Guinea pig operation :0(

[Mamaguineapig]

My 5 year old guinea pig called Snuggle is needing an operation to remove an infection caused by a cyst in his "private" guinea boy area. Does anyone know if this is a common complaint for a boar what I should do to help him be comfortable after the op . On asking the vet said it might be a good idea to separate him from his hutch buddy for a wee while incase his stitches get damaged ! Oh dear ..... Any advice greatly appreciated !

 

[CandyFloss]

Sorry to hear about Snuggle - Ive only got girls but when Toffee had a big (>40min) operation to remove an abscess (under her chin) she wasnt separated from her cage mates. Could be different for your boy though.
Hope it all goes well for him,
x

 

[Pebble]

I have not heard of a vet wishing to remove a cyst in the genital area before - but there are plenty of situations where a vet needs to remove an abcess.

To keep him comfortable - it is important that the vet gives you a painkiller (metacam) to give him for the first few days after the op. Prior to the op - keep him eating right up until you take him in and leave his favourite food/veggies/hay with the vet to encourage him to eat after he comes round.


Post - op: Plenty of Vit C. Weigh daily. Ensure you have syringes and critical care available in case he doesn;t want to eat.Restrict his movement.


Re separation: There are two reasons for considering separating a bonded pair if one is having surgery
a) the "smell" of the vets/medications could cause a disruption of the previous "dominance hierarchy" (if the dominant boar is ill, the submissive tries to take over - I have seen this with my pair of boys when one is ill)
b) if the surgery is invasive into the abdomen it is important the guinea pig is kept confined and doesn;t move around too much otherwise stitches can be unravelled or (later) internal adhesions can form which can cause problems (mainly with the guts and their motility) later in life - I have experience of this following neuters on several of my boars

HTH - fingers and paws crossed here for Snuggle

x

 

[Farquhar]

As the piggies 'area' will be sore post-op, vet bed or fleece would be the best bedding to use. Shavings could scratch or iritate the wound, Also removing anything from the cage that he could jump on. Just keep him nice and quite and I'm sure he will be fine. Let us know how he does...

 

[Mamaguineapig]

Thanks that is all really useful advice . What exactly is a vet bed ? They have an RSPCA small animal fleece cushion they use in their run which may do. Poor Snuggle ! How long do you think I should keep them separated for ? Neither one is particularly dominant and I'd hate that to change . They both get along really well . Thank again !

 

[carrot_and_parsnip]

Vet bed is great! It's a bedding which will keep your piggy dry as it wicks the pee away from the surface, and it is very soft and gentle. Have a wee nosy on ebay, I got mine off their for good price. Good luck to you and your piggy for the op xox

 

[Mamaguineapig]

Thanks I will check that out on eBay now ! Probably won't arrive in time for op with the bank holiday but I think I'll get it anyway . Cheers !

 

[Glynis]

Hi you could also use towels in lieu of the vet bed till it arrives, tho you'll need to change it often, you don't want him sitting in his pee or poops :...

GOOD LUCK SNUGGLE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Mamaguineapig]

Thanks .... Vet bed ordered from ebay ! Hope it arrives on time. Does it mean then it stays dry ? Obviously it needs regular washing too . I am new to the forum even although the piggies are 5 . I am glad I joined to get this advice . Thanks everyone .

 

[Mamaguineapig]

Today is the day of Snuggles operation .. he has been dropped off at the vet with all his stuff . I am hoping the vet bed will arrive today when he is away . Oh dear !

 

[sport_billy]

Hope Snuggles will be ok, wishing him a speedy recovery.

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

hope snuggles op goes ok and he recovers well x