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OVARIAN TUMORS
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Home > Medical Reference > Lumps > Ovarian Tumors
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Ovarian Tumors
Ovarian cysts are a reproductive problem that can develop in sows as they age.
 Accompanying the development of ovarian cysts are hormonal changes which result in hair loss, usually appearing first on the sides. Sometimes the vet can palpate cysts and sometimes they can be seen on an X-ray. An ultrasound, although more expensive than an x-ray, is an excellent diagnostic tools for determining the presence of cystic ovaries. If your vet uses an ultrasound, take a comparison pig of the same sex, size and age if possible.
Because a cyst that is allowed to grow runs the risk of bursting - spaying is the standard recommended treatment. Pinta had a 5-year-old spayed recently for cysts who has recovered very well. For very decrepit sows, who are bad surgical risks, hormone treatments such as HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) may shrink ovarian cysts but this is a temporary measure.
You may notice the following signs, which the author's guinea pig, Snowflake, developed at about 3 years of age:
 A slight loss and redistribution of weight Her shoulders become bonier and abdomen, rounder. She became a pickier eater, refusing her green pepper.
Sexually aggressive. She became very pmsy and mounted her cage mates on a regular basis, also displayed herself.
Enlarged nipples. Nipples seemed to be slightly enlarged and developed a crust.
See photos: -ONE- -TWO-
Hair loss. A general thinning of hair, and later, loss on the sides of the abdomen (Snowflake pulled out her own hair). Healthy skin. No scratching.
Find below a photo contributed by Elly of her sow Meg. Meg's hair loss pattern is typical of a sow showing hormonal changes apparently caused by the ovarian cysts:
Sows in good health can be spayed (removing both the uterus and ovaries) by an experienced veterinarian. All surgeries are risky. Check the Surgery page for tips on finding a good surgeon.
See also: Post Operative Care
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