Ovarian cysts, 5.5y old sow - should I spay her?

[Dilly's Piggies]

I'm in a very difficult situation here as my 5.5 year old sow Melody has developed quite aggressive ovarian cysts.

It started suddenly and is getting worse pretty quickly, her symptoms are extremely swollen and crusty nipples, a swollen vulva, extreme hormonal behaviour such as constantly chasing and mounting her cage mates despite living peacefully with them for 5 years, she has lost around 100g in weight and she has just started sitting in her hidey teeth chattering to herself.

She is still acting like normal besides these symptoms, she is eating well, pooping/peeing normally, comes running for veggies etc. She's still her sweet little self but these hormones are turning her into a demon with other piggies. I think the weight loss is from her being preoccupied chasing others, she's running marathons every day!

I currently have two spayed piggies atm who both had ovarian cysts so I'm experienced with the process, however those girls were much younger when they were spayed. What's worrying me is Melody's age, she's a senior, I'm worried she won't be able to cope with surgery.

If she was your piggie, what would you do, would you go ahead and spay or are there other options? Has anyone here ever spayed an older piggie and how did it go?

Thanks

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry to hear about Melody, it’s always a worry when they are getting on a bit.
I think you need to discuss your concerns with your vet (the one who will perform the operation and see what he thinks. It’s probably better sooner than later though if you decide to get her spayed, do you have confidence in your vet, that’s one of the most important things
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
I had my Ted neutered by Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Clinic and he was 5, he was absolutely fine although I know a spay is a far larger procedure

 

[Betsy]

Betsy had an emergency spay at the beginning of Lockdown last year (April 16th). She was just over 4 then. Her ovarian cysts were 7cms long each and very round. She recovered well.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm in a very difficult situation here as my 5.5 year old sow Melody has developed quite aggressive ovarian cysts.

It started suddenly and is getting worse pretty quickly, her symptoms are extremely swollen and crusty nipples, a swollen vulva, extreme hormonal behaviour such as constantly chasing and mounting her cage mates despite living peacefully with them for 5 years, she has lost around 100g in weight and she has just started sitting in her hidey teeth chattering to herself.

She is still acting like normal besides these symptoms, she is eating well, pooping/peeing normally, comes running for veggies etc. She's still her sweet little self but these hormones are turning her into a demon with other piggies. I think the weight loss is from her being preoccupied chasing others, she's running marathons every day!

I currently have two spayed piggies atm who both had ovarian cysts so I'm experienced with the process, however those girls were much younger when they were spayed. What's worrying me is Melody's age, she's a senior, I'm worried she won't be able to cope with surgery.

If she was your piggie, what would you do, would you go ahead and spay or are there other options? Has anyone here ever spayed an older piggie and how did it go?

Thanks

Hi!

3 of my sows have been spayed age 5; they have all come through their op well and lived to tell the tale but I am lucky to have access to a very good operating vet.
My Mererid and Morwenna have celebrated their 7th birthday in February. Mererid's non-hormonal fluid-filled cysts suddenly started growing very large very quickly. Her sister Morwenna needed a spay because she was found to have a hard cyst that would have turned cancerous in old age. Iola again needed an emergency spay for massive fluid-filled cysts.

However, if you have strong concerns, you could discuss the use of hormone injections with your vet. They have been in use for quite a few years now and can provide a less invasive and risky alternative.

More information in this guide here: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Merab]

Priscilla has just recovered from a spay for ovarian cysts.
I am very confident in my vet’s skill and Priscilla is possibly around 3.5 years old, maybe a bit older.

It’s not an easy decision to make and none of us can tell you what’s right for you.
Holding you in my thought as you decide the best option for your girl