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To Neuter Or Not To Neuter...

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erty_pigs

erty_pigs

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Hey guys,

I am so weak but on sunday I brought home a very cute little man pig called rufus, he was separated due to being allergic to sawdust (my pigs aren't on sawdust anyway cause it's so messy) so I thought it was a sign! Haha but the only problem is, my two are ladies! So I just wanted to see how many people have had their man pigs neutered and what they thought about it.

I wouldn't keep him on his own either way, but as he had been separated for a while I didn't want to get another pig he wouldn't like!

Here is a terrible photo as he is so skittish but trust me, he is gorgeous! 20140817_184536.webp
 
He's lovely. You could get him neutered but if you do, please go to a recommended vet who has done the op plenty of times before. Have a look on our recommended vets locator. You would also need to wait at least 6 weeks post op before he could meet the girls. The other option is to take him dating at the one of the recommended rescues on our rescue locator where he could meet a compatible boar friend.
 
I have currently got four neutered "husboars" living with some sows each. They have a very happy life indeed!

However, key to a smooth op and recovery is a vet that is either very experienced with piggy neutering (generally for a resuce with a neutering policy) or one that specialises in small animal ops. Otherwise, the risk of especially post-op complications can be unfortunately still quite high. the overall success rate has improved massively in the last few years.

You will also have to factor in a full 6 weeks post-op wait which Rufus can spend next door to his ladies-to-be; that will help with a greater acceptance when they can finally meet. My Tegan Syndod (her Welsh name translates as "beautiful surprise") is the unexpected legacy of a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post-op boar (not one of mine!). I have since heard of more cases, but so far none over 6 weeks, which is the wait practiced by good standard rescues with a neutering policy.

I would recommend to conduct a 2 week quarantine before you let Rufus near your girls unless he has undergone one at a rescue.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/importance-of-quarantine.108034/
 
Yes I've had a look and Highcroft in Bristol looks good :) No definitely don't want any little accidents so they will be staying firmly apart till then! Just worried about the effects of an operation on such a teeny animal really.
 
I had my Alfie neutered in May, he had post op complications, he very nearly didn't make it, despite using a vet from the recommended vets on here. I also had a large (but fair) bill.

BUT, he is loving it in with my 4 girls now! He's happy and the friendliest of my piggies, he's sleeping on my knee now, he'll spend all evening there! Like a cat!

It is a long wait to be old enough to be neutered and then before he can go in with the girls, but I'm glad we did it!
 
I couldn't get my little man done, I was too worried about post op issues. I took him on a play date & got him a man friend instead!

Good luck with whatever you decide x
 
I had my Thor (in my avatar) neutered four weeks ago. He is completely back to normal now but for a couple of days afterwards he really struggled to pick up and needed a close eye kept on him to make sure he was still functioning. He's certainly looking forward to being with his ladies now though!

From what I understand, an experienced vet will make all the difference when it comes to the procedure itself, but don't be afraid to bombard them with questions! If you do decide to go ahead, it's probably a good idea to keep at least the day after free so you can monitor his progress and be aware of any problems as/if they happen.

Good luck! :)
 
Maybe, since you know which vet you would go to, take him for a check up and get an honest opinion of it the vet thinks he is too small. ask lots of questions, including what post op complications maybe and what they cost. Also consider, if something does go wrong or he just has a slow recovery, do you have timeto care for him, will you need to take time off work, how short notice can you give work. Hopefully you will have no complications, but you need to be prepared just incase!
 
I had my guinea pig, Ginny, neutered nearly a year ago after being alone for under a year. A lot of people say to try a male guinea pig first. I tried that and it didn't go well, unfortunately.

It's fine if you feel the need to ring a bunch of vets - I think one of the best things to ask them is the success rate of their guinea pig neutering. Also see if they have a lot of experience in neutering, guinea pigs and exotic vets. I once took my hamster Nibble to a vet and they couldn't tell me anything. It would be a good idea to search reviews about the vet online.

If you do happen to get Rufus neutered, while he's recovering lay down (not stiff) white towels in his cage. This way you'll be able to easily see if there's anything wrong with his waste, or if there's any blood (best to ring/see your vet if that happens.) Thankfully, Ginny didn't get this problem. Another thing to do is to keep the hay rack low on the bars to avoid any strain that could release stitches. Just ignore if you already plan to do this, heh.

I, myself, do advice neutering instead of leaving the piggy on his own (admittedly doing a whole lot of research first). Although it doesn't go well sometimes, I think it's a good option.

Good luck. :)
 
Hey,

I had my only boar Ginger neutered back in February so that he could live with his lady pig,

The operation went very well and the vets and nurse where fantastic, i did travel a little way to get him there as they had been recommended by someone on here.

Unfortunately when i got him home he just would not move out of his sleeping bag, he wouldn't eat or drink and was very cold.

I got him a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and I had to mash up pellets and syringe feed him water for two days (i had to swap shifts at work), thankfully he recovered fully and has been living with Skittles happily since! :)

I would say an experienced vet makes all the difference, i made a list of questions i wanted to ask and phoned round many vets till i found one i was happy with. Also be prepared to help him through the initial recovery.

It's hard decision but i wish you all the best if you go ahead x
 
Sorry only just found all your lovely replies! I think I'm going to go ahead with it, just waiting until he's a bit older and more settled. Found a good vets in Bristol, but they have 3 exotics vets so I don't know which one to ask for :S

I'm very prepared to take a day or two off to make sure he's ok, the oh works in the evening so he'll always be around too :) Going to buy some critical care and syringes just in case!
 
My Rory was neutered in the hopes he could go in with my group of five girls, that didn't work out but he has two rescued lovelies to live with.

His neutering was problem free, he was a bit down in the dumps after the operation and hadn't eaten all day but as soon as he saw the five he was right up a rumbling and showing off his tushy to them.

All the best with your decision :)
 
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Edward is neutered and he lives very happily with two ladies. I nearly went mad with worry after his op but people on this site calmed me down and helped so much. Would I ever have it done again if I got another male? In a heartbeat.
 
I had my rescue board Mario neutered 3 weeks ago. I too was worried about post op complications but my piggy savvy vet was a legend and as was as right as rain from the moment he got home, I don't even think he noticed what had happened. Triclk is to keep everything clean and keep up the pain relief. If the vet doesnt give any then demand it as piggies cope so badly when in pain. Mario was sent home with 4 days worth and it was a completely success. They also used what they called 'skin cell glue' so that the wounds were completely closed off to any outside bacteria. Worked a treat.
 
Thank you guys, the pain relief is good to know, I shall definitely demand some! So glad this forum is here as I'd have no clue what to expect :)
 
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