Sex - for Guinea Pigs

**Susan9608** · #1 12-09-04, 08:56 pm

In addition to wondering about the vigors of adopting guinea pigs, I have been giving some thought to the possibilities and benefits of spaying/neutering guinea pigs.

With dogs and cats, there has been a tremendous push to alter all pets in order to bring some control to the population problem. I wonder - is this a feasible option for guinea pigs?

My vet's fee for neutering a male pig is $200; I don't know what the cost for spaying a female would be, but I imagine it would be more just based on the invasiveness of the surgery. Based on our income and the number of pigs we have, it's not financially possible for us to have our pigs altered.

However, if there were any kind of reduced-cost spay/neuter program available for guinea pigs, I would be glad to get mine "fixed" as long as the surgery is safe.

And that brings me to another question - how safe is it to have a guinea pig operated on?

I'm very ignorant on this subject, so I would appreciate any feed back. Thanks!

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #2 12-09-04, 09:10 pm

There are some rescues that get low cost neuters and spays, but most pay full price.

It's not easy finding a qualified cavy vet let alone one that can do spays and neuters. It's a delicate procedure, but fixing rabbits used to be rare. Now it is more common thanks in part to the House Rabbit Society.

I have a neutered male. I trust my vet to do them. He is a well known exotics vet, but he only likes to do them if the male is going to be put with females. It doesn't change their behavior.

Most vets won't do spays on sows unless there are ovarian cysts or hormonal problems. It's risky. There are a few rescues that spay and neuter all their guinea pigs. I think it would be a good idea to neuter all the males outgoing, but don't know if it is feasible.

**CavySpirit** · #3 12-09-04, 09:19 pm

There was a topic in this within the last 24 hours on GL: Survey: Spays and a related topic about a rescue that routinely spays: Cavy Companions in Seattle.

$200 for neuter is a bit high (I think).

It's hard enough finding a really good vet to do a good neuter. Vets who can spay are even tougher to find.

And my neuter page talks a lot about the medical issues, what to look for and protocols even, for your vet. www.cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm

**sofiemuffins** · #4 12-10-04, 11:07 am

Finding a good exotics vet is hard. I live in a big city, and there's only one place that has specialists...even though there's dozens of vet offices in the area. I paid $300 for my boar to get fixed. I bring all my pigs to The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital-which is so expensive, but rated as one of the top Animal hospitals in the US. So I know my pets are in good hands there, even if it's costing me an arm and a leg!

Poohbear · #5 12-12-04, 08:29 am

If I were you I would just get your cavys with the same gender so you do not have to pay outragis prices.

**kavykritter** · #6 12-12-04, 08:57 am

i agree with Queen B

**Susan9608** · #7 12-12-04, 02:37 pm

I have my guinea pigs sex-segregated, so it's not a question of me wanting to spay/neuter my guinea pigs. I was merely speculating on spaying/neutering as a way to help with the guinea pig overpopulation problem.

Poohbear · #8 12-12-04, 03:26 pm

If you want to spend that much money on spraying and neutering I think you should do it, but I wouldnt because I am affraid my cavys might get hurt during the procedure and I do not want any pain with my cavies. that is just my opinion though.

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #9 12-12-04, 08:55 pm

I think the problem is with pet stores/mills and breeders mostly. Neither is going to willingly spay and neuter for obvious reasons.

Some rescues and shelters do neuter their small animals.

**Susan9608** · #10 12-13-04, 10:15 am

Queen B - let me again state that I am not concerned with spaying/neutering *my* guinea pigs. My point with this thread was simply to ask people their opinions on the possibility of using spaying/neutering to help counter the guinea pig overpopulation problem. So I do *not* need advice on whether or not to fix *my* guinea pigs.

And Rabbitsncavyluv - I think you're correct. I doubt pet stores and breeders would be willing to "fix" their animals. <sigh>

**ChadWPB** · #11 12-17-04, 11:47 pm

Hm. $200 does seem pricey indeed. I paid $110 for a neuter and $140 for a spay. Both were done by a skilled cavy vet. The quality of the vet's work is more important than the price. I'd rather pay for the $140 spay than pay $90 and have the vet botch the job.

Spaying and neutering guinea pigs is not yet routine, at least compared to dog and cat neuters. The best way currently is to house only females or males, but as guinea pig neutering and spaying become more popular and with new procedures, like laser procedures, I can assure it will become more popular in the years to come.

Poohbear · #12 12-31-04, 08:30 am

It was an opinion you said you wanted feedback on the topic

**ChadWPB** · #13 12-31-04, 12:47 pm

Question for Susan - how old are your pigs currently? Between 6 and 12 months is usually optimal for such a procedure.

My Amee was spayed at 8 months and recovered quickly and completely. My Snuggles was neutered at 2.5 years of age, but developed enteritis (opportunistic infection) a week later.

The most common problem with any surgery is the abscess. Neither of my pigs developed any, and the enteritis is a rare side-effect.

The main benefit of neutering a male, besides to be housed with females, is the impaction problem tends to be greatly reduced with the testicles out of the way.

The main benefit of spaying is greater, no more nasty hormones every 16 days or so, and all the problems with the reproductive system are eliminated, like ovarian cysts and uterine tumors.

Safety is largely dependent on the skill of the vet.

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