Information About 'keyhole Surgery' To Treat Ovarian Cysts

[pig in the city]

At BARC we have had 3 sows in recently with ovarian cysts and/ or symptoms of hormonal imbalance ( crusty nipples, hair loss, excessive sexual behaviour- mounting, etc and mammary growths). All three sows have been successfully treated by having their ovaries removed by keyhole surgery.
This is much less invasive than a spay, there are just 2 small incisions on the flanks. Sows are sterile after this procedure , and as the hormones are removed, symptoms settle quickly and the risks of uterine problems are significantly reduced.
They recovered extremely quickly after surgery, here is a photo of Dora the morning after surgery enjoying some grass, and one showing her wounds



Very few vets do this surgery, our vet, Ellie Whitehead at Alfreton Park veterinary hospital was taught the procedure by Molly Varga. They are an excellent practice and very piggy friendly.

 

[Veggies Galore]

That's interesting. Bess is booked in for a check up at Alfreton this week. She was diagnosed with ovarian cysts last August . I will watch this thread with interest.

 

[sport_billy]

Thanks for this really interesting, we have had girls with OC in the past. Sending lots of recovery vibes x

 

[pig in the city]

Ellie has done this procedure many times now and is becoming very slick at it I think ! Good luck with Bess @PiggyOwner

 

[Veggies Galore]

Bess went for her keyhole surgery yesterday. She was back home by the evening - tucking into a veggie supper with her hutch mates .

Here she is sporting her trendy new hairstyle ...



and having breakfast with the girls ( one day post op ) ( Bess is in the Centre - and Reuben is sulking as he's just had his medication ).

 

[Teddybear22]

Sending healing vibes to all the ladies (Dora, the other two ladies and Bess) and to Reuben too

 

[pig in the city]

So glad the procedure went well. Bess is a trooper isn't she, nothing fazes her!

 

[VickiA]

Both Connie and Violet had their spay the keyhole way, too. And both made an incredibly speedy recovery.

I'm pleased to see all your ladies are doing well @pig in the city and @PiggyOwner xx