disa
Newborn Piggy
Posts: 4
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Post by disa on Apr 25, 2013 21:05:21 GMT
Hi, My guinea pig has been diagnosed with ovarian cyst on right ovary; 3 cm sized (enclosed is ultrasonic test). She is 4 years old, normally active, eating and drinking as expected. The only difficulty I have been noticing is that she stands in hunched posture, as if she is not comfortable with lying position. Basically, like she cannot lie down. When I take her (on my lap), she normally reclines. While being examined by veterinarian she did not show any signs of pain by palpation. Therefore, my question is: considering the fact that my town lacks of experts or vets with sufficient experience operating on guinea pigs, I wonder would hormonal therapy be adequate having in mind the size of the cyst?! Veterinarian claimed the therapy not effective, but I am pointing out that he is not experienced or closely related to this type of treatment. In case any of you finds this treatment optional what sort of preparations are in offer?!
In case she is not tretaed with any kind of therpay, could the cyst develop more and how fast ? Is there any posibilty for the cyst to burst? And could all mentioned above be fatal?
And tha last questions, which, in case of hormonal therapy, preparations are recommneded for guinea pigs? And is it safe to use, having in mind possible side effects
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Post by Orlaith on Apr 25, 2013 22:07:10 GMT
Hey there. I've had two girls with ovarian cysts and in both cases I opted not to treat them. Neither girl was in pain, but showed the classic symptoms (bilateral hair loss, pear shape, crusty nipples, lots of rumbling). I discussed the options with my vet and he said we could either spay them or give them hormone implants. I didn't want to spay them as they were getting on a bit (4 years old) and the vet didn't want to do the implant as it also required a general anaesthetic and if they reacted badly to it, it couldn't be removed. According to Gorgeous Guineas there is a hormone injection called Chorulon that can be given instead, which has worked for some people. Some veterinary studies show that treating the cysts don't actually result in a longer lifetime for the guinea pig than leaving them alone, so it's a tricky decision to make. There is a risk of the cysts bursting, but there would also be a risk of complications from surgery. There's no easy choice, and if your vet isn't comfortable with it then I would consider a second opinion. Both my girls have now passed on. They both developed ovarian cancer but lasted a good 18 months from initial diagnosis of cysts. Neither was in pain or uncomfortable until near the end, and then I helped them manage their pain until their time came. I don't know if I've helped at all, but no one can make the decision for you. What does your gut tell you?
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disa
Newborn Piggy
Posts: 4
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Post by disa on May 2, 2013 18:15:00 GMT
Thank you for your response, every piece of advice is welcome. I'm really sorry for your guinea pigs, but what really matters is that they had a good life and were loved I will consult a vet either way, and keep track of ultrasound and then I will decide whether to introduce hormonal therapy or leave her untreated. In any case, I hope for the best
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