2006-09-26 07:31:03 · 5 answers · asked by TRACY 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
There is no age deadline although the risks go up the older the pigs get. Pigs live between 5-10 years, not 2 years like some nimwit suggested.
You can get a pig neutered as early as 2 months old. I would not suggest neutering a boar after 4 years old because that is about when they start crossing over into "geriatrics." Pigs do not tolerate anesthesia well. They cannot vomit per se, but they do regurgitate everything in their bellies and aspiration pneumonia is a real issue if you do not have a vet who knows what he is doing.
Also, they tend to have issues with certain suture materials which can cause fistula tracts and abscesses along their scrotums so again you need an experienced vet. Even if everything goes right, the chance of an abscess is still high.
So there are risks, but the benefits are ENORMOUS. I have a few neutered boars and I would do it again. I however have a very experienced vet.
Just do a lot of research into your veterinarian and ask him hard questions. How many has he done, how many were successful, has he lost any patients (some guinea pigs do die during this simple of a surgery), how many had complicatons, etc...
Just be cautious and it should work out well.
Lisa and the Wheeks and Squeaks Guinea Pig Rescue
2006-09-26 15:08:35 · answer #1 · answered by gpiglady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The age can vary depending on the vet you go to. It can be anywhere from 2-4 months old, but there isn't an age limit, if your pig is older than 4 months, you can still neuter him, but I would not suggest going any younger. The important thing is to find a vet who is experienced in doing neuters on guinea pigs. Find an exotic vet and ask questions, like how many have they done and whats their success rate. My two guinea pigs are neutered, and it was done by a terrific vet who specializes in pocket pets.
Also, guinea pigs properly cared for can live a lot longer than 2 years. I have seen an 8 year old pig, and mine all lived over 4 yrs.
2006-09-26 07:49:38 · answer #2 · answered by Astro 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no age limit. It can be done at any age. The older the better really, since their 'bits' are so small it's easier when they're a bit larger.
Getting your guinea pig neutered is a great decision. They can live up to 8 years, average is 5, and it's less worries if you know you won't have risky, unwanted pregnancies since guinea pigs do best in pairs.
2006-09-26 09:28:17 · answer #3 · answered by gatsbychick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told by a vet that they don't neuter guinea pigs because they're too small. Maybe your vet is different, though.
2006-09-26 17:03:34 · answer #4 · answered by Crushgal 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
considering they only live for about 2 years I would say the first 6 weeks
2006-09-26 07:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by jack_daniels 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