Should I put My Guinea Pig Through Surgery?

[Brit]

I have a female guinea pig that is 4 years old. One night she was bleeding from her genitals, so I took her to the vet and they did an x-ray. She has a few big kidney stones that won't pass. The vet told me that they don't think she would survive surgery and should put her down. She's eating and drinking fine and acting relatively normal, so I feel awful at the thought of putting her down. The vet I go to is mainly for cats and dogs, and they have one exotic vet there. So I don't know if they are the most knowledgeable on guinea pigs. There's an exotic vet about an hour away from me, that I was thinking of bringing her to and getting their opinion. Would it be worth it? Or is the vet correct and I should put her down because there's a high chance of her dying from surgery

 

[Siikibam]

I don’t think that putting her down is necessary. I would take her to the vet an hour away. Several piggies on here have undergone surgery around that age, and older, and have come out okay. Please don’t think I’m guaranteeing her recovery because anaesthesia carries risks, but I don’t think it’s a case of just putting her down.

I’m sorry your girl isn’t well. Hope you can get a more realistic opinion from the other vet.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Did they say kidney stones or bladder stones?

 

[Freela]

Although there are never guarantees with surgery (for any pet or person), plenty of guinea pigs undergo surgery and do well. If you're not comfortable with the vet's advice, it's definitely worth a second opinion from a vet with more experience with small animals. I would get the second opinion from a vet who routinely does small animal procedures.

As the previous poster said, I'm also curious if they said kidney stones or bladder stones. Bladder stones are not uncommon at all in guinea pigs. Kidney stones may be harder to treat successfully. I would confirm that with your original vet before seeing the specialist so you have more complete info.

All the best and hope this is a problem that can be treated successfully!

 

[Wiebke]

I have a female guinea pig that is 4 years old. One night she was bleeding from her genitals, so I took her to the vet and they did an x-ray. She has a few big kidney stones that won't pass. The vet told me that they don't think she would survive surgery and should put her down. She's eating and drinking fine and acting relatively normal, so I feel awful at the thought of putting her down. The vet I go to is mainly for cats and dogs, and they have one exotic vet there. So I don't know if they are the most knowledgeable on guinea pigs. There's an exotic vet about an hour away from me, that I was thinking of bringing her to and getting their opinion. Would it be worth it? Or is the vet correct and I should put her down because there's a high chance of her dying from surgery

Did your vet say kidney stones or bladder stones? Kidney stones are generally not considered operable with much success in guinea pigs but bladder stones are. Sorry for asking but we have just dealt with a new member mixing up the two.

However, if your only option is putting to sleep/euthanasia then you generally wait until your piggy is showing clearly that their suffering is greater than their zest for life. If your girl is still well in herself then you have got the time to create some precious memories. See every day more as a special gift.
You may find this link here helpful: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

 

[Brit]

Thank you all for the advice. The vet said she has kidney stones

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you all for the advice. The vet said she has kidney stones

I am very sorry for the bad news. I hope that my previous post and the link attached will help you working through the emotional and practical aspects and finding the right timing to leave you sad but not feeling guilty or like you have failed her.

 

[Merab]

Holding you in my heart.