Tuesday is the big day for my boys

[sophistic_chick]

This Tuesday I am getting my 2 boys neutered. I am doing pre-surgical bloodwork and they just had a check up on the 24th of Nov so I know they are in good health. They are also going to be sent home with metcam for sure and possibly a broadspectrum antibiotic.

I was just wondering if any of you out there had any tips/hints/what to expects that would be great!

[Toadies]

Don't forget to get some probiotis from your vet if they're going to be on antibiotics. Best wishes for your babies.

[sophistic_chick]

What is the a particular name of the probiotics that you have used? The vet had mentioned he may start sending the cavy neuters and spays with antibiotics due to their living habits. He said about 5 yrs ago he had a really bad infection in one boar and it was pretty gross.

[clotho]

I believe benebac is the name of the probiotic I"ve seen mentioned on the forum before. I use acidophilus pills and just pop them open and use the powder inside sprinkled on their food when a probiotic is required. If you find the boys' appetites declining, you may need to handfeed for a while. Some antibiotics can cause them to lose their appetite. You should take a look at what antibiotics are safe for cavies and make sure your vet prescribes a safe one: Guinea Lynx :: Antibiotics

You may want to restrict their living space and bed them on white towels for a few days after the surgery. That way you can stop them from running around too much at first, and you can see if there is any discharge/blood from the surgery site.

Here is a link about after surgery care: Guinea Lynx :: Post Operative Care

If I may ask - why are you neutering two boys?

[Toadies]

I use Probiocin, a paste that comes in a syringe dispenser. You can also put the acidopholus powder in pureed carrots or such and administer with a small syringe. I didn't have a lot of success getting my boys to eat the undoctored powder, so I gave it to them in some form of goodies. Please keep us posted as to their progress. Thanks.
PS: Kudos for the pre-surg bloodwork. Smart and responsible.

[sophistic_chick]

I've already read and re-read those links, thanks clotho! I will print off the list of antibiotics just incase. I do have faith in the vet I have taken my piggies to-he is specialized in exotics. I was also thinking of making their living area smaller...how small is small enough? I have a 2X4 right now, and a commercial one (only to used in emergency evacuations, etc).

I am neutering my boys to obviously eliminate the reproductive aspect, I may adopt more piggies (female) in the future. Also I know it may reduce the musky boy smell and may lower the instances of impaction.

Thanks Toadies- I am a veterinary assistant and am practising (s/p?) what I preach. I wouldn't want to put them under if their little organs couldn't handle it. And it also gives a "baseline" for each piggie.

[clotho]

I was just curious as to why you would neuter two boys. Why would you not just have the males in one cage and any females you adopt later in another cage? Unless of course you are worried males might accidently get put in with females.

Do you plan then to have two herds in separate cages if you adopt females? One male per cage? From everything I"ve read, I think it would be highly unlikely to be able to have two males (even neutered) in a cage together with females and have it work well. In some rare cases, I've heard of it working in a very large, free range environment though.

I clean my boys out weekly to help avoid any impaction issues. I really don't find they are very smelly except when I'm actually cleaning them out (yes that's gross but it's not THAT bad!!!).

Have you read over this link? http://www.cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm

I just worry because I used to feel it would be good to spay females preventatively due to ovarian cysts. I had one female who made it through the operation just fine (she had cysts). Then I had my little Zoro diagnosed with cysts at only 4 months old. I lost her after the surgery due to a blood clot. Any surgery is risky.

I'm glad you have a cavy savy vet - that sure makes all the difference! Good luck with your boys and I hope all goes well.

Sorry, I forgot to add, I used an old petstore cage as a quarantine cage after my sow's spay surgery. I would think a 2x2 for them if you keep them together would probably be ok.

[sophistic_chick]

I want to get them neutered before I bring any more piggies in. Even though I plan on adopting, sexing younger pigs can be difficult and I wouldn't want an unexpected pregnancy. I know that it is rare that 2 males and a female grouping works. I just would like to have things planned before anything occurs.

I do clean my boys out regularly. I just worry when they become seniors...their muscles may loose tone and cause really bad impaction. Also my boars have a very active scent gland with a lot of build up. I have read that neutering may help reduce that.

I do know that placing any animal under anaesthetic carries risks, as well as post surgical complications. I am SO sorry to hear about your loss.

Thank you for all your input Clotho.

[sophistic_chick]

I just wanted to let you all know my boys did fine with their surgery today. They are still quiet right now but can`t get enough veggies and hay!

Thanks for all the input guys!

[clotho]

I'm so glad all went well with the operation and I hope both your boys continue to recover nicely!!!