Ovarian Cystic Disease in Guinea Pigs

摘要

Ovarian cysts are nonfunctional, fluid-filled cysts that develop spontaneously near the ovaries throughout the female guinea pig's reproductive cycle.Cysts are associated with elevated hormones, such as estrogen, leading to irregular reproductive cycles, persistent heat, hair loss, and infertility.Fertility is reduced in affected females older than 15 months.Potentially serious uterine disorders (eg, leiomyomas, uterine cancer) can occur in conjunction with cysts.Permanent treatment requires ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy. Some guinea pigs may respond to medical management with specific hormone injections, sometimes coupled with palliative fluid removal from the cysts.