Considering Neutering My Piggy

[elyce]

Hey everyone,

One of my piggies, Jack, recently lost his cage mate Milo. I have seen Jack both with and without a companion, and like most piggies, it is obvious that he is so much happier with a friend.
With that said, I am also the owner of two beautiful sows. They have a wonderful bond with each other. They are both around 3.5 years old. I am considering getting Jack neutered so he can live with the girls, but I have a few concerns...

1. I haven't been able to find information on age for guinea pig castration. Jack is 2. Would he be eligible for neutering at that age?
2. The girls have a wonderful bond with each other. I believe they are sisters. My worry would be that they'd shun him out of the group.
3. The potential risks involved terrify me. I've already lost one of my boys. I don't want to lose another one so soon.

If you happen to have any experience or tips regarding this, I would greatly appreciate it.
If neutering isn't a safe option, I will be considering adopting him a male cage mate, but if possible, I want to try to bond him with the girls.

Thanks,
elyce

 

[flintstones]

Having just inherited two boys who are ex-friends I am also considering this route. @pig in the city advised they neuter the boys in rescue and two or under is better as the testicles move more freely.

The anaesthetic carries risks it's self although you can minimise the risks by finding a competent piggy Savy vet. Don't be scared to ask how many neuters they have done and post op complications they have had.

I do intend on going ahead with my neuters, I am however going to book a week off work so I can provide round the clock care if necessary. Do ensure you know how to syringe feed as it maybe required after they come round. I do find boy/girl pairings the most successful.

I have also bonded a boar with closely bonded sister. It went very well and since my little girlies sister past the boar and sow are best friends sleep together, eat together pretty much permanently attached to each other.

 

[flintstones]

Have you seen this thread. Guinea pigs castration explained.

Guinea pig castration explained

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

Your boy is not too old for neutering at two years old. Boars can be neutered at any time of theirs lives, but generally four years is about as old as the snip is done.

The crucial bit when introducing neutered boars is initial acceptance by the sows. You can help that along if can have live next to and with contact through the bars with his future wives until he is safe to meet them on neutral ground 6 weeks after the operation. It will also keep his spirits up and give him the interaction that he needs. I have got the unplanned baby from a supposedly over 5 weeks post op boar (not one of mine); it can really happen that late. However, you can never bank on acceptance; it very much depends on how he and especially the top sow gel. Unltimately, there is nothing you can do if they decide they do not get on. However, once acceptance has happened, fall-outs are extremely rare.

However, the most important part is to find a vet that is either experienced in guinea pig neutering or has lots of practice in operating on small furries in order to cut down on the risk of possible complications. Do your research and see if you have got a good vet within reach. Elective surgery is always a tough one, as it is fully on your responsibility so you feel it even more if something is not going to plan. However, with a good vet, the success rate is high.

We can provide tips for post op care and introductions.

Here is more information on neutering:
Guinea pig castration explained
Guinea Pig Neutering, How to Neuter your Guinea Pigs (cavy spirit)
Recommended piggy savvy vets: Veterinarians Canada - The GLX-Files (Guinea Lynx)
Recommended good standard guinea pig rescues in Canada: Guinea Lynx :: Canadian Rescue Organizations