I do know that the anesthetic is cumulative, and I know that he takes a hit every time it's used on him. I understood that going in. We have taken the approach to space them out as long as possible, and it was 8 weeks between this surgery and the last. It was about a week too long, the few days before his surgery he was having some trouble eating, and his drinking had increased. We've come to the conclusion that 7 weeks is the "sweet spot" so to speak.
I neglected to update further from this morning. By noon, when he got his afternoon vegetables, he destroyed them. Ate almost every last thing he was given, save for a few scraps that he likely couldn't be bothered with. He was actually quite active when he got home yesterday, more so than in previous surgeries. We were quite pleasantly surprised. As for this morning, we chalked it up, actually, so something you've said before. No matter how good the vet is, sometimes they may nick something and cause them some more discomfort. He IS slower eating right now, but his mouth is also likely rather sore. His poops are good and his drinking, though slightly elevated, is also good.
You are absolutely correct in that I love my pigs with everything I have, and everything I am. So I know you understand, as you know I understand, how very painful it is to lose one. I'll do everything I can to keep them healthy and happy, but I also know that when it's time to let go, as much as it will hurt me it will be far kinder to do so than let any of them suffer. I can do that for them, if it's what is necessary.
I want you to know that I greatly appreciate your advice, and your concern. Your friendship means a great deal to me, and your wisdom is, and will continue to be appreciated. You know what my pigs mean to me, so anything I can do for them at all is what I will do. I think sometimes I have more of their best interests at heart than anything else!