Guinea pig cyst drainage

[Bibble_n_Krummel]

Hey so I have a guinea pig who is getting a cyst removal tomorrow morning. The vet instructed us to not let her eat anything after 9pm, the surgery is tomorrow morning 9am. Isn’t that bad for her GI system ? The cyst is located near the left side back.
I’m worried she’ll get sicker from not eating.

 

[LucyP]

HI, others with more knowledge will no doubt respond as I am no expert but I’d be inclined to agree with you - I thought that pigs are NOT supposed to fast before procedures?

Bump

 

[LucyP]

Also see here:

How to prepare your small mammal/exotic pet for procedures - How to prepare your small mammal/exotic pet for procedures - Preparing for visiting the vet - How can we help? - General Practice - Small Animal - Royal Veterinary College, RVC.

 

[LucyP]

Advice from this forum in 2017 also says you should NOT fast them beforehand.

Question Regading Fasting Before An Op !.

 

[LucyP]

This is a screenshot from an old thread on here from 2017 which explains more.

 

[Bibble_n_Krummel]

I asked around on Facebook and everyone agreed you shouldn’t starve them, I put hay in the cage. I think it was just an error from the vet. Thanks !

 

[Piggies&buns]

Apologies, as a health staff member, not seeing such an important post last night. I am glad you have found the correct answer though.

You must never starve guinea pigs before surgery. It would make your piggy very poorly.
Fasting only applies to animals that can be sick - piggies can’t so you don’t fast them

If your vet doesn’t know that then I have to say I would question them as to whether they have the piggy knowledge and experience to carry out this procedure today.

 

[LucyP]

Just to say I hope the procedure went ok and your piggy is recovering well.