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Sandstorm has a cyst

Phoenix

Phoenix

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
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Location
Rugby, UK
I took Sandstorm and Firestorm to the vet today and while Fire is mostly fine, (she has a bad eye and we have some eye drops for her), apparently Sandy has a cyst in her ovaries. I think i heard that ovarian cysts are actually very common in female guinea pigs, but whether it needs treatment or not depends on the individual pig? I think? Is this true or am i making things up?
This one has been a slow growing one for a while but has gotten pretty big, about the size of a satsuma. The vet said that there were two options. One is just to leave it if she seems fine and ignore it, but there is also an operation they could do however not all guinea pigs respond well to anaesthetic. She recently has been hiding away a lot, and mostly only comes out to eat. Seeing as she has, particularly for the last few days, been a lot less active, I'm not sure whether the operation to remove the cyst is something i really should do or not. Does anyone have any advice on this? Id appreciate any help as I dont know much about this kind of thing. Also, i have no idea how much the operation would cost, so is there anyone who has an idea of the price?
 
Phoenix said:
I took Sandstorm and Firestorm to the vet today and while Fire is mostly fine, (she has a bad eye and we have some eye drops for her), apparently Sandy has a cyst in her ovaries. I think i heard that ovarian cysts are actually very common in female guinea pigs, but whether it needs treatment or not depends on the individual pig? I think? Is this true or am i making things up?
This one has been a slow growing one for a while but has gotten pretty big, about the size of a satsuma. The vet said that there were two options. One is just to leave it if she seems fine and ignore it, but there is also an operation they could do however not all guinea pigs respond well to anaesthetic. She recently has been hiding away a lot, and mostly only comes out to eat. Seeing as she has, particularly for the last few days, been a lot less active, I'm not sure whether the operation to remove the cyst is something i really should do or not. Does anyone have any advice on this? Id appreciate any help as I dont know much about this kind of thing. Also, i have no idea how much the operation would cost, so is there anyone who has an idea of the price?
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Hi and welcome

I am very sorry about your concerns.

I have had the odd older sows operated for massive and sometimes very quickly growing ovarian cysts. The big ones are the fluid filled non-hormonal ones.
Unfortunately, because of their sheer size they can push on other organs and cause problems that way (gassing, gut adhesions, squeaking when peeing and pooing, mobility issues etc. depending on where the cyst is sitting and what they are impacting on.

If her behaviour is not normal, then it means that the cyst is indeed pushing on other organs. Please check whether the cyst is still there. If not, it may have burst and could cause an infection that needs to be seen promptly.
Another, less invasive method is draining the cyst. It is not a permanent measure but will last quite a few months.
More on your options here: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

Operation cost can vary massively depending on the vet and on the length of the operation as well as the operation method full spay or cyst removal from the back. I've paid around £150-300 for my spaying ops, depending on how straight forward or not they were but you are likely to be quoted a lot more at an exotics clinic. A lot depends also on your vet's experience and confidence with operating on guinea pigs.
Tips For Post-operative Care
Unfortunately the Cat&Rabbit Care Clinic in Northampton (which is the place where seven of my sows have been spayed over the years) is now closed for new clients unless they are an emergency life death dental referral by another vet. :(
 
Sorry that Sandstorm isn't herself. I think I paid £280 for a piggy spay for this reason, and I felt it was worth it because she came through well, and the problem was behind her. It's very sad to read about piggies not coming through operations, but most do.

Can I ask @Wiebke, the Cat and Rabbit Clinic being closed to new clients, is the guinea pig or the human the client? I've got 4 newish piggies none of whom have been there (yet).
 
I’ve also had older sows spayed for ovarian cysts when it has been indicated. My vets are experienced in guinea pig surgery. The key thing to ask is what experience the vet has of operating on guinea pigs, as they are treated as exotic pets so not all small pet vets have much experience.
 
VickiA said:
I’ve also had older sows spayed for ovarian cysts when it has been indicated. My vets are experienced in guinea pig surgery. The key thing to ask is what experience the vet has of operating on guinea pigs, as they are treated as exotic pets so not all small pet vets have much experience.
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Oh yes I should say my piggy's spay was advised on and done by a very experienced cavy savvy vet too.
 
