In the Guinea Pig World, neutering is generally referred to in relation to boars. Rarely is a sow spayed as the operation is quite intrusive in comparison and far more risky for the sow. If you're wanting to have one of two animals neutered, having the boar done is less risky, being a simpler and less intrusive operation. If you're wondering whether you want to have your boar neutered, your boar may be fighting with his cage mate, you may have a boar and sow you want to keep each other company after a litter of babies - there are mountains of reasons you may consider this operation. One thing I like to reccommend to people is that you perform this operation only when it benefits the pig. Whether that be to give him a lady companion or to simply prevent any accidental pregnancies, if you're out for your animal you can't go wrong. It is a common misconception that having a Guinea Pig neutered will change his personality or disposition to other boars. Most of his sexual urge will leave him (though some mounting may persist after the operation), but his attitude to fellow boars will not change. When considering neutering your boar you must keep in mind that the cost can be quite high not only on your wallet but on your animal's life if the proper care is not taken during and after the operation. Many people suggest that this sort of operation should only be carried out if medical emergency gives you no other option. However, I personally believe that no animal should be kept on his own (even cages next to other pigs to me, are inadequate) unless the animal is used for breeding, or doesn't get along with other pigs at all. If your boar is by himself and you'd like to pair him up with some lady friends, I believe there is nothing selfish about that at all. Neutering your animal can cost a bundle, but if you find the right Vet that knows what he's doing and has good experience with the operation, the money should be well worth it. Post Op care for a Neutered boar is very crucial for the success of the operation. He needs to be kept on towels or Vet Bed, something that doesn't contain small bits that can lodge in his stitches. The bedding needs to be changed at least twice per day so infection doesn't set in and the boar must be kept warm. The boar must be kept away from the sow for a minimum of 3 weeks, preferably 4 (better to be safe than sorry!). When calling around for Vet's to perform the surgery I based my final judgements on the Vet's advice on Post Op care and advice on how long the animals should be kept apart. I had some suggesting 10 days which is nowhere near sufficiant! My Personal Experience When I got my Bazz, I intended to breed him to my Buff sow Phoebe. I didn't really think about where he would be housed afterwards, but he did his little job and produced three sons and a daughter. After rehoming the little sow with a friend, I put two of the boars in a pair and a very placid young boar in with his Daddy. All my pigs live in close confinement so the boars can easily get the scent of their lady neighbors. As the boys have grown, there have been increased incidents of nipping and small disagreements. Bazz in particular was getting to the stage where he would attack Gimpie leaving him with large chunks taken out of him. Bazz was moved to a smaller cage by himself and Gimpie remained with our Rabbit. Bazz was miserable by himself, barely moving from his den even for veggies. It became clear that he would not have a happy life by himself, despite being housed directly next to another boar. It cost $75 to have Barry neutered, and it was worth every penny. Bazz is now living with his lady friends and is so much happier for it. He loves his women and pines when he's not with them. There is no mounting or harassing of the sows at all.
Further Reading: Neutering... Treen's Pigs - Neutering Cavy Spirit - Neutering  |
