Oh dear...elongated nipples

[Shellza]

I've been away for a week and left my OH to look after the pigs. I've just got them out for floor time while cleaning them out and noticed Freya has rather elongated nipples. I'll put up some pics. The only thing I can think of is ovarian cysts. Is this the only option? She's just turned 3 years old now and does already have small lumps on her abdomen that have been checked by the vet and were thought to be normal fatty lumps, however I'm now worried that these could also be cysts.

What are the options for ovarian cysts? Is spaying the only cure? I'd rather not put her through such an invasive operation if it is not needed. I've had a look on some of the threads on here and most of them do end up with the pig being spayed, so I'm a bit worried.

They don't actually look that big in the pics, but they are definitely bigger than normal.

Here are Lexi's to compare

Pretty girly

Just noticed those claws need a good trim too :{ Can't trust leaving the boyfriend in charge for long rolleyes

 

[ZaraPiggie6]

Is she in season? Some mine get big nips (lol) when there in season!

 

[Shellza]

Oh really? She could be...has been rumbling a bit recently, she never really shows much when she's in season (unlike her sister who is terrible!). I haven't noticed any other symptoms, such as hair thinning or hormonal issues. I'll keep an eye on it over the next week and see if they go down again.
Thanks

 

[ZaraPiggie6]

With my 5 girls 3 get big nips when there in season. One doesn't really show it apart from the big nips.

I'd speak to a vet though if your concerned

 

[Shellza]

They still haven't gone down and I have now noticed a small lump under the right one, so will take her to the vet as soon as I can :...

 

[Claire W]

Lumps should always be checked especially near nipples.
My Eliza has a lump near her nipple, thankfully the vet diagnosed a fatty lump so that can happen.

Good luck at the vets xx

 

[Shellza]

She's had a few lumps on her abdomen that were diagnosed as fatty, but they have grown quite a bit and now she has this other one. I'm getting rather concerned about it so will see if I can get an appointment today.

I'm glad Eliza's was nothing to worry about. I hope this is too, but her nipples are almost twice the size they usually are, so I'm quite worried.

 

[piggyfan]

I hope she is okay. Good luck at the vets.

 

[Wiebke]

Please have her checked in case it is caused by one of the lumps.

It can be caused by something harmless, like being in season or having a hormonal spike. Many older sows have ovarian cysts, but they don't cause any problems whatsoever unless they grow very big or you get other complications with them.

Best of luck!

 

[Shellza]

Please have her checked in case it is caused by one of the lumps.

It can be caused by something harmless, like being in season or having a hormonal spike. Many older sows have ovarian cysts, but they don't cause any problems whatsoever unless they grow very big or you get other complications with them.

Best of luck!

Thank you! That's put my mind at rest a little. I will get her checked ASAP.

 

[Shellza]

Have an appointment for 2.30. Will update after. Fingers crossed it's nothing drastic!

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

Good luck at the vets. Fingers crossed it isn't anything too serious.

Amy
x

 

[Shellza]

I've just got back. The vet said that the lumps are probably mammary lumps and something to do with the lymphatic system causing the nipples to swell. She said our options are to operate or just to leave it and manage the symptoms as they arise. As she is now 3 years old I don't know if the operation will be worth the risk. As she doesn't seem distressed or in pain at the moment I've decided not to go through with it, but am free to go back if I change my mind or if I see she is in pain, in which case they will give me painkillers and anti inflammatories.

 

[Guinea pigs <3]

I have no experience with this but wanted to let you know I was thinking of you! Sure someone will come along with wise words of wisdom!

 

[Shellza]

I have no experience with this but wanted to let you know I was thinking of you! Sure someone will come along with wise words of wisdom!

Thank you! I'm not sure what to make of that diagnosis. I suppose I just have to make sure she's as comfortable as possible and see how things go. If it comes to it and I decide I want to operate I think my best bet would be to take a trip to Northampton as it's not too far from me and take her to visit Simon at the cat and rabbit clinic.