Black piggies said:
Sorry that Sandstorm isn't herself. I think I paid £280 for a piggy spay for this reason, and I felt it was worth it because she came through well, and the problem was behind her. It's very sad to read about piggies not coming through operations, but most do.

Can I ask @Wiebke, the Cat and Rabbit Clinic being closed to new clients, is the guinea pig or the human the client? I've got 4 newish piggies none of whom have been there (yet).
Click to expand...
You are the client, so your new piggies will be able to go, if needed.
 
Black piggies said:
Sorry that Sandstorm isn't herself. I think I paid £280 for a piggy spay for this reason, and I felt it was worth it because she came through well, and the problem was behind her. It's very sad to read about piggies not coming through operations, but most do.

Can I ask @Wiebke, the Cat and Rabbit Clinic being closed to new clients, is the guinea pig or the human the client? I've got 4 newish piggies none of whom have been there (yet).
Click to expand...

It's the owner who already needs to be registered with the clinic. They have unfortunately reached their capacity and have had to deal with too many people claiming an emergency to jump the queue. :(
 
Thanks for all your replies. The vet was talking about a spaying, so that is the type of operation it would probably be, but I can ask about the others. And @Wiebke the cyst is still there, I'm pretty certain I can feel it.
She definitely is hiding away a lot so I think I need to have the operation done. I just phoned the vet to ask about operations and other things, but they are going to have to call back sometime later today to talk. Unfortunately the vet I saw last time, who seems really competent and knows what he's doing (with guinea pigs at least) isn't in the surgery today and someone else will have to phone back. I did ask that they are experienced with guinea pigs though.
I can post back later when I get anymore info.
 
So, the vet has phoned back and a lot has changed with the condition.
Firstly, the vet wasnt sure if it was a cyst, they said that seeing as she seemed mostly fine it was most likely to be a cyst but they did mention that it could be kidney problems. The vet i just talked to, after hearing that today and yesterday Sandy hasnt been moving or eating very much said that because of this it was more likely to be an enlarged kidney. So I'm not sure about this seeing as the first vet roughly said "oh its most likely a cyst, theres a slight chance its kidney problems but is probably an ovarian cyst" and now this one says that actually its more likely to be an enlarged kidney.
The problem now is, that if it really is an enlarged kidney then there anything they can do. They cant get rid of the kidney as she cant survive without it. There are antibiotics they can try that will help the infection go down, which will make her more comfortable but wont help the kidney.
I dont think shes eaten at all for several hours (as far as i can tell not at all today, but i dont know if shes still eating hay, she has just been ignoring any veg and pellets and not eating any time i look at her) so the vet said i need to start syringe feeding her. I'm going to start now.
I'm going to the vets again tomorrow so they can tell for sure what it is that is really wrong and what i can do, but it isnt looking good. So sorry for starting a thread for the wrong reason, but i would still appreciate any help on this situation now that it has been updated. I will post again tomorrow, and thanks for all the replies
 
Phoenix said:
So, the vet has phoned back and a lot has changed with the condition.
Firstly, the vet wasnt sure if it was a cyst, they said that seeing as she seemed mostly fine it was most likely to be a cyst but they did mention that it could be kidney problems. The vet i just talked to, after hearing that today and yesterday Sandy hasnt been moving or eating very much said that because of this it was more likely to be an enlarged kidney. So I'm not sure about this seeing as the first vet roughly said "oh its most likely a cyst, theres a slight chance its kidney problems but is probably an ovarian cyst" and now this one says that actually its more likely to be an enlarged kidney.
The problem now is, that if it really is an enlarged kidney then there anything they can do. They cant get rid of the kidney as she cant survive without it. There are antibiotics they can try that will help the infection go down, which will make her more comfortable but wont help the kidney.
I dont think shes eaten at all for several hours (as far as i can tell not at all today, but i dont know if shes still eating hay, she has just been ignoring any veg and pellets and not eating any time i look at her) so the vet said i need to start syringe feeding her. I'm going to start now.
I'm going to the vets again tomorrow so they can tell for sure what it is that is really wrong and what i can do, but it isnt looking good. So sorry for starting a thread for the wrong reason, but i would still appreciate any help on this situation now that it has been updated. I will post again tomorrow, and thanks for all the replies
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HUGS
Diagnosing guinea pigs just with a hands-on examination is not always easy. Your second vet is taking the new development into their account of what could be going on. Very sorry about the bad news; it is always such a bummer. Kidney problems are unfortunately not all that uncommon in guinea pigs; I have had my fair share of them over the years. :(

