davea
Tin Member
Posts: 146
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Post by davea on Jan 17, 2013 17:24:42 GMT
A friend advised me yesterday to get George and Arthur neutered, saying that intact piggies have a high rate of contracting cancer. I had never heard this before. Is there any truth in it?
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 17, 2013 21:40:50 GMT
I have never heard that, no. Doesn't make it wrong, but never heard it. I've had pigs for 10 years.
For some animals, neutering the males reduces their sex drive and other drives, generally giving them a milder personality. Not so with pigs. It just prevents pregnancy. The cancer/neutering correlation may be for other animals.
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Post by Teebers on Jan 18, 2013 10:49:47 GMT
It would only be true in that it rules out testicular cancer, which is quite rare in guinea pigs anyway. The health benefits of castrating male guinea pigs are not as clear cut as for dogs or cats. Generally it is only recommended as a reproduction preventative.
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davea
Tin Member
Posts: 146
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Post by davea on Jan 18, 2013 16:39:13 GMT
It sounded rather bogus to me. If there's no strong evidence to support this friend's recommendation (and there doesn't seem to be), I'll be leaving well-enough alone. I really didn't like the thought of the boys being put under anesthesia anyway.
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 19, 2013 1:11:56 GMT
One of the questions I always ask a potential vet for my pigs is if they think all guinea pigs should be spayed and neutered. The answer should be no. Since anesthesia causes a pigs heart rate to slow, lowering its body temp, it's imperative that pigs only be put at risk that way if truly necessary. Neutering is an elective surgery, and it does carry risks, but it also allows a boar to be housed with sows, if that's the only way he can have a cage mate. Vets should consider the pigs health, weight, age and other factors before performing any surgery.
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