Trouble finding vet

[Gail Lambert]

Hi Advice please. ?

I have a clever and mischievous 2.5 year old rescue piggie. Ive been advised by a lady who runs a rescue (not where i got him from) that if I want him neutered then the 'abdominal method' is best. I thought it would be nice to get him a lady friend or two but i cannot cope with babies.
He currently lives in a cage next to the cage with my older boy Robin who likes his own space. I'd like 4 pigs..
Of course it worries me having him done but i dont know what else to do.
Trouble is I cannot find a vets. The nearest one to me listed below is in Andover and they are not taking anyone outside the local area. Ive rung around normal and referal vets. I need a good gp surgeon who knows the method. Money OK as have reasonble supply
.Any help or advice offered gratefully received. I am in Fareham.

 

[Swissgreys]

Have you tried the vet locator in the green bar at the top of the page?

Or have you asked the rescue where you got him from who they use?
Pets at Home often see a lot of small animals because they sell so many, so their instore vet can sometimes be more experienced than a regular vet.

I would try not to become too fixated on the method they use for castration - it is more important to find an experienced vet who does castrations on a regular basis as it is experience that counts. Better to have an experienced vet using a method they are comfortable with, than insisting on a specific method which they may be less confident using.

 

[Free Ranger]

There is a rescue listed in the recommended list: WHEEK & SQUEAK
Wheek and Squeak GP Sanctuary
Bishops Waltham
Hampshire
SO32
01489 894996
Try getting in touch with them and asking which vets they use because I bet that vet has plenty of experience.

I had a boy neutered by a local general vet some years back and it all went very smoothly. It really is experience that counts. My boys since have all arrived sans plums from the Blue Cross, so if you have one of those near you it might again be worth a call to see who they use!

One thing I would say is that there have been posts on the forum about complications from the abdominal method so don't go on the say-so of one person. I think the general idea is that there is one incision instead of two and the surgery takes less time. Personally I'm pretty sceptical but there, I'm not a vet. I just think if you're simply removing the testes traditionally via the scrotum with a cut on each side you're not interfering with any other bits of piggy...

 

[eileen]

ive had 17 boars over 8 years neutered by a local vet (an exotic vet that loves guinea pigs !,)he has used both methods,but i have not had any complications with any of these piggies.i would say its experience thats more important.Good luck in your search,ask the vet how many guinea pig neuters do they do in a year,and how many have had complications.i agree using a rescues vet can be good.

 

[Gail Lambert]

There is a rescue listed in the recommended list: WHEEK & SQUEAK
Wheek and Squeak GP Sanctuary
Bishops Waltham
Hampshire
SO32
01489 894996
Try getting in touch with them and asking which vets they use because I bet that vet has plenty of experience.

I had a boy neutered by a local general vet some years back and it all went very smoothly. It really is experience that counts. My boys since have all arrived sans plums from the Blue Cross, so if you have one of those near you it might again be worth a call to see who they use!

One thing I would say is that there have been posts on the forum about complications from the abdominal method so don't go on the say-so of one person. I think the general idea is that there is one incision instead of two and the surgery takes less time. Personally I'm pretty sceptical but there, I'm not a vet. I just think if you're simply removing the testes traditionally via the scrotum with a cut on each side you're not interfering with any other bits of piggy...

Hi it was Wheek and Squeek who.made the suggestion and the vet they use is the one in Andover not taking any new clients from outside the area. Thankyou for your thoughts and guidance though. Most helpful. I will do a bit more research into different methods. I do see what you mean.