Human chorionic gonadotropin treatment of bilateral non-pruritic alopecia in seven female guinea pigs

Follicular cysts are often associated with bilateral non-pruritic 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 non-pruritic 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.
Seven pet female GPs with bilateral non-pruritic alopecia were included in the study. The GPs were treated with 100 IU/kg hCG subcutaneously once weekly for three weeks and monitored with clinical examinations, photographs, and ultrasonography for eight weeks. Clinical resolution was defined as partial or full recovery from alopecia.
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.
Treatment with hCG can be an alternative to OHE in GPs with bilateral non-pruritic alopecia consistent with follicular cysts. Long-term studies on larger populations are needed for more robust conclusions.