Post Op Bedding Advice For A Naughty Piggy

[Rachel116]

Hi Everyone.

My guinea pig Willow is getting spayed next month due to being a very hormonal young lady. She is 18 months old, very curious, mischievous and likes to chew/destroy things. Due to this I use shavings, straw and hay as bedding. If I use fleece bedding, towels or bath matts she tries to chew and rip them up after a few hours. She does this regardless of how many treats, toys, tunnels she has.

So with this in mind, what would you all suggest for bedding for the first few days post spay? If I use shavings etc. I can't monitor her pees as easily and I'm worried the wound will get contaminated with dust and bits of bedding. If I use fleece etc. I'm worried she will chew and potentially eat it the moment my back is turned or when I am asleep.

Side Question: I anticipate with her cheeky nature she may try and chew the stitches... any advice on how to avoid that? I have been mainly a boar guardian before now so this is the first time I'm dealing with a spay.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Has she always chewed or has it only been since she has been having hormonal issues?
I just wonder whether she may not do it after her spay if her chewing has been since her hormonal issues.
Vetbed is a good bedding to use post surgery. It is a fabric though.
(Be very careful using straw as bedding, just using solely hay is a better alternative. Straw can be quite sharp)

Generally speaking, piggies will the surgery site and stitches alone if their pain is properly managed during recovery

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

• 

 

[Rachel116]

Has she always chewed or has it only been since she has been having hormonal issues?
I just wonder whether she may not do it after her spay if her chewing has been since her hormonal issues.
Vetbed is a good bedding to use post surgery. It is a fabric though.
(Be very careful using straw as bedding, just using solely hay is a better alternative. Straw can be quite sharp)

Generally speaking, piggies will the surgery site and stitches alone if their pain is properly managed during recovery

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

• 

I was thinking this myself, since I got her at 3 months old she has always been a chewer and a destroyer, however I believe she has always had hormonal imbalances as she has always been sassy and feisty! So I am hoping at least whilst she is recovery from the anesthetic she will not be interested in chewing and fingers crossed her desire to ruin things was due to her hormones and we will be ok.

 

[Eriathwen]

I've had surgical info sent back saying that paper bedding was fine to use post op, which I've used a couple of times when I've not had any spare bath mats etc. Something like kaytee clean and cosy or carefresh have white versions where it'll be easy to spot urine and keep an eye on poops. I found its less likely to stick to wounds too, compared to shavings.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

You could try washable puppy pads, the surface is soft but i should think not loose enough for piggies to seriously get their teethies into?