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Post by Orlaith on Feb 16, 2009 11:32:28 GMT
We've always said that we'd never do it, but we're considering getting Xander neutered. Himself and Hilda have always lived in cages beside each other so they could see and hear each other and they've gotten on really well. We've put them in a cage together now to let them have one litter and the difference in both of them is unreal - they're so happy together, popcorning all over the place, and I think that they're more able to express their natural piggy behaviour now that they can make proper physical contact with each other and chase each other etc. Myself and Maria had a talk about it and we don't really want to separate them again seeing as they're getting along so well so we think that neutering might be a good option. We have an excellent cavy vet but I know that that still doesn't remove the risks associated with the procedure. We're going to make an appointment with him at the end of the month to have a talk about it and so he can give Xander a once-over to see if he's in good enough condition... But I'm still really worried! I don't even know why I'm making the thread, maybe I want to be talked out of it or told I'm doing the right thing, but I know no one can make the decision for us and if it all goes wrong it'll be our fault  I really love the little guy and I don't want anything to happen to him, but I also want him to be as happy as possible and I think that leaving him with his girlfriend (and best friend) is what's going to provide that for him. I don't know what to do! But I had to tell people who would understand how much I love him and how scared I am of losing him. |
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Post by xxlunaxx on Feb 16, 2009 12:02:08 GMT
I think maybe give Eamonn a ring today and have a little chat with him about it. He is very honest about his success rates with small animals and can probably put your mind at rest. The time when i had Lucy (Luka) booked in to be neuterd with Bairbre o malley...she told me that she had an over 90% success rate with neutering boars so i had alot of faith in her. As it turned out Lucy was a girl so we were turned away ... he he but i can totally understand your fears. Iv been there with Poppy and Henry and was a very stressed out mammy both times! A few months ago, Irenes Charlie was sick and had a growth which Eamonn performed surgery on and luckily Charlie made a full recovery so i really would encourage you to ring Eamonn. He will have no problem taking the time to have a chat with you  Im sure you will make the right decision anyway and do the best for your little Xanxan ;D |
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Post by Orlaith on Feb 16, 2009 12:30:51 GMT
Thanks Nicola! I might do that. None of my friends understand how much we love our piggies so there was no point in asking them, I knew ye guys would get it! I know that keeping them together will make them both much happier, I just wish it was totally risk free! I'll give Eamonn a ring (if not today, then closer to getting paid) and have a chat. He's really nice so hopefully that'll help.
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Dawn - Admin
Administrator 
MOTM May 2006, TPOTM Nov 2007
Dawn and the Cutiecavies
Posts: 22,784
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Post by Dawn - Admin on Feb 16, 2009 12:39:30 GMT
In some cases neutering is a good option. I would make sure you use someone who has done the op before and had good results though. Good luck with whatever you decide to do I know you have your piggies best interests at heart.
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Post by luvcats22 on Feb 16, 2009 12:41:45 GMT
everyone has their own opinions, and i dont want to offend/upset you at all orlaith, i completely understand why you are considering it, my older boy (3yrs) max will not live with boy piggies, he hates them. but show him a girl and he is a different guy, he lives alone near to the babies and he talks to them but hates to see them/smell them. i did briefly consider neutering him and getting him a girlfriend, but i couldnt risk his life. i make sure every day he gets cuddled and played with,even if i only have 15minutes spare, he gets my time and attention. in my opinion and it is only MY opinion i wouldnt do it, but good luck with whatever you decide to do, i know you love your piggies. xxx
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Post by Orlaith on Feb 16, 2009 13:07:06 GMT
I'm not offended at all, don't worry! I wouldn't have made a thread if I didn't want all different opinions, not just ones that agree with mine! I'm still having a lot of doubts, for the same reason as you decided not to do it, so I suppose I'm looking for people to tell me their experiences so maybe that'll help me choose.
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Post by celia on Feb 17, 2009 23:29:05 GMT
I have single boars and my one neutered boar who lives with the girls and i can tell you Larry my neutered boar is the happiest boar ! If i had the space all my boars would be done and living with sows for me it was worth the risk to see him happy .
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Post by Orlaith on Feb 19, 2009 14:17:09 GMT
Thanks for that celia. That's sort of our thinking. I know it's a big risk but I want him to be happy. It would be different if he'd never been put in with Hilda, then it would be easier to leave him on his own because he wouldn't know what he's missing, but I think it would break his little piggy heart to be apart from her now, it would be sort of cruel to isolate him again. I just want to do what's best for him.
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Post by Niki on Mar 3, 2009 15:20:28 GMT
I have 3 single boars, Huxley & Hamish are quite happy living alone but Toddie wasn't. He was separated from his brother in rescue because he bullied him, he lived alone when he first arrived with me but could see/interact with another boy. I then took him to choose a friend, a 6wk old baby who he was fine with for approx 1 month then he bullied him & they'd to be separated. Since bringing my piggies inside Toddie & Maddie (my only sow) have become closer eventho' they have lived side by side since last July. I made the decision to have him neutered (13th Feb) i was nervous & it wasn't a decision i took lightly. Toddie is almost 2 & everything was fine, you wouldn't have known he had had anything done but my vets neuter routinely as they are used by 2 rescues that i know of. I would say if you're vet is good & has done neuters before then you have a greater chance of a good recovery - you can never say 100% guaranteed because there is a risk with every op Good Luck with what you decide |
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 3, 2009 17:24:21 GMT
Thanks Niki!
We're going to the vet on Saturday to have a chat and so he can give Xander a good check-up to make sure he's in good condition, whatever we decide. At the moment we're leaning towards getting him neutered, but we won't make our final decision until we talk to the vet and see what he thinks. I wish Xander could tell me himself!
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Post by Niki on Mar 3, 2009 23:47:38 GMT
Thanks Niki! We're going to the vet on Saturday to have a chat and so he can give Xander a good check-up to make sure he's in good condition, whatever we decide. At the moment we're leaning towards getting him neutered, but we won't make our final decision until we talk to the vet and see what he thinks. I wish Xander could tell me himself! I'd bet Xander would say lemme make babeeees LOL |
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Post by celia on Mar 4, 2009 0:05:45 GMT
When Larry was done i couldn't believe he had had the op when i went to collect him from the vets he was so alert . I know how you feel about making the choice because you would be gutted if anything happened but as you say he will be sad to live alone now . Good luck whatever you decide to do , no one can make the decision for you its all up to you x
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Post by celia on Mar 4, 2009 0:14:31 GMT
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 4, 2009 10:51:29 GMT
Hehe, he's such a lucky boy, all those ladies to himself!
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 4, 2009 10:52:27 GMT
I'd bet Xander would say lemme make babeeees LOL He might say that but funnily enough I don't think Hilda would feel the same way! |
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