Expert: Katie - 2/16/2004

Question
I emailed you before about our new guinea pig.  (yes they are in separate cages until we get our male fixed).  Our male is expected to have surgery to be neutered.  How risky of a precedure is this?  We foung a highly recommended vet in our area, but we are worried about it. Also, when we put them into the same cage (should there be a waiting period after his surgery) we worry that the female will not get any food since the male is much larger then her and loves food.  will he get it all?

Thanks,
JoLaine

Answer
Neutering cavies is not as risky as people think and since you have an experienced vet, everything should go well. When he comes home he should be kept on towels or blankets for about 3 weeks and his cage must be kept very clean to help avoid infection. You should wait 3 weeks before introducing the two together, and before you do make sure your cage is big enough. Cavies should have a constant supply of pellets and hay, so I wouldn't worry about him taking all the food.
www.cavycages.com
www.cavyspirit.com