• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Guinea pig castration questionnaire

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

BeckyJ

Joined
Nov 1, 2009
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Birmingham
Hi, can anybody help me. I am studying Veterinary Nursing at Harper Adams University and am trying to complete my dissertation about the advantages and disadvantages of guinea pig castration in males.

I have a questionnaire about this and need to carry out a survey of 200 neutered male guinea pigs. If anyone thinks they can help or know of someone who can help me, I can email a questionnaire or post one out with a stamp addressed envelope. It’s one questionnaire per neutered pig, so if you have or have had more than one, then please complete a form per piggy.

If unfortunately your neutered guinea pig has since passed away, I would still be interested in your comments.

Many thanks

xx>>>
 
Can't you post the questions online so we don't have to give our email address? Also, will he results of you study be available to people that helped with your research?
 
I can post the questions, that not a problem, what is the best way to post them? Just in a reply box?

Yes of course once i have handed everything in, then anyone who would like a copy can have one.

I'm very excited myself to see what the out come is as i have had two guinea pigs castrated one sadly died two days after and one recovered within hours. So it is definitely a subject of great interest to me.
 
if you post the questions i will attempt a reply but jive is not being neutered till next wednesday
 
PM if it would be easier to have them emailed to you in a word document

GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO

If yes, what are they?

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?

12/ How long did he live after castration?

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO

If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO


Any other comments you may wish to add.

Thank youxx>>>xx>>>
 
Hi Becky

I would be very interested to hear the results/see a copy when it's finished. My replies are as follows, any queries let me know.

1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?

His male companion died young so he was left alone and I thought it would be easier to introduce him to sows rather than another boar, especially as he and his mate sometimes fought.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?

He was about 8 months old.

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?

He had his post-op check the day after he was discharged and they were concerned that he was not eating and no droppings, his gut sounded in stasis from their stethoscope listenings, so we were given syringes and advice on syringe feeding, and told to bring him back the next day if no droppings appeared or we had any other concerns.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?

He was back to himself in less than a week - probably more like 4 days at the most.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES

If yes, what were they?

As described above - he went off his food and they worried his gut would become immobile hence syringe feeding.

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?

A month (although they were housed side by side almost straightaway).

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? NO

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? NO

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES

If yes, what are they?

He was able to live with first two and finally four other Guinea pigs (sows). He seemed happier with them than his male cagemate - they never had any rows or disagreements, he loved his wives. He seemed laid back, relaxed and happy.

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? NO

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?

He died last week age 3, with a tumour in his intestine (or possibly an intestinal blockage) unrelated to his castration.

12/ How long did he live after castration?

2 years 4 months.

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES

If yes, what were they?

Acute illness leading to his death (the tumour described above).

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES

Any other comments you may wish to add.

I researched which vet to use and questioned them on their procedure and who would be operating and how many guinea pigs they had castrated and how many had died on the table, I believe some vets may have better experience and capability than others.

Hope that helps, good luck with your dissertation!

Cheers :)

Alex
 
Welcome to the forum Becky, it is good to have someone studying Veterinary Nursing who has such a keen interest in guinea pigs!

I have 2 neutered boars here now, and one has since passed - I shall separate the three for you to make it clearer!

----------

GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated? To prevent fighting between him and another male guinea pig.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration? 3.5 months

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc? Post-op check up one week after surgery; nothing other than this.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover? Around two weeks for wounds to heal and inflammation to recede.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? No.

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction? The two boars still fought after the neuter (this was some years ago before I knew that neutering had no effect on behaviour), and one boar was rehomed. The remaining neutered boar was paired with a sow 12 months after neuter.

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? No

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? No

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? Yes, very much so.

If yes, what are they? Charlie was not a dominant character, he was bullied by the first boar he lived with and he lived well on his own for many months after the troublesome boar was rehomed. When he was introduced to his first sow, he became an incredibly confident, happy and loving guinea pig to the sow (and all other sows that joined him) and also to me as his owner. He was a ladies man, an absolute gentleman and it was unfair to force him to live alone, or with a boar who would be too dominant.

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? No

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away? He was 4 years 11 months old. He died of a kidney tumour.

12/ How long did he live after castration? 4 years 7 months.

