How to Neuter Your Guinea Pig

Neutering your guinea pig can be an expensive and risky operation. However, it's your best option for dealing with a male who doesn't get along with other males or for preventing your pet guinea pigs from breeding. At the same time, it's a myth that neutering will change his personality or make him suddenly get along with other pigs. Before you get your piggy neutered, research clinics to find one that has experience with guinea pigs. Then, prepare your piggy for its operation and provide extra care while it recovers.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Finding a Vet

  1. Decide whether neutering is the best option for your guinea pig. Due to their small size, guinea pigs are vulnerable to risks when it comes to surgery. Additionally, it is a common myth that neutering will make males get along better with other guinea pigs or make them friendlier. Neutering doesn't affect the personality of a guinea pig in any way―it is a tactic to prevent pregnancy.
    • If you don't need to get your guinea pig neutered, then don't. Avoid the risks and unnecessary cost of neutering. Unless you're planning to keep him with females, there is no need to castrate your male.
  2. Performing surgery on small animals is a complicated process for the surgeon, especially one that isn't as experienced. Both the surgical preparations and the procedure itself carry risks. Not only can the surgery result in infections, the stress from the operation may uncover a medical issue that your guinea pig already has but has been fighting off, such as a respiratory infection.
    • For instance, guinea pigs are prone to chest infections, but you might not notice any symptoms until the pig is stressed. Since surgery stresses out the piggy, he may get sick.
    • You should go through the risks of neutering with your vet so you fully understand any complications that can arise.
    • Spaying a female guinea pig is even riskier than neutering a male. For that reason, your vet may recommend neutering the male if you plan to have a male and female live together. [1]
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  3. Don't assume that any vet can easily neuter a guinea pig. Find an exotic or small animal vet that has experience with guinea pig neutering and, of course, good outcomes from surgery.
    • Ask around from friends or online forums for advice about good vets in your area. Additionally, local shelters might put you in touch with a good vet.
  4. As much as the cheapest option may seem like the best option to go with, this isn't always the truth. Opt for an average priced neutering from a reliable vet clinic.
    • Costs for surgery can be anywhere between $50 and $300. The average would be about $100.
  5. Search the clinic's name online and read any available reviews. Additionally, read any news stories related to the clinic. If you have any hesitations, look for a better recommended clinic.
  6. When it comes to finding a vet, the best thing you can do is question them to know whether they're right for your guinea pig. Make sure you're asking questions to do with how many guinea pigs they have neutered, their success rate, over what period of time they have neutered guinea pigs, any experience with complications and possibly references from past patients. Ask any questions you need answered in order to feel like your guinea pig will be safe. [2]
    • Ask how the surgical procedure will go and which anesthesia will be used. Isoflurane gas if preferred whilst halothane and methoxyflurane gas are considered unsafe to be used.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Guinea Pig for Surgery

  1. You will have to wait at least 4-6 weeks until you can house your male with a female as it takes time for the viable sperm to die off. A recently neutered guinea pig still has the risk of impregnating a female.
  2. Provide your piggy with a clean habitat, fresh water, and a healthy diet. Remove soiled bedding and replace it daily. Additionally, provide him with toys to keep him occupied. Finally, make sure he gets plenty of attention from you.
  3. It's dangerous for an unhealthy guinea pig to get neutered, as their immune system won't be as strong. After surgery, your piggy will be at risk for developing a post-operative infection. A healthy immune system will lower the risk of infection.
    • Your vet may include a checkup appointment prior to the surgery. If your vet doesn't, schedule one to make sure your guinea pig is ready for surgery.
  4. Weight is a major factor to do with your guinea pig's health. The minimum weight for a guinea pig who will undergo neutering is 650 grams. Regular weight checks should be performed as a way to spot early symptoms of potential health issues.
  5. There is actually a recommended age when it comes to neutering guinea pigs. The most preferred age is to get your guinea pig neutered at as young as 4 months. Your vet may recommend against neutering a 3 to 4-year-old guinea pig. [3]
    • Some vets will have an age limit. Ask first and get their recommendations.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Guinea Pig Post-Surgery

  1. Make sure you set-up a cage for your guinea pig before you bring them home. They will need extra care, supervision, and isolation away from other guinea pigs, animals, children, and noises.
  2. Your piggy's appetite may suffer after its surgery, but it needs to eat. Your guinea pig should start eating again 2 hours after his surgery. Additionally, he should remain active. Your piggy may show aggressive behavior due to discomfort, so monitor him closely.
  3. An indoor environment is the best environment while your guinea pig recovers from surgery. An indoor environment reduces stress and lowers the risk of infection. Additionally, the temperature can be regulated, and you'll be able to supervise your guinea pig more frequently.
  4. Do not give your guinea pig any antibiotics or medication that hasn't been prescribed for them. Only give your guinea pig medication if your vet has instructed you to. Antibiotics shouldn't be added to their water if it isn't recommended, as your guinea pig can be put off from drinking due to this.
    • You will most likely be given antibiotics to help your guinea pig during their healing process. Also, you may have the option to administer painkillers to your guinea pig to get him eating faster.
  5. Don't use your normal bedding for your guinea pig during the healing process. Anything with small fragments should be avoided, such as wood chippings and shavings, as these can irritate the wound. You should opt for white towels instead, which will help with monitoring your guinea pig's urine and droppings. Line newspaper at the bottom first, and then the towels, which will need to be changed at least once a day.
    • Your vet might suggest you with what kind of bedding to use to prevent infections and irritants to the wound.
  6. The hay can be irritable to your guinea pig's wound. You must keep the hay compacted into a tube or suitable rack that restrains the guinea pig from sitting in it. Make sure you're buying a soft brand of hay such as meadow hay (but not too soft that it isn't any good for your guinea pig). You should avoid oaten hay, as it's a lot tougher.
  7. They should be kept separate from any cage mates while they are recovering from surgery. This includes other guinea pigs, animals, and people. The only one that should be interacting with the guinea pig is you. Small children should be kept away from your guinea pig to reduce unnecessary stress.
  8. You should be giving your guinea pig 50-75 mg of vitamin C, depending on their weight. You can give them vitamin C naturally through vegetables such as (green) capsicums. [4]
  9. Weighing your guinea pig can help identify signs of early illnesses; especially if their weight rapidly drops all of a sudden.
  10. After surgery, your guinea pig's wound is prone to infections during the healing process. You should keep an extra eye on your cavy each day to ensure their health is stable. This is why it's optimal to keep your guinea pig indoors while they are healing.
    • Additionally you should monitor their behavior and eating habits, too.
  11. If you plan on doing so, then after at least 4 weeks you are able to keep your male with a female. You must wait 4 weeks to give any viable sperm time to die off, otherwise there is still a high risk of your male impregnating the female.
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      Warnings

      • Do not restrict your guinea pigs food on the day of surgery. It isn't necessary and can cause health issues since guinea pigs need to be constantly eating. All that is needed is 1-2 hours at the maximum of fasting before surgery.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm
      2. ↑ http://cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm
      3. ↑ http://cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm
      4. ↑ http://cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To neuter your guinea pig, keep in mind that it's usually best to avoid neutering a guinea pig unless absolutely necessary since the procedure can be risky. If you decide to go through with it, make sure you find an exotic vet that has experience neutering guinea pigs. Also, make sure your guinea pig is at least 4 months old, and know that some vets won't neuter a guinea pig that's older than 3 or 4 years. To learn how to care for a guinea pig after surgery, scroll down!

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