Operate or implants? pretty urgent!

[Dusty_bugs]

Hey guys, the vet's given me a choice of implants (less risk) or surgery (complete removal) of the cysts on my guineapigs ovaries..
I plumped for surgery.. the vet said he's done alot of these before and he was very confident.

I'm just scared.. What do people think?

 

[Lilly]

What are the implants? Never heard of that before.

 

[Dusty_bugs]

the implants are hormonal treatments, the vet said they can reduce the size of cysts and maybe prevent more.. but wouldnt ever get rid of them completely. He also said they were safer than full blown surgery..

But he hasn't used them before, they would probably need ordering in and he is locum so might have to refer me to a vet much further out.

They rang 10 minutes ago and we plumped for surgery later today. They said that Chris (the vet I saw) was the man to go for re. guineas so she was in safe hands.

so nervous I can't eat!

For general info to anyone who's interested.. the total fee was £77 for ultrasound and xray and £140 for the op and post op pain killers. So about £220 total.

 

[Lilly]

I do believe I'd have opted for the surgery myself if I were in your position. Best wishes for a successful op for piggy. I can understand your nervousness but try and project positive vibes to your piggy.

 

[sport_billy]

Wanting to send lots of vibes to your poorly girl. I have no experience of implants or spaying. One of our piggies had suspected ovarian cysts that were tiny and she had hormone injections to shrink them.

I hope all goes well and the operation is a success, make sure they give you some painkillers to give her for after the operation. There are quite a few posts on post op care on the forum, so well worth having a read through these. x

 

[Dusty_bugs]

oh thankyou guys... I've just cleaned out the cage. Can't sit still! The vet suggested newspaper for a week to keep it clean.. but I use fleece and blankets instead of shavings. I'll see if I can read up on whether newspaper is still best!

 

[Midge&Panda]

Ive had 3 girls go through spaying because of ovarian cysts. All 3 were successful with no complications. They were bedded on vet bed and fleece and instead of hay to snuggle down in I used paper bedding. It was advised not to use hay because little bits of it can get stuck to and irritate the wound. So they just had smaller amounts of hay to eat. Fingers and paws crossed here hoping all goes well. x

 

[piggyfan]

I wish your little one the best of luck.

 

[Dusty_bugs]

Good advice.. it turns out the cysts were enormous, he had to remove both ovaries, the uterus and a mammary gland. He said she was out way longer than normal so he just zipped her up quick. He gave her 3 days worth of baytril in one shot so I'm going to see him Thursday for a check up.

Hour into getting her home. She's groggy, cries.. but I got her to have some coriander, tomato, pepper and cucumber... but they're baby bites and she's ended up stockpiling them infront of her. The sad thing is that I'm in Denmark in 10 days and I wont be here to make sure she's made a 100% recovery. I'll have to leave it to my housemate.

The upside is that it turns out she has the best sister in the world. Little Leeland has been leaving her all the food, hasn't bothered her once.. and is so careful. She talks to her and then runs off and goes to bed on the other side of the cage. I've had to take out all the toys and they don't approve of the nasty flat paper bedding but fingers crossed by tomorrow she will be a bit brighter.

The only thing that bothers me is that she isn't touching the hay at all. Just fresh food and in little bits. I can't give her the first dose of pain killers until 6pm tomorrow either :/ I'll see if I can sneak out of work a little earlier. I might nip into pet's at home in my lunch to get her some clean toys.. new tunnel etc.

 

[piggyfan]

How about syringe feeding her critical care just to ensure she has some food in her tummy. Wow it sounds like she had so much inside her. Her sister is so sweet and caring.

 

[Username]

sending good vibes

 

[Dusty_bugs]

Just bought some oxbridge critical care on express delivery! Hopefully someone will be in tomorrow to accept the package! When I got up this morning she had moved to the other end of the cage and sat on the comfy cusion.. but I felt nervous that it wasn't clean enough so I got it out sorry DT! She took some tomato from me and when she saw Leeland tucking into some hay she came by and sat next to it. Doesnt really attempt to eat it.. just tastes it and then fall asleep.

Even my housemate said he couldnt ever have pets because its all just too sad for him! She was crying last night (like that grumbly whine that hamsters do on their first night away from their nest mates). If Leeland sees me stroking her too she comes does her dominance dance at me and puts herself right between us. So protective!

I must say the scar from the surgery is shockingly huge and not very neat but like the vet said the ovaries were difficult to expose thanks to the mess of cysts and she was out way longer than he would have liked. I will try get photos tonight when I weigh her and give her the painkillers. The shampoo treats will have to wait until I'm home from Demark!