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? Yes

If yes, what were they? "Cherry eye", cystitis, kidney tumour, lower-jaw abscess, mild malocclusion, "Bumblefoot".

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? Yes

---------------------------

GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated? To pair him with one or more sows.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration? 6 months

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc? Post-op check up one week after surgery; nothing other than this.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover? Around four weeks for wounds to heal and inflammation to recede.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? Yes

If yes, what were they? Abscess at neuter site. This was cleared unusually quickly, simply by squeezing daily and flushing the area with saline.

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction? 6 weeks.

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? No

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? Yes.

If yes, what were they? Lottie was a very hormonal, sexually-aggressive sow when she lived with the first neutered male and two other females. She wanted to be dominant but was not the alpha-female within that group. She instantly settled and calmed down when she moved in with this neutered boar, and became a much calmer and more content guinea pig. Lottie was later diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, and hyperthyroid, which explained her hormonal behaviour, but she was definitely much happier with this second neutered boar (Dexter).

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? Yes, very much so.

If yes, what are they? Yes. Dexter now lives with five sows and is a very loving, trusting, confident and content guinea pig. He is not a dominant character and does not display any hormonal or "obsessive" behaviour; he is a piggie who can truly relax and adore his life because of living with his girls.

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? No

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away? n/a

12/ How long did he live after castration? n/a

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? Yes

If yes, what were they? Dexter is prone to chronic bloat; his abdomen tightens and swells when affected but as yet has not suffered a very serious bout of bloat. He does not go off his food but his abdomen is very tender and tight. His condition is managed by eliminating all "gassy" foods - cabbage, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and even dried herbs - and when he does develop a mild case of bloat, he is treated at home with one Buscopan tablet.

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? Yes

------------------------

GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated? Frankie was neutered by the rescue as standard procedure, to prevent him breeding and to allow him to be paired with a sow.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration? He was estimated to be around 3-4 years.

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc? Post-operative checkups in the first week after surgery; none other than this as far as I am aware.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover? Unknown.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? Yes.

If yes, what were they? Frankie developed severe impaction problems. The vets and rescue staff had not known a guinea pig to have such large testicles, so believe this may have had something to do with the impaction he developed soon after the surgery. However, since I adopted him last year, 3 months after he was neutered, he has had very, very mild impaction which needs clearing only once weekly/fortnightly.

He was also exhibiting an unexplained weight loss around one month post-neuter. He was syringe-fed and was so ill he was considered for euthanasia, although no specific cause was ever recognised or diagnosed. However he started to gain weight and has had no problems since.

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction? He was introduced to a sow 3 months after his surgery.

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? No

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? No

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? Yes.

If yes, what are they? Frankie is a ladies man, he's a dominant character who was unhappy at the rescue with the boars he had been placed with. Since living with a sow he has been very content, and is very vocal and active.

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? No

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away? n/a

12/ How long did he live after castration? n/a

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? No

If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? Yes

----------------

Good luck with your dissertation!
 
1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?

To live with 2 females and not impregnate them

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
5 1/2 months

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
He needed to be syringe fed for a few days as went off food. I also gave tiny amounts of metacam for about a week

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
2 weeks

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO
YES - he stopped eating

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?
I am waiting 4 weeks (we are at 3 now)

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO
Not so far

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO
No - they still go to him at the bars seperating them - he still makes his mating / calling noise to them

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
It will as he has been living alone for so ling. Now he will havea small herd

If yes, what are they?

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO NI

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away? n/a

12/ How long did he live after castration? na/

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO na/ still young

If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO
Yes but never routinely and only if less than a year old


Any other comments you may wish to add.
 
GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?
- castrated by rescue centre so he could be homed with a female

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
- unknown - we've never known Eric's age but he was definately adult

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
- none

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
- 1 month
5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES

If yes, what were they?
abscess at site of castration - he was intolerant to the sutures and was treated with oral baytril and baytril in the wound also

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction? 6 weeks

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? NO

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES

If yes, what were they?
less willing to interact with humans but definately happier and more lively

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES

If yes, what are they?
- companionship - he loves his girlie
10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? NO

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?

12/ How long did he live after castration?

