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Lost another boy after neutering

G

GarterSnake

New Born Pup
Joined
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Location
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I am heartbroken. Our boy TJ was neutered a few days ago and was initially doing well then was withdrawn, not eating and in pain. He spent 24 hrs in the vet hospital with the result he was PTS this morning. They thought he maybe had sepsis. They only gave him metacam after the op not baytril which I’ve had before for post piggies.

This is the second time we’ve lost a boy a few days after castration. It’s supposed to be a routine op. I have lots of girls and wanted to form a couple of herds. It’s so sad. Anyone else experience this? 😭
 
I'm so sorry for you and poor TJ x.
I have to say I would be wanting answers from the vet about the baytril. I had a boy neutered (two cut method) some years ago and it was very straightforward but I'm afraid I can't remember what we were given after the op. It might be worth speaking to somewhere like the Blue Cross who neuter males routinely before they are put out for adoption and see what methods their vets favour...? At least if baytril is not routinely given you will be reassured about that.
 
GarterSnake said:
I am heartbroken. Our boy TJ was neutered a few days ago and was initially doing well then was withdrawn, not eating and in pain. He spent 24 hrs in the vet hospital with the result he was PTS this morning. They thought he maybe had sepsis. They only gave him metacam after the op not baytril which I’ve had before for post piggies.

This is the second time we’ve lost a boy a few days after castration. It’s supposed to be a routine op. I have lots of girls and wanted to form a couple of herds. It’s so sad. Anyone else experience this? 😭
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BIG HUGS

I am so sorry for your losses. Ending up with a big bill and nothing to show for it is extremely upsetting, as I know myself. :(

Unfortunately, the success rate depends very much on the operating vet's and post-op recovery nursing team's experience. It can vary enormously from clinic to clinic. The more practice a vet has with the procedure, the quicker the operation and the less high the risk of a bad reaction to GA, operation mistakes and other post-op complications.
I would recommend to not use that particular vet again for neutering after two bad experiences.

Experiences like yours are why we are still emphasizing the need for a good vet in our forum neutering guide:
Neutering operations: Considerations, post-op care and a successful recovery example

Here is our grieving guide to help you with all the strong emotions you must be experiencing: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
Thanks you all. I think I will look into the success record. They seem to have a lot of young vets at the hospital… or maybe I’m just getting old! I’ve asked about why he wasn’t given baytril … and they gave me tiny amount of metacam which we had to cut the top of to get the syringe in (other option was to squeeze on to spoon first but then that would waste some).

We are all still reeling. There is one more young boy id like to get neutered but now I may just get another boy to bond him. The problem is I have space but only in a cage above my girls. (I have a huge home made area for my girls then two big ikea tables over it which TJ was in). Any advice?
 
I am so sorry for your losses, you must feel so devastated that a routine op like this has happened twice, sending hugs x
 
GarterSnake said:
Thanks you all. I think I will look into the success record. They seem to have a lot of young vets at the hospital… or maybe I’m just getting old! I’ve asked about why he wasn’t given baytril … and they gave me tiny amount of metacam which we had to cut the top of to get the syringe in (other option was to squeeze on to spoon first but then that would waste some).

We are all still reeling. There is one more young boy id like to get neutered but now I may just get another boy to bond him. The problem is I have space but only in a cage above my girls. (I have a huge home made area for my girls then two big ikea tables over it which TJ was in). Any advice?
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Here is our list of recommended vets: Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

And here is our list of recommended rescues. Ayr Guinea Pig Rescue is unfortunately the only Scottish one but they offer rescue dating for full boars and will rehome Scotland-wide. Unfortunately, I don't know how far away you are from Glasgow/Ayr for getting in touch with the guinea pig rescue there for a friend for your new boy but they are the best place for finding a character compatible personality match. if you can make it a day trip, it would be well worth considering.
Guinea Pig Forum Recommended Rescues
 
Thanks Weibke. Ayr is within driving distance absolutely.

What do you think about having two boys above my girls cage? It’s a table height up rather than stacked cages.

X
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. They are particularly heartbreaking when they happen as a result of a decision you have taken, even though you made it in their best interests.

I have a different take on things and know that neutering with an experienced vet is not always trouble free. My vet carries out hundreds of piggy neuterings, for example he does all our local RSPCA piggies and I've spoken to them and they have never had a post neuter death.

However, even with the most experienced vets, the worst can happen. I love boars and have had four neutered. The first was carried out by a general vet, before I knew about exotic vets, and was completely straightforward. The second had an abscess which thankfully healed easily. The third and fourth piggies were both OK in the immediate period after their ops with the most experienced exotic vet at my practice but (like yours) both went downhill a few days after the op and both died. It was not clear both times what had caused their deaths. I even had a consultation before the fourth piggy was done to discuss the risks and the vet said he'd just done a batch of 40 RSPCA piggies without incident.

I know it's just bad luck, but I would not personally neuter any boars after my experience, it's just too heartbreaking. Remember you did what you thought was best for your boys out of love for them and are totally blameless. Don't let my experience put you off if you feel neutering is the best thing for your piggies. Using an experienced vet is definitely the best way to reduce the risks involved.

Big hugs 🤗
 
I’m so sorry for your loss.

Keeping a boar pair above sows is the recommended thing to do if you do need to keep boar pairs and sow pairs/groups in the same room. Your boy is obviously used to sow pheromones so he is not going to be affecfed by sow pheromones but any boar you get to bond with him may not be used to them as may have quite a strong reaction to smelling them.

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
 
Posyrose said:
I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. They are particularly heartbreaking when they happen as a result of a decision you have taken, even though you made it in their best interests.

I have a different take on things and know that neutering with an experienced vet is not always trouble free. My vet carries out hundreds of piggy neuterings, for example he does all our local RSPCA piggies and I've spoken to them and they have never had a post neuter death.

However, even with the most experienced vets, the worst can happen. I love boars and have had four neutered. The first was carried out by a general vet, before I knew about exotic vets, and was completely straightforward. The second had an abscess which thankfully healed easily. The third and fourth piggies were both OK in the immediate period after their ops with the most experienced exotic vet at my practice but (like yours) both went downhill a few days after the op and both died. It was not clear both times what had caused their deaths. I even had a consultation before the fourth piggy was done to discuss the risks and the vet said he'd just done a batch of 40 RSPCA piggies without incident.

I know it's just bad luck, but I would not personally neuter any boars after my experience, it's just too heartbreaking. Remember you did what you thought was best for your boys out of love for them and are totally blameless. Don't let my experience put you off if you feel neutering is the best thing for your piggies. Using an experienced vet is definitely the best way to reduce the risks involved.

Big hugs 🤗
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That’s interesting thank you. I don’t want to blame the vet I was just so sad. I don’t think I’ll take the risk again though.
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m so sorry for your loss.

Keeping a boar pair above sows is the recommended thing to do if you do need to keep boar pairs and sow pairs/groups in the same room. Your boy is obviously used to sow pheromones so he is not going to be affecfed by sow pheromones but any boar you get to bond with him may not be used to them as may have quite a strong reaction to smelling them.

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Click to expand...
Ok thank you. Maybe if I get a baby boy he’ll get used to the smell of the ladeez!
 
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