Please step in with weighing daily at the same time (to monitor the weight and be able to judge how much you need to support feed) and with syringe feeding; the more often the less your girl will take with each feeding session. Syring feed replaces mainly the hay intake, which is making up about three quarters of the daily food intake, and which you cannot control by eye (hence the kitchen scales that don't lie and give you an up to date feedback).
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

All the best! I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for Sandstorm and you!
 
Thanks for the replies again. So, after a very thorough examination today, the vet has confirmed that it really was an ovarian cyst, but it is really uncomfortable which is why she is refusing to eat.
This is actually great and I'm relieved that it's not kidney problems, but she needs to have a spaying operation asap which is happening early morning tomorrow. I can post again afterwards to say how it went, but thanks everyone for all the advice and info, it was really helpful.
 
Phoenix said:
Thanks for the replies again. So, after a very thorough examination today, the vet has confirmed that it really was an ovarian cyst, but it is really uncomfortable which is why she is refusing to eat.
This is actually great and I'm relieved that it's not kidney problems, but she needs to have a spaying operation asap which is happening early morning tomorrow. I can post again afterwards to say how it went, but thanks everyone for all the advice and info, it was really helpful.
Click to expand...
Glad you've got a treatment plan, good luck for her spay! It doesn't sound like you've had any choice to just leave it.
 
I've had piggies spayed, Priscilla at 4 years old.
All came through well.
Hope all goes well tomorrow.
Will be holding you in my thoughts
 
Phoenix said:
Thanks for the replies again. So, after a very thorough examination today, the vet has confirmed that it really was an ovarian cyst, but it is really uncomfortable which is why she is refusing to eat.
This is actually great and I'm relieved that it's not kidney problems, but she needs to have a spaying operation asap which is happening early morning tomorrow. I can post again afterwards to say how it went, but thanks everyone for all the advice and info, it was really helpful.
Click to expand...

Glad that you know what is exactly going on. all the best for tomorrow!
Tips For Post-operative Care
 
Sorry to hear she’s going to need surgery, poor little lady.
Just wondering as you’re in Rugby (like myself) @Phoenix which vets you use?
 
Sandy has come back from the operation earlier today and is completely fine! :D she is still not eating but the vet said she would hopefully start again soon, seeing as the cyst is gone, but for now I will have to keep syringe feeding. She has medicines to take every day but is on the road to recovery.
So she is getting better and will soon be fine. Thanks everyone for all your comments, they really helped.
And @alpacasqueak , I use Bilton vets surgery
 
Glad the op went well.
After Priscilla’s spay she needed / wanted syringe feeding for a couple of days before she started eating properly again.
She was a bit woozy as well.
I put a small dish of Critical Care with mashed banana in the cage to encourage her to eat for herself. ( yes. - the other 2 helped!)

Hoping for a speedy recovery for Sandy.
 
Phoenix said:
Sandy has come back from the operation earlier today and is completely fine! :D she is still not eating but the vet said she would hopefully start again soon, seeing as the cyst is gone, but for now I will have to keep syringe feeding. She has medicines to take every day but is on the road to recovery.
So she is getting better and will soon be fine. Thanks everyone for all your comments, they really helped.
And @alpacasqueak , I use Bilton vets surgery
Click to expand...
Hope she’s still doing well, so glad she came through the op well and feels better soon. Sending lots of healing vibes and hugs ❤️
That’s my local vets too, I’ve had a couple of emergency ops on piggies done there (huge abscess and stuck bladder stone!). One of the head vets (Tom) did my RB Rupert’s bladder stone op (stuck in urethra). I’ve found he’s pretty knowledgeable with pigs, just a bit hard to get an appt with him last minute for other things! I tend to go to Cat and Rabbit for most things these days though. Thanks, was just checking if I was missing a good vets here!
Hope Sandy heals well :)
 
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