|
Post by KarenPlanetGuinea on Feb 18, 2009 11:49:47 GMT
Ovarian Cysts can vary greatly in what they look like and how they affect the sow.
Signs for possible cysts are: Bilateral hairloss over theflanks, sometimes it is just a thinning of hair, sometimes there is no hairloss whatsoever. When Emily had very large cysts there was no hairloss, another rescue sow 'blew up' bilaterally in shape (pear shape and preggy looking) but no hairloss.
Weight loss: I have had a sow that lost an incredible amount of weight thought to be due to the cysts she had.
Weight gain: Sows often become pregnant looking because the cysts are in the ovaries and will also feel like there is a foetus in there- the only difference of course is there will be no movement as with a foetus. It is not so usual but very possible (I have seen it) for sows to become bilaterally 'lumpy' and so pregnant looking, they also feel hard/tight like a pregnant sow does. If you are unsure then the only way to find out is to wait for a birth or for her to have a scan which may put the unborn (if there are any) at risk...
Crusty nipples: may indicate a hormone imbalance and therefore cysts but can also be a sign of a fungal problem.
|
|
|
Post by KarenPlanetGuinea on Feb 19, 2009 10:45:28 GMT
Cystic Ovaries should be treated with a course of Chorulon injections, the whole course must be followed to be effective. This is the method I use now and have never had any cysts recurring but it does happen and a trip back to the vet for another is needed. Thje other option is spay to remove them, this is not an operation that I would put any of my sows through even though it is a 'medical need'. It is too invasive and not all sows cope well with the recovery.
|
|