Neutering little Theo- questions!

[PigglePuggle]

Theo just had his vet check up and although he's a little underweight he was complemented on his clean ears and eyes, healthy gut sounds, lovely well aligned teeth with spinach stuck between them, and especially on his very well developed (and stripy) boy bits. The vet says he should be old enough and big enough to neuter in 4 weeks time- that would make him just over 18 weeks old- how does that compare with other people's experience of neutering age? Also we were advised to feed him as normal and not starve him pre-op, and send in his favorite foods for post-op- does that sound like what should happen? The vet and the rabbit-and-piggy surgeon I spoke to sounded quite confident but I thought its best to ask the expert piggy keepers!

 

[Wheekallweek]

I believe it varies from vet to vet but I think 4-6 months for a boar to be neutered is the norm.
And yes please make sure he keeps eating and drinking up until the op; unlike cats and dogs guinea pigs can’t be sick so there is no risk to them having full tummies, and piggies are designed to constantly be eating and digesting their food. Providing some of his favourite foods for the vet nurses to give him will also encourage him to eat post op, which is important.
Good luck to you and Theo; it sounds like you have quite a knowledgeable vet which is good!

 

[PigglePuggle]

Thanks! The vet said "if we can see them, we can take them off" when looking at Theo's impressive boy bits. Its just if he's big enough to have a good outcome with the anaesthetic, but the vet knows he's waiting to meet some lovely lady piggies, and its kind of a trade off between him being lonely for longer and him being big enough to have the surgery. The vet also agrees we should have an absolute 2 week quarantine before Theo meets the ladies through the cage bars, and she agrees a neutered husboar might help relieve some sexual and social tension when Piggle is in season, so I think she know her stuff!

 

[Betsy]

Dennis and Christian were just over 18 weeks old when they were neutered. Unfortunately I lost the weight book so can't tell you what weight they were. They came through just fine. As long as he is healthy (which it sounds like he is from his health check then their shouldn't be a problem. It sounds like you have a competent vet which is a bonus.

 

[Wiebke]

Theo just had his vet check up and although he's a little underweight he was complemented on his clean ears and eyes, healthy gut sounds, lovely well aligned teeth with spinach stuck between them, and especially on his very well developed (and stripy) boy bits. The vet says he should be old enough and big enough to neuter in 4 weeks time- that would make him just over 18 weeks old- how does that compare with other people's experience of neutering age? Also we were advised to feed him as normal and not starve him pre-op, and send in his favorite foods for post-op- does that sound like what should happen? The vet and the rabbit-and-piggy surgeon I spoke to sounded quite confident but I thought its best to ask the expert piggy keepers!

Neutering age varies between 4-6 months for young boars. Many vets prefer the testicles descended for an easier operation.

My Nye had his op at 6 months due to us losing a month because of a an already arranged trip abroad over Christmas, so he had to wait until we were back home again and there for his post-op recovery.

Pre-op starving is not necessary because rodents do not have a vomiting reflex and are therefore not at risk of choking during GA. Favourite treats help to entice a piggy to nibble on food when they come round after an op. The more the guts are kept going, the better. Mine always arrived with a little goodies bag and a clean cosy for familiar comfort if it is a planned op.

Much more information in these guides here:
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts
Tips For Post-operative Care

 

[Swissgreys]

Both my boars were neutered at 3 weeks old

I think if Theo is healthy and a good weight he should be fine.