Vet How often do i need to take them to the vet?

[cavylover123]

I have had my guinea pigs for about 7 months. Since I have not had them a full year yet I was wondering how often they need to go to the vet. Once a year? Twice a year? Only if I think there might be a problem? I did about 4 hours worth of research before I got them but I don't remember this particular thing.

 

[Senamian]

Personally, I'd like to take mine once a year as an annual check up. If there is something wrong with them (guineas hide being sick or injured!) they should be taken to a vey asap. For some guineas, they may need a twice annual vet visit, maybe because of chronic issues, age, etc.

 

[MissJean]

I wonder about scheduled check-ups as well. I've only been taking them when I suspect something is wrong. Granted, I tend to get freakishly paranoid easily. I took them to the vet (needlessly) about 4 times in the first month!

I weigh them weekly, and they're also right in my living room to help me detect changes in behavior.

 

[Inle_Rabbit]

I only take mine when I feel there is something wrong. Guinea pigs do not need regular vaccinations like a dog or cat (or ferret!) and it is very stressful to bring them to the vet if there is nothing wrong with them.

 

[cavylover123]

Thanks for the answers everyone! I will take them to the vet once a year and if I think there is a problem. I was also wondering how much a checkup would cost. Does it depend on the vet or is there like a average ammount?

 

[MissJean]

Check-up prices vary a lot depending on who you go to. I've seen 70-90 dollars around my area. The cheapest price I've seen from someone on these forums is 58 dollars.

You also need to choose a vet that has experience with rodents. It will say they do "exotics" on their building/website and you can inquire further. So even if you find somewhere really cheap, they may not know a thing about guineas. Sometimes it's worth paying more.

 

[brigita]

Thanks for the answers everyone! I will take them to the vet once a year and if I think there is a problem. I was also wondering how much a checkup would cost. Does it depend on the vet or is there like a average ammount?

25$ checkup/nail trim.

 

[MissJean]

25$ checkup/nail trim.

I stand corrected. This is the lowest vet check-up price I've ever seen period, in my entire life, even at a vet that does not do rodents. You are an incredibly lucky person!

 

[brigita]

I stand corrected. This is the lowest vet check-up price I've ever seen period, in my entire life, even at a vet that does not do rodents. You are an incredibly lucky person!

Good to know It's nice clinic in my neighborhood, but we got few of them, maybe that affects the price. I'm in NY Queens.

 

[cavylover123]

haha, ok thanks. I found a vet in my area using guineapigzone.com.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

I usually recommend saving the money you would spend on regular check-ups for when something really serious happens. Just one vet visit can end up costing hundreds of dollars.

 

[Senamian]

here: almost 60 dollars for a non-cavy-savy vet, 80.00 for another non-cavy-savy vet, and 80.00 plus gas for the trip for a cavy-savy-vet. I've seen up to....120-200. if it is a checkup, usually cheap. nail trim is usually free or cheap depending on the person and such... exrays are 80.00 here for a non-cavy-savy-vet, and meds can make an 80.00 vet check turn into 200.00 minimum.