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Does this sound right?

Skunks_n.bees

Skunks_n.bees

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Hello everyone! I haven't posted here in ages. My guinea pig is undergoing surgery to remove two bladder stones early tomorrow morning, but the vet has requested she fast 8 hours in advance. I know that this is not typically recommended, but the vet sent me a long email explaining why they recommend this. I just want to know if anyone has heard similarly from a vet before, as this is my first time having a guinea pig get surgery under my care, and also my first time with this vet.

Here are the main sections from that email, for context:
 

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Hi my exotic vet surgeon never suggested fasting before an operation, and I think you’re quite right to question this. Piggies need to eat regularly is my understanding.

But…I am not a medial expert and others will be along soon with more clear advice I’m sure.
 
Guinea pigs cannot fast.
Without food constantly going through their system they go into stasis (the gut stops working either partially or fully) and it can happen within a matter of hours. Stasis can kill

Is the vet experienced with piggies?
I would be highly concerned about being told to fast your piggy before surgery

This guide will help you for after care

Tips For Post-operative Care
 
I have never been told not to feed my piggies before surgery. They need a constant supply of food or else they will become very ill, very quickly. That is the advice they give for cats and dogs not guinea pigs. I've had a few guinea pigs have surgery over my 15 years of having these furry potatoes in my life and I've never been given that advice before.

Remember to take in a lunch box of their favourite food for after the op when your piggie comes round from the anaesthetic.
 
I’m so sorry your piggy has bladder stones and needs an operation. I don’t think I would let a vet operate on my piggy if they told me to starve them before an operation. They don’t seem very piggy savvy.

(PS my Patrick had a stone removed about two weeks ago)
 
One of my piggies had an operation two weeks ago. The vet pulled up an advice sheet of pre op advice on the computer and went through it with me. This advice said to fast, the vet said as you know guinea pigs should not fast, ignore that bit and feed as usual.
I would be questioning how much experience your vet has in guinea pig care.
 
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