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES
If yes, what were they?
mammary tumour - unsure whether benign or malignant as yet
14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES


Any other comments you may wish to add.

Thank youxx>>>xx>>>[/QUOTE]
 
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete one of my guinea pig castration questionnaire, but i still need even more boars. If any one has a share couple of minutes over the weekend, i would be very grateful if you could complete one.

Thank you xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>
 
GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?
So he could live with my females.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
2 years

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
Antibiotics at end of op, fibreplex.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
couple of weeks

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO
NO

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?
6 weeks

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO
No, but he was neutered soon after arrival, so I didn't know him that well.

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO
No.
If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
Yes.

If yes, what are they?

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
No

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?
5 years old

12/ How long did he live after castration?
3 years

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO
No, it was a sudden death.

If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO
Yes.


Any other comments you may wish to add.

Thank youxx>>>xx>>>[/QUOTE]
 
GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?
To try and reduce the risk of him falling out with his male friend, and if he did it would mean he could live with a female at a later date.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
1 year

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
Antibiotic at end of op, fibreplex.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
Couple of weeks.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO
No

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?
N/A, yet.
7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO
No, there were neutered soon after arrival.
If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO
N/A

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
Hopefully, yes.

If yes, what are they?

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
No
If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?
N/A

12/ How long did he live after castration?
N/A

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO
N/A

If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO
Yes.


Any other comments you may wish to add.

Thank youxx>>>xx>>>[/QUOTE]
 
GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?
So he could live with my single female

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
1 year
3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
Antibiotic injection after op and fibreplex.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
2 weeks

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO
No

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?
6 weeks

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO
Possibly yes, he was neutered soon after arrival, but had allegedly been aggressive with people and other pigs previously. He is now happy with his girl and has shown no aggression towards us.

If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO
No

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
Yes

If yes, what are they?
He can now live happily with company.

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
No

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?
N/A

12/ How long did he live after castration?
N/A

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO
N/A
If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO
Yes.


Any other comments you may wish to add.

Thank youxx>>>xx>>>[/QUOTE]
 
GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?
So could live witha female.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
1 year

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
antibiotic njection after op and Fibreplex.
4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
He only had the op a week ago.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO
Yes

If yes, what were they?
he took a couple of days to start eating properly, but is fine now.

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?
He will be introduced after 6 weeks, and whenever her boy babies are ready to be seperated.

7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO
Not so far.
If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO
N/A

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
I believe it will have, once they are together.

If yes, what are they?
He can have companionship.

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
No

If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?
N/A

12/ How long did he live after castration?
N/A

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO
N/A
If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO
Yes.


Any other comments you may wish to add.

Thank youxx>>>xx>>>[/QUOTE]
 
halfpenny said:
GUINEA PIG CASTRATION – QUESTIONNAIRE


1/ What was the reason/s for having your boar castrated?
To try and reduce the risk of him falling out with his male friend, and if he did it would mean he could live with a female at a later date.

2/ How old was your boar at the time of castration?
1 year

3/ What, if any, post operative care was given e.g. medications, syringe feed etc?
Antibiotic at end of op, fibreplex.

4/ How long did it take for your boar to fully recover?
Couple of weeks.

5/ Were there any post operative problems? YES / NO
No

If yes, what were they?

(If fatality occurring, please go to question 11)

6/ If your boar was introduced to a sow after the castration, how long did you wait before making the introduction?
N/A, yet.
7/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your boar? YES / NO
No, there were neutered soon after arrival.
If yes, what were they?

8/ Did you notice any behavioural changes in your sow? YES / NO
N/A

If yes, what were they?

9/ Do you feel that castration has had a positive effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
Hopefully, yes.

If yes, what are they?

10/ Do you feel that castration has had a negative effect in improving the life of your boar? YES / NO
No
If yes, what are they?

11/ If your boar is deceased, how old was he when he passed away?
N/A

12/ How long did he live after castration?
N/A

13/ Did your boar develop any medical conditions later in his life? YES / NO
N/A

If yes, what were they?

14/ Would you consider having another boar castrated? YES / NO
Yes.


Any other comments you may wish to add.

This applies to both NooKie and Incy, who live together with no problems so far.
Click to expand...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top