Neutering a Guinea pig .

Neutering is the surgical removal of parts of the reproductive system, rendering an animal sterile and unable to produce offspring. Neutering or 'spaying' a female involves removing the womb and ovaries (an ovariohysterectomy). Neutering or 'castrating' the male involves the removal of the testicles. The vet usually makes a small incision on each scrotum and surgically removes the testicles from within.

Just a note on the word: Some of us think we 'neuter' males and 'spay' females, but the word 'neuter' is actually gender neutral and applies to both sexes. Other terms used interchangeably with neutering are 'altering' or 'fixing.' However, for the most part, we will also use the term neuter rather than castration to refer to neutering males.

The only valid, non-medical reason to neuter your male guinea pig is because you have a female you want him to room with. Neutering does little to change the behavior of aggressive guinea pigs, unlike the effect it has on other types of animals. Likewise, neutering does little to curb mounting or sexual behavior. It will prevent unwanted pregnancies. There is no need or reason to neuter two boars living together. If they don't get along now, neutering won't help. Please see the social life page for more discussion on issues related to pairing up guinea pigs. Please see the breeding page for more information on the dangers and concerns of breeding.

Are risks involved in neutering? Yes. The risks are detailed below. However, they can be minimized. Are there risks in keeping two opposite-sex fertile animals in the same house? Yes. Even with the best of intentions and diligent practices, accidents can happen. Accidental pregnancies can result in the death of a sow or serious health problems requiring major veterinary care. Can those risks be minimized? Yes. Can either risk be completely eliminated? No.

Please be aware that as with any surgery, even with a healthy animal, the best vet, and proper after-surgery care, there is a chance that your guinea pig may not make it. Only you can weigh your options and determine the best course for you and your animals.


Legal Disclaimer: There are absolutely no warranties, expressed or implied, with this information, and the accuracy of this information is not guaranteed. Cavy Spirit accepts no responsibility for any actions or events related to the use of this information. In short: use at your own risk. We are not vets and are providing information to help you make informed decisions when working with your vet.



Risks of Neutering




Performing a surgical procedure on any animal involves the risk of death from complications--either on the operating table, post-operatively, or later during recovery at home, sometimes due to infections.

Neutering a guinea pig inherently carries more risks than neutering cats, dogs or other larger animals. The guinea pig is smaller, the operation is complicated by the nature of the scrotal area and open inguinal canal. They are harder to surgically prepare. They are more susceptible to anesthesia reactions, stress, and post-op infections.

If you are prepared to accept these risks to your guinea pig and take responsibility for the consequences, you should realize it is your duty to minimize those risks as much as possible.



Neuter vs. Spay




Spaying a female is generally considered a riskier surgical procedure than neutering a male. It is more invasive. An incision is made through the abdomen, and internal reproductive organs are removed.

It can be difficult enough to find a vet who is experienced and has a good success rate with cavy neuters. It can be even more difficult to find one who has done a number of successful spays. The same precautions apply.

Removing the female sex organs means your cavy cannot get ovarian cysts or tumors, a potential health benefit. However, all considerations and risks must be weighed before deciding upon any elective surgery.



Where to go?




Cat & Dog vs. Exotic Vets
Please do not assume that any vet can do a guinea pig neuter. Most cat and dog vets should NOT do a guinea pig neuter. You need to find a vet who has done quite a few guinea pig neuters AND has a high success rate doing them. Guinea pigs are usually seen by what is referred to as an "exotic" or small animal vet. Exotic vets usually focus on rabbits, rodents (guinea pigs), birds, reptiles, and other small creatures. Vets who spend their time on cats and dogs do not have a lot of experience with the many other species of small animals. It can be difficult to find a vet with good guinea pig experience.

The testicles of dogs and cats are relatively prominent and outside of their body. The inguinal (groin) rings of guinea pigs are open and testicles can be retracted into the abdomen. If not done properly, the abdominal contents can prolapse through the suture sites, causing death. Guinea pigs should not be medically treated like little dogs and cats.

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics
Many shelters have spay/neuter clinics. They routinely perform neuters on cats and dogs, and usually at low prices. When you are looking at comparing the cost of a neuter for your guinea pig, please be very careful about choosing a shelter to do this for you. Most shelters have a variety of vets on staff. Also, some shelter clinics cannot afford the latest and greatest equipment needed. Be vigilant on qualifying the VET at the clinic on their personal neuter experience and success as well as practices at the clinic. The lowest cost option may not be the best one. Be very careful.

Was wondering if anyone had neutered their guinea pigs as i have never even thought about doing my 3 girls .x

my neighbour was taking hers to be done but the vet killed him with anestetic!! :O i couldnt believe it! xx

OMG really .... I have never personally thought about having my girls done as i don't intend to breed them . I was planning on having my rabbit Burdock done though .

yep, he was a lovely piggie too! xx

Oh dear did they offer any compensation ? to the owner ..

When you take any animal in for an op, there is always a risk with anesthetic... more so with smaller animals. Thats why with any anesthetic there is always a form that you have to sign....

xoxox

I did no that you had to sign a form but still .. i feel so bad for the owners .x

Awww, that's so sad. I lost one of my little parrots a few years ago due to the anaesthetic.
It's because they are small they are more at risk xx

It's really sad isn't it.. but does happen. Janey, my friend lost one of his parrots due to the anesthetic too...

xoxox

sorry didnt reply, no they didnt, just told them he had passed away from the anastetic and that was that.. it was even worse because it was her sons piggie and it was his birthday xx

Aww so sad ...x

it is xx