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To Spay Or Not To Spay That Is The Question

Profnew22

Profnew22

New Born Pup
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My four-month-old, 380g female pig just had her first vet wellness check. The vet recommended that I have her spayed at 6 months. I am conflicted about this as I have had pigs before and I've never had any problems. While the vet seemed knowledgeable, she is not a specialist in cavies. Estimate for the surgery is between $350 and $490.00. I welcome your informed opinions.
 
I think it's a personal preference but it's more of a rabbit thing to spay early. I personally have 4 girls and none are spayed, if we have problems in the future we'll cross that bridge if we need to.
 
I've never had any of my sows spayed. I have had one sow with ovarian cysts and two with mammary cysts but they were operated on successfully. Did your vet say why she should be?
 
spayed for what?? it is a major surgery and it should have done for serious reasons only by expert vets. Here the only reason I see is the vet's profit. My two sows (8 months old) are not spayed (nobody in Italy spay sows) and follow a strict diet in the hope of preventing even ovarian cysts and hormonal imbalances (if it won't give any results it does not matter, it is in any case a proper and healthy diet).
Spaying a sow for preventing an ovarian disease is like spaying a woman for preventing ovarian cancer... you can chose that if you have a high risk, but it is not a game...
 
I would not spay unless for medical reasons. Its highly risky for a small animal to have general anaesthetic let alone such a major operation and I don't think the risks are worth any potential benefits (only benefit I can see is living with unneutered males risk free and not developing cysts at a later date). I've only ever had one female spayed and that was due to finding substantial sized cysts when she was 4.5 years old and the vet felt it was better to remove immediately than to wait and try injections etc.
 
2 of my sows are around 18 months old and the other is 15 months old and non of them have been spayed. Unless there is good reason for it I'll not have it done. The vet hasn't mentioned it either. So I think your vet is just trying to line his pockets!
 
In female rabbits spaying is crucial to prevent cancer. It also helps with their behaviour as they are notorious for phantom pregnancies. It also, usually, makes them calmer.

I don't think it makes a scrap of difference to a piggies temperament! I had Tilly spayed but that was due to 2 large ovarian cysts.
 
Spaying sows is safe in expert hands.
If the intention is to prevent or remove ovarian cysts then it can be done laparoscopically and the sows recover quite quickly. I have had 2 sows spayed that way for ovarian cysts and both bounced back quickly despite being older ladies.
A full (midline incision) spay where the uterus and ovaries are both removed is a major procedure. Sows take far longer to recover. I have had 2 sows spayed that way for medical grounds (pyometra).
I wouldn't choose to spay all sows unless medically indicated. I would question the motivation and knowledge of the vet. Unlike rabbits spaying does not alter temperament.
 
I am afraid this vet thinks that guinea pigs are only "rabbits without ears" and the greater risk is that he might prescribe sooner or later a medicine appropriated for a rabbit, but dangerous for a cavy... Female rabbits needs spaying, not the guinea pigs (without any good medical reason). This fact would make me feel it is better to go and search for another vet although he/she might be the best vet for rabbits and other little animals...
 
I would change your vet to a cavy savvy one. If this is not possible ask your vet why she thinks it necessary to put a healthy piggie through a risky operation.
 
I have only had one sow with ovarian cysts. That's out of Poppy, Daisy, Dandelion, Cherry, Sunflower, Rose Petal, Pumpkin, Misty, Clove, Kiwi, Rusty and Ruggles - 12 sows.
 
Profnew22 said:
Vet said she recommends it for prevention of cysts. I am cynical so think maybe just wants the money. Thanks for all your answers.
Click to expand...

It sounds like she can't tell the difference between rabbits and guinea pigs, I'd definitely say no and get a better vet :)
 
I have had sows spayed but for medical reasons! It is a hi risk procedure and to perform it just for the sake of it, would not be wise! !
 
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