Guinea pig post-operative discharge instructions

After a general anaesthetic or sedation

Following an anaesthetic or sedation, your guinea pig may be quieter than usual and drowsy tonight. Keep them warm, dry and comfortable and let them rest.

If they live with another guinea pig, watch them for the first few hours to make sure the guinea pig that has had surgery isn’t being chased or harassed. If this does happen, separate them, ideally so they can still see and smell each other. Try not to handle your guinea pig too much tonight and don’t let children disturb them.

If possible, keep your guinea pig in their usual cage. Guinea pigs are prey animals and feel more secure somewhere familiar.

Feeding

We will already have offered your guinea pig food after they recovered from the anaesthetic. Food and water should be available as soon as you get home.

It’s very important that your guinea pig eats after surgery and anaesthesia. Guinea pigs develop complications more quickly than other species when their appetite is poor. Please call the practice tomorrow morning if your guinea pig is not eating or has a poor appetite.

Please keep an eye on your guinea pig’s droppings and contact the practice if you notice fewer droppings or diarrhoea.

Sachets of recovery food that can be given by syringe are available if you’d like to buy some.

Exercise

Please try to restrict exercise for 10 days, especially jumping.

Wounds

Please keep wounds clean and dry for 10 days. Clean your guinea pig’s bedding or litter tray regularly to help keep wounds clean.

We have used dissolvable stitches or glue, which will dissolve over the next 3–4 weeks. It’s important that the wound or stitches aren’t chewed. If this happens, contact the practice.

Check the surgical wound twice a day and contact the practice if you notice any redness, bleeding, swelling, discharge or unpleasant smell. Be vigilant for signs of flystrike, especially in summer.

Pain relief

Your guinea pig was given pain relief injections before surgery, which last for up to 24 hours. If needed, the vet will have prescribed pain relief for you to continue at home. Because they are prey animals, guinea pigs tend not to show when they’re in pain. Please continue to give pain relief for at least 4–5 days after surgery.

Special instructions

If your male guinea pig has been castrated, he can remain fertile for up to 6 weeks after surgery and shouldn’t be kept with unspayed females during that time.