How stressful is it to separate pigs?

[Big Sky Piggies]

I’ve had to separate my two tightly bonded girls as Willows got a big open cyst on her back (she’s currently having vet treatment, antibiotics, painkillers so she is doing ok) and I’ve been told to keep her apart from Luna. I’ve brought their outside run inside and I’ve split it in half using c&c grids so they’re right up against each other, can see, hear and smell each other, eat next to each other through the bars, they can touch noses etc….
But I’m really worried! They keep chewing on the bars to try and get to each other and I don’t know how stressed (or not?) they’re getting from being apart? Is it a problem if it is only the c&c keeping them separate?

I’m also not sure how long to wait before I can let them back together? All Willows medication is through a syringe so it’s not like luna could lick it, however the open wound is an issue. Willow got rushed to the vets yesterday after I noticed flystrike (vet says she’s done her absolute best to get it all and I spotted the eggs within 3 hours so I think, fingers crossed, she’s going to be ok). She’s been her normal self all day today and it has now been over 24hrs? She’s going to need a surgery to remove the cyst (again I’m worried as she’s 5yrs old now) so will I have to keep them separate until then?

Thank you and sorry for the huge essay!

 

[Piggies&buns]

We don’t recommend separating piggies for medical reasons - unless you absolutely have to due to remaining together posing a big risk to the poorly piggy.

Yes it is stressful for them to be separated but being side by side can mean they can still interact through the bars.

If they simply must be apart because of the cyst then it does sound that they need to stay apart until it is dealt with.

When you try to reintroduce them, you have to make sure you follow the correct bonding process and ensure it is done on neutral territory.
Hopefully they are closely enough bonded and their bond remains while they are separated (this is why remaining side by side is so important - it helps keep their bond in tact) go back together without issue. One of the reasons we do not recommend medical separation unless absolutely essential is because piggies can sometimes refuse to go back together afterwards - hopefully that won’t happen but it is somethinf to be aware of

 

[Big Sky Piggies]

We don’t recommend separating piggies for medical reasons - unless you absolutely have to due to remaining together posing a big risk to the poorly piggy.

Yes it is stressful for them to be separated but being side by side can mean they can still interact through the bars.

If they simply must be apart because of the cyst then it does sound that they need to stay apart until it is dealt with.

When you try to reintroduce them, you have to make sure you follow the correct bonding process and ensure it is done on neutral territory.
Hopefully they are closely enough bonded and their bond remains while they are separated (this is why remaining side by side is so important - it helps keep their bond in tact) go back together without issue. One of the reasons we do jot recommend medical separation unless absolutely essential is because piggies can sometimes refuse to go back together afterwards - hopefully that won’t happen but it is somethinf to be aware of

Thank you that’s really helpful. Do you think it still is absolutely necessary for them to be apart then? It is still an open wound but I’ve never seen Luna try to lick it or touch willow in that area at all ever before. I don’t want to stress them out more than what’s necessary. I think Willow would jump away if Luna got near it because she doesn’t let anyone touch it!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you that’s really helpful. Do you think it still is absolutely necessary for them to be apart then? It is still an open wound but I’ve never seen Luna try to lick it or touch willow in that area at all ever before. I don’t want to stress them out more than what’s necessary. I think Willow would jump away if Luna got near it because she doesn’t let anyone touch it!

Hi

We have frankly never come a across a case of intentional harm to an operation would or scar from a companion in nearly 20 years on here. Companions may lick a wound or an injured eye (saliva has some very mild antibiotic qualities) but they will not harm their companions.

The open wound is obviously still rather uncomfortable.

Hence our recommendations. I usually take a 'paw holding' companion to the clinic for companionship before and after an operation if possible.

If you want to reunite, please always do so on neutral ground that is not part of their normal territory. Any underlying issues will show up very quickly within a quarter of an hour if a bond has failed but mostly piggies will just go back together.
Bonds In Trouble

 

[Big Sky Piggies]

Thank you all! I removed the c&c this morning and they were popcorning around in no time. I feel really bad now for separating them for a day and a half but I thought I was doing the right thing as it’s what the vet said! I’ll keep them together now regardless as that seems to be the right thing to do.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you all! I removed the c&c this morning and they were popcorning around in no time. I feel really bad now for separating them for a day and a half but I thought I was doing the right thing as it’s what the vet said! I’ll keep them together now regardless as that seems to be the right thing to do.

Not all vets have caught up with the major change in attitude re. the importance of companionship in guinea pigs over the last decade. Any biting open of wounds or hurting skin (mange mites) is self-inflicted because of major pain/discomfort in the area or the healing process not happening for some reason.

But I am glad for you and your piggies that they are happily back together again.

 

[Big Sky Piggies]

Not all vets have caught up with the major change in attitude re. the importance of companionship in guinea pigs over the last decade. Any biting open of wounds or hurting skin (mange mites) is self-inflicted because of major pain/discomfort in the area or the healing process not happening for some reason.

But I am glad for you and piggies that they are happily back together again.

it is a shame if the vets don’t know, I’ve had a few bereaved piggies and the sharp decline in their wellbeing after loss and then the equally quick recovery after the introduction of a new friend is very eye opening at how much they rely on their cage mates.

Thank you, I feel a lot better about the whole situation now, I really hated having to separate them. I am worried about the operation as Willow is 5, but shes still very spritely - I’m going to have a conversation with the exotic vet on Friday.

 

[Wiebke]

it is a shame if the vets don’t know, I’ve had a few bereaved piggies and the sharp decline in their wellbeing after loss and then the equally quick recovery after the introduction of a new friend is very eye opening at how much they rely on their cage mates.

Thank you, I feel a lot better about the whole situation now, I really hated having to separate them. I am worried about the operation as Willow is 5, but shes still very spritely - I’m going to have a conversation with the exotic vet on Friday.

I have had quite a few 5 year olds operated for fast growing or pre-cancerous ovarian cysts and a couple of 6 year olds (one just one month short of their 7th birthday) for burst sebacious cysts that could not be left as we'd hoped.

Here is our post-op care advice: Tips For Post-operative Care
Here is our bereaved companions information pack. It is often not as easy as sticking a new mate in asap. Finding the right mate can be tricky or even may be unsuccessful; especially with older sows and some boars: Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Big Sky Piggies]

I have had quite a few 5 year olds operated for fast growing or pre-cancerous ovarian cysts and a couple of 6 year olds (one just one month short of their 7th birthday) for burst sebacious cysts that could not be left as we'd hoped.

Here is our post-op care advice: Tips For Post-operative Care
Here is our bereaved companions information pack. It is often not as easy as sticking a new mate in asap. Finding the right mate can be tricky or even may be unsuccessful; especially with older sows and some boars: Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

Yes, willows is a burst sebacious cyst which can’t be left- it’s quite reassuring that you’ve had lots of piggies go through the surgeries okay. I’ll have a read of the post op care thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, willows is a burst sebacious cyst which can’t be left- it’s quite reassuring that you’ve had lots of piggies go through the surgeries okay. I’ll have a read of the post op care thank you.

The good news about burst sebaceous cysts is that it is not an invasive surgery since they sit in the skin so recovery chances are very good.

 

[Big Sky Piggies]

The good news about burst sebaceous cysts is that it is not an invasive surgery since they sit in the skin so recovery chances are very good.

Thank you, that’s reassuring. I’ve called the vets so I’ll get it all booked in.