Megs, a 1 year old guinea pig, was brought in by her owner because she was losing hair around her tummy. The hair loss had been getting worse for some months, although she was still bright and active in herself. She was also exhibiting excessive sexual behaviour (which was irritating the other guinea pigs who lived with her!).
The results of Megs examination and her presenting signs were suggestive of cysts on the reproductive organs, that as a result were producing more hormone than normal. This being the case, Megs was schedule for an operation to remove the reproductive organs the following week.
On the chosen day, Megs was given some drugs before the operation to make her sleepy and provide some pain relief. She was then anaesthetised and prepared for surgery. As the procedure progressed the problem was confirmed and her reproductive organs removed. After the operation she recovered from anaesthetic very well and was kept quiet and comfortable over the next 24 hours before being sent home.
At her 10 day recheck, her hair had already started growing back, and she was eating, defecating and interacting with the other guinea pigs as per normal. At her one month recheck, the coat has almost completely returned to normal. She remains bright, happy and looking marvellous!
The most common form of reproductive cyst in female guinea pigs is ovarian cysts. In this condition, the ovarian follicles do not become smaller after each season, and, as a result, continue to produce female hormones. Clinical signs are an enlarged tummy, even, non-itchy fur loss and excessive sexual activity. Treatment is either surgical (as in this case) or medical, by trying to regulate the ovaries with injections of other hormones.
