Guinea Pig Spaying

[5guineapig]

Hi piggie community, I just recently took my 3 year old Abyssinian sow to the vet for hair loss that I predicted was hormonal. $300 and an ultrasound later, I was proven right. She has two cysts growing on her ovaries that are not large, but definitely still a concern.

I was given an estimate of $3600 to do the spaying with the (granted, very good) surgeon at the vet I took her to for her ultrasound. Now, I've already had one boar pass after neutering from another trusted surgeon who had successfully neutered two of my other boys prior. It cost me about $350 each for the neutering. I know these are different procedures and that complications can arise with no fault to the surgeon, but is this pricing not extraordinarily high in comparison, even if the boars have a simpler surgery? This is without the recommended CT scan to ensure she does not have pneumonia before operating, which is another $1,500 tacked on.

I am really conflicted here, I want to do the best for my girl, but previous experiences and the cost alone make me feel as though the best option is to let it ride. I have been in talks with the vet about cyst drainage if they continue to grow and I do not proceed with the surgery, but I know this only offers temporary relief.

Would really appreciate some input/recommendations on what to do in this situation. I am located in NYC and willing to drive a distance for good care.

Edit: I received an updated estimate from the vet, as they had miscalculated on my initial visit, and it is now around $2100 without the CT scan. I really really want to do the best by my girl, but that is still a huge amount to part with for a surgery that I think I have reason to be scared of the success of.

 

[Merab]

I can’t comment on US vet costs but I know they can be high here in the UK

I have had piggies spayed and in each case it has been successful, however as piggy owners we know that all surgery is a risk.

I know some members have had hormone injections rather than surgery @GPTV and may be able to help.

I find when I have a difficult decision to make that I weigh up the pros and cons then make a decision.
I live with it for a few days and if it feels right I go with it.
If it doesn’t feel comfortable then I make a different decision.

Holding you in my thoughts

 

[GPTV]

My RB Ellie had 2x 2 injections of HCG Chorulon injections, she was 6yrs old for the first 2,then had her second batch of 2 at 7yrs old.

My vet said she wasn't confident enough to operate on Ellie at her age (hers was a walnut sized ovarian cyst-diagnosed with an ultrasound, after continuous uti's & very heavy genital bleeding).

Generally speaking I couldn't find any information on negative side effects from the injections, it seemed to be a case of they either worked or they didn't.

They worked wonders with Ellie, she only had one bad bleed a few days after the first injection & never again

If you would like some more information, I'll find out my old threads for you

Good luck with your vet decision & healing vibes being sent xx

 

[piggieminder]

Saskia at Los Angles Guinea Pig Rescue recommends the injections, I believe they use Cystorlin (not sure about spelling!) in the US. They have a facebook group called Little Wheekers it may be an idea to reach out there to get more information from others in the US who have used it.