Lump removal

[MollyH]

Hello I am hoping for a bit of advice.

I have four guinea pigs three girls and one neutered boy. Beryl has a lump underneath on her belly, she's been seen by the vet who recommends removal. It is booked in for next Wednesday. It doesn't seem like the best timing for her to have a lump as we have got two quite new guinea pigs (who I have not yet introduced on here with everything going on with Beryl). They are 8 months old, Rodney and Beryl are 3 and a 1/2. They were bonded at a rescue centre and seem to be getting on okay a few minor little arguments, all seems normal reading the bonding guides on here. I took them all to the vets in the same carrier this morning as I didn't want to separate them.

When Beryl has her lump her removed the vet has said she can bring one friend with her. I assume I should pick Rodney as they have been together the longest and came from the same home before me so he would be the best comfort for her.
I am worried however that when they get home, splitting them will have caused arguments and they may need to start the bonding process again. Is that likely to happen? From what I have read it best not to separate guinea pigs after an operation? Will they all be okay together?

Is there anything I need to be doing before or after the operation to make things go smoother? Will Beryl need fleeces changed more regularly to avoid infection?

Thank you for help!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello I am hoping for a bit of advice.

I have four guinea pigs three girls and one neutered boy. Beryl has a lump underneath on her belly, she's been seen by the vet who recommends removal. It is booked in for next Wednesday. It doesn't seem like the best timing for her to have a lump as we have got two quite new guinea pigs (who I have not yet introduced on here with everything going on with Beryl). They are 8 months old, Rodney and Beryl are 3 and a 1/2. They were bonded at a rescue centre and seem to be getting on okay a few minor little arguments, all seems normal reading the bonding guides on here. I took them all to the vets in the same carrier this morning as I didn't want to separate them.

When Beryl has her lump her removed the vet has said she can bring one friend with her. I assume I should pick Rodney as they have been together the longest and came from the same home before me so he would be the best comfort for her.
I am worried however that when they get home, splitting them will have caused arguments and they may need to start the bonding process again. Is that likely to happen? From what I have read it best not to separate guinea pigs after an operation? Will they all be okay together?

Is there anything I need to be doing before or after the operation to make things go smoother? Will Beryl need fleeces changed more regularly to avoid infection?

Thank you for help!

Hi

If all goes well, the vet trip with Rodney is too short to cause a bond to break. For that to happen, it usually needs a separation of over two days and underlying conflicts - after 2 days and more you will need a formal re-intro on neutral ground for that reason.

However, ideally, Beryl and Rodney can go straight back with their mates in the cage once they come home from the vets. There has been quite a change in recent years since the importance of companionship has been acknowledged.

Thread 'Tips For Post-operative Care'

Feb 7, 2016

1 Preparing for an operation
2 Care tips for freshly operated guinea pigs
- General advice
- Supportive home care and syringe feeding
- Pain relief, gut stimulants and when to see a vet as an emergency
3 Recovery
4 Companionship
- The importance of company
- Tips for medically separated piggies


Ideally, your...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Wiebke's Home Care Guides

• 

Wishing Beryl and you all the best.

 

[MollyH]

Hi

If all goes well, the vet trip with Rodney is too short to cause a bond to break. For that to happen, it usually needs a separation of over two days and underlying conflicts - after 2 days and more you will need a formal re-intro on neutral ground for that reason.

However, ideally, Beryl and Rodney can go straight back with their mates in the cage once they come home from the vets. There has been quite a change in recent years since the importance of companionship has been acknowledged.

Thread 'Tips For Post-operative Care'

Feb 7, 2016

1 Preparing for an operation
2 Care tips for freshly operated guinea pigs
- General advice
- Supportive home care and syringe feeding
- Pain relief, gut stimulants and when to see a vet as an emergency
3 Recovery
4 Companionship
- The importance of company
- Tips for medically separated piggies


Ideally, your...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Wiebke's Home Care Guides

• 

Wishing Beryl and you all the best.

Thank you @Wiebke. That is good to know.

 

[weepweeps]

Good luck Beryl. Sending healing vibes

 

[MollyH]

Good luck Beryl. Sending healing vibes

Thank you @weepweeps, feeling a bit nervous for her.

 

[weepweeps]

It’s always a worrying time for us slaves before an operation. You are doing the right thing by Beryl.