in orjust under the nipple. We can unfortunately not tell.

More information on ovarian cysts and treatment options: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[GuineaGang96]

Hi

It is not an emergency but should be vet checked, especially if only one nipple is affected. Please don't panic and take a deep breath. Have your piggy vet checked during regular opening hours at your own convenience unless there are more changes. Hormonal ovarian cysts typically appear between 18 months and ca. 4 years. In older age, the non-hormonal large cysts that can grow very large become more prevalent without causing any iother symptoms.
For ovarian cysts there do not need to have all symptoms be present; in fact in my own experience the whole complement is comparatively rare; most sows may just have crusty and/or enlarged nipples and stronger seasons or what looks like a nonstop season.
It can be a hormonal issue but it can also be a localised one in orjust under the nipple. We can unfortunately not tell.

More information on ovarian cysts and treatment options: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

Thank you for the response, really insightful and reassuring to know she can wait until the vets are open. There is just so much conflicting information on the internet when it comes to diagnosis and treatment etc.

We will just avoid picking her up until she has been checked by the vets and not worry about her too much!

Thanks for the link aswell, having a read through now.

 

[GuineaGang96]

I just wanted to provide an update on this one:

I have just got back from the Vets and she had a good feel around and said there were absolutely no lumps under the skin and she showed no signs of discomfort whilst being poked there. Told me just to keep an eye on it, and if there’s any changes to bring her back for a full internal check.

It does seem to have slightly reduced, and her mood is significantly better so not sure what brought it on, however will be keeping a close eye to make sure no further changes.

Thank you for your responses!