Human chorionic gonadotropin treatment of bilateral nonpruritic alopecia in seven female guinea pigs

Abstract

Background: Follicular cysts are often associated with bilateral nonpruritic alopecia in guinea pigs (GPs). Hormonal therapy is a potential alternative to ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy (OHE), but there is a lack of studies in this area. The primary aim of this prospective case series was to examine the effect and potential side effects of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in GPs with bilateral nonpruritic alopecia suspected to be caused by follicular cysts. Secondary aims were to describe the frequency of associated clinical signs and to investigate if treatment with hCG would change the size of the ovary, including any ovarian cysts, identified on serial transabdominal ultrasound.

Methods: Seven pet female GPs with bilateral nonpruritic alopecia were included in the study. The GPs were treated with 100 IU/kg hCG subcutaneously once weekly for 3 weeks and monitored with clinical examinations, photographs, and ultrasonography for 8 weeks. Clinical resolution was defined as partial or full recovery from alopecia.

Results: All GPs had clinical resolution. One GP had a possible mild adverse reaction with injection site soreness. Treatment did not change the overall size of the ovaries or the ovarian cysts identified on transabdominal ultrasound.

Conclusions and Case Relevance: Treatment with hCG can be an alternative to OHE in GPs with bilateral nonpruritic alopecia consistent with follicular cysts. Long-term studies on larger populations are needed for more robust conclusions.