Surgery – pre- and post-operative care

Many guinea pigs will have an operation at some stage in their life, eg for neutering (spaying or castration) or to treat a disease, such as dental problems. With advances in anesthesia most operations performed on guinea pigs are much safer than a few years ago, but the success of treatment and recovery depends to some extent on the quality of care that the owner gives before and after the operation.

If the operation is not an emergency, it may be useful for you to arrange some time off work so that you are around to take care of your guinea pig during the recovery period. The risks of complications during or after surgery have been much reduced by improvements in surgical techniques and in the safety of the anesthetics used.

If you have other pets, eg dogs and cats that have had operations, you will know that it is usual practice to withhold food from them for several hours before the operation. Fasting reduces the risk of vomiting when the animal is anesthetized, which can then cause inhalation of the stomach contents which can cause inhalation pneumonia. However, guinea pigs are like rabbits and it’s not possible for them to vomit, therefore fasting a guinea pig before an operation is not necessary and could even be harmful, since guinea pigs require a constant throughput of food in their digestive system for it to function correctly.

Most veterinary clinics do their routine operations in the late morning or early afternoon. Your veterinarian will ask you to take your guinea pig to the surgery at a particular time. It’s important not to be late so there’s time to prepare your guinea pig for its anesthetic. Bring your guinea pig to the surgery in a proper plastic carrying box marked with your name and address. Some practices may suggest that you take some food in for your guinea pig, as it’s a good idea not to change their diet suddenly.

If your guinea pig has a companion it’s best to take them too. Not only does the companion provide support and comfort, but if bonded companions are separated they can begin to fight when placed back together again. When you leave your guinea pig you will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you know the purpose of the operation, agree to have it done and understand the risks and costs involved. It’s very important that if you don’t understand something you ask at this point, so it can be explained further.

When your guinea pig is admitted for its operation, you will be asked to leave a telephone number where you can be contacted, and you will usually be told a time when you can ring to check on your pet’s progress.

After routine operations most guinea pigs should be ready to come home within a few hours of waking up from anesthesia. Some animals take longer to come round, and your veterinarian won’t allow your guinea pig to leave the veterinary practice until it’s fully conscious and moving around. Many veterinarians prefer to keep a guinea pig in overnight, so they are sure it has resumed eating and drinking and is passing droppings and urine as normal.

Remember to take your guinea pigs carrying case if you didn’t leave it at the practice. If your guinea pig has undergone a neutering operation or has had abdominal surgery it’s best to replace any wood shavings, sawdust, hay or straw in the carrying case with clean newspaper or a towel. This helps to keep the wound clean and reduces the risk of infection.

At the practice the veterinarian or veterinaru nurse will tell you all of your guinea pigs discharge instructions, such as wound care, any medication to be given, information on follow up appointments, if your guinea pig should be kept indoors and for how long, and what to bed your guinea pig on. It’s important that guinea pigs start eating and drinking as soon as possible.

Keep your guinea pig warm on its journey home. If your guinea pig lives outdoors, bring its hutch inside and place it in a warm, quiet room (if the hutch is too large, the carrying case will do). Remove any sawdust/straw bedding from the hutch or box and replace with layers of clean newspaper. Provide water and tempting food, eg fresh greens, herbs, hay and carrots, to get your guinea pig eating as soon as possible.

Keep your guinea pig inside for as long as advised and try to keep it quiet because any sudden movements may put a strain on any stitches. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain killers, antibiotics or some other drugs to keep your pet comfortable and prevent infection. Many owners find it helpful to draw up a chart and tick off each dose when it’s given so that nothing is forgotten.

It’s quite common for a guinea pig to appear ‘groggy’ for a few hours after a general anesthetic and it may sleep longer and more deeply than normal. Your guinea pig may also be a little unsteady on its feet.

If your guinea pig is still dull, moving unsteadily or has not eaten or passed droppings or urine when it has been home for 12 hours you should call your veterinarian for advice. If the stitches come out or split, or there are any convulsions (fits), swellings, haemorrhage or bleeding from the operation wound, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your guinea pig feels cold or is vocalizing as if in pain then this is also a cause for concern.

Most guinea pigs will leave their stitches alone if they’re not causing irritation or pain. Many veterinarians use sutures that are buried under the skin to try and hide them to also help prevent the guinea pig from nibbling at them. If your guinea pig does try and remove their stitches, then you must contact your veterinarian.

Elizabethan collars are generally not used on guinea pigs as they can cause stress and prevent them eating, drinking and grooming.