Perineal sac cyst; likelihood of further injury or complications?

[Alamerona]

Hi TGPF, our youngest boar Walker has been having an issue for about a year now where a cyst on his perennial sac has been causing him some pain and bother when passing caecotrophs (Edible poos) - Our previous vet recommended we express the cyst’s fluid regularly and to keep an eye on it, and our most recent vet has given us a few options as it’s unclear if it’s purely a cyst, or could be a form of tumour.

The facts are below:
- Walker is eating normally.
- Walker is drinking normally.
- Walker has maintained and put on healthy amounts of weight.
- Walker has had no behavioural issues asides from the pain felt when passing a caecotroph.
- Walker has had an X-ray about a year ago which showed no skeletal issues, no kidney or bladder stones, and no fractures or injuries.
- No signs of bladder sludge, blood in urine, or anything else abnormal.

At the moment we’re draining the cyst every 2-4 days or so, but are wondering if putting Walker under the stress of a biopsy, bloods, another X-ray, and a possible CT to figure out _what_ this is would be worth the stress for him?

I’ve attached a picture of the cyst to this post for reference

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry that I don’t have the answers and it’s certainly not an easy decision for you, but if he’s in pain when passing poop and you’re having to empty the cyst every 2-4 days then that’s a lot of intervention for a small being, so I’d be tempted to go for some sort of detailed scan (ct scan) to see if this throws up any answers and helps to formulate a long term plan for him.

 

[Alamerona]

I’m so sorry that I don’t have the answers and it’s certainly not an easy decision for you, but if he’s in pain when passing poop and you’re having to empty the cyst every 2-4 days then that’s a lot of intervention for a small being, so I’d be tempted to go for some sort of detailed scan (ct scan) to see if this throws up any answers and helps to formulate a long term plan for him.

Hi there! No worries on not having answers - We also had the same thought, as it’s long term regular semi-invasive pain versus short term very-invasive pain; we'll contact the vets again soon and ask for a biopsy first as that should give the most answers-for-pain ratio. Thanks again!