OVARIAN CYSTS?

Question
Hi,
A few months ago I adopted a female guinea pig from the Humane Society. I noticed at the time that she seemed bloated and her hair was thin on the sides. I did not think anything at all of it. I just assumed that she must of recently had babies and nothing to be concerned about because after all, they wouldn't adopt out sick animals, would they? Now months later, I accidentally came by a site that describes the symptoms of ovarian cysts in a female guinea pig and I realized that she had similar symptoms. Her age is unknown as she had come to them as a rescue. My question is, assuming I find a vet to diagnose, would she have to be spayed, and what are her chances of survival if I had her spayed? Also, what percent of guinea pigs get cysts. I've had guinea pigs for years and never heard of this til a few days ago.

Answer
This topic has come up several times in the last month. Although it sounds horrible the good news is that these cysts are almost always benign, in other words no cancer.  You are correct, spaying is usually the treatment but that's not always necessary.

Ovarian cysts are not at all uncommon in guinea pigs. I can't give you a percentage but I can tell you they are certainly not a rarity.

It almost always occurs in older sows. The hormonal changes caused by the cysts are what cause the hair loss. Generally speaking the pig continues to live a happy and pain free life and passes from old age rather than illness from this condition.

Since you don't know her exact age it's a good bet that she's four or five years old already. A good friend of mine had a sow with the same thing and she lived for two years without the surgery and died of old age at six and a half years old. Her vet (who was experienced with cavies) was the one that told her it's not usually necessary to do surgery.

If she's not in pain, is eating and drinking and not bothered by anything other than bald spots there's not a rush to jump into surgery. It's hard on older pigs because of the anesthesia. If you are asking what I would do if this were my pig I would just let her live out her life the way she is.

Of course if your budget allows and you'd feel better having the surgery then by all means follow your heart. But you don't need to feel guilt by just leaving it alone.