[Gpdd] [HEALTH] Neutering Boars

[Dr Kay Dudman]

Dear Jessica

I would be against any unnecessary surgery for a piggy, as they are so
sensitive to anaesthetics.  Isoflurane and oxygen (O2) seems to be to be
the safest - as it is a gas and breathed in, it doesn't linger in the body
like the injectable ones can.  Although Domitor and Ketamine are intended
for sedation rather than full anaesthesia I always ask for Isoflurane as
one of my piggies took a loooong time to come round from the domitor &
ketamine.

One of the problems with anaesthesia in piggies is that they can get
gastro-intestinal statis (GI Stasis) where the gut goes in to a kind of
paralysis.  Last time my piggies had to have an operation, I mentioned
this to the vet and they gave sub-cutaneous fluids and metocloprimide
(which stimulates the gut), and they came through OK.

One of the danger signals to watch out for is if the piggy stops producing
droppings (could be a sign of GI stasis).  It is also usual for a vet to
ask for a post-op check-up in 2 to 3 days after the surgery, to check how
well things are progressing.

As far as antibiotics are concerned, pencillin and its derivatives are a
complete no-no as these drugs kills off the healthy gut bacteria, and
that means piggies cannot digest their food.  This can be irreversible.

Antibiotics that piggies can take include Baytril and Marbocyl.  It is
worth checking the guinea lynx web site for further information about
this.

I would advise using some white bedding so you can see straight away if
there has been any weeping from the surgical wound.

Another issue that might affect your choice to have the boys neutered is
that I have heard that the operation does not necessarily reduce their
"urges", so it might not make for harmony with the girls.  I didn't have
any of my boys neutered.  It turned out that two of my girls had to be
spayed, but that was for medical reasons rather than socialising!

Hope this helps,

Kay