Guinea pig castration - Cysts on the ovaries of female guinea pigs
Female guinea pigs are castrated mainly for health reasons - it is an effective treatment for ovarian cysts. Male guinea pigs are castrated to prevent a population explosion.
A very common disease in female guinea pigs is ovarian cysts, called ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that affect up to 76% of female guinea pigs aged 1.5 to 5 years
The highest risk is in middle-aged females, with the prevalence being the same in breeding and non-breeding animals. They usually occur on both ovaries of the animal.
At the time of estrus, the ovary normally undergoes the formation and subsequent rupture of the ovarian follicle and release of the egg into the fallopian tube. If the sexual cycle is disrupted and the follicles do not rupture, ovarian cysts form
There are three types of cysts. The most common are serous cysts. These are non-functional cysts with no hormonal activity, but they can be very large and cause pain and discomfort.
The second type is follicular cysts, which are less common, occurring in 22% of affected animals. They never occur alone, but always in combination with serous cysts. They are hormonally active and produce estrogens. This is the cause of the irregular sexual cycle.
The third type of cysts are paraovarian cysts, which are very rare. They are located outside the ovary and are related to an anomaly of the fallopian tubes or the broad uterine ligament.
Symptoms of the disease
Ovarian cysts are a disease that should always be ruled out when a guinea pig suffers from abdominal pain or is nervous and will not be petted. Clinical signs that can be observed include initially only an increased abdominal volume. The cysts can range in size from 5 mm to 10 cm. Animals tend to be asymptomatic at first, may be more pear-shaped than usual and may show signs of pain (hunched posture) and discomfort on handling. If they are breeding females, infertility is common. In follicular cysts, there is symmetrical hair loss on the flanks, sometimes bleeding from the vulva, and changes on the uterus. With the progression of the disease, there is a development of general weakness, lack of appetite, stasis of the digestive system and weight loss.
Diagnosis
Cysts can usually be felt when the animal's abdomen is palpated. The most accurate diagnosis of cysts is made by ultrasonography or X-ray.
Cyst on the ovary - a large dark oval object
Treatment
Castration of a female guinea pig
If the cysts are not treated, they can grow and potentially rupture and threaten the guinea pig's life. An effective treatment for ovarian cysts is castration of the female guinea pig, called an ovariohysterectomy, in which both ovaries and the uterus are surgically removed. However, in older guinea pigs with multiple comorbidities, surgery may be risky.
Follicular cysts can also be treated with chemical castration (off label), which may not always lead to a reduction in the size of serous cysts, but will resolve problems with hormonal activity of follicular cysts and lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with hair loss.
Neutering a guinea pig is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia and a full day of hospitalization. In our veterinary clinic Vethope we use gentle inhalation anaesthesia Safety+ to promote rapid awakening of the patient after surgery.
Prevention
Ovarian cysts cannot be prevented in guinea pigs. However, regular monitoring of the animal can prevent potentially life-threatening situations. In female guinea pigs, therefore, pay particular attention to any changes in their behaviour and health. It is important that the guinea pig is examined and neutered early, before the cyst bursts.
Surgically removed cyst
Warning: This article is for information only and does not replace professional consultation or examination of the animal by a veterinarian. If you have any doubts about the health of your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
20.01.2025
