Source: University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Spaying female guinea pigs is now increasingly recommended as an important form of preventive Veterinary care. In the past, the procedure was discouraged because of concerns about anesthesia and surgical risk. However, advances in surgical techniques and a better understanding of guinea pig health have changed this view. Reproductive disease is common in this species and is one of the leading reasons guinea pigs require veterinary treatment.
Ovarian cysts affect more than half of females, and uterine conditions such as tumors and abnormal tissue thickening are also frequently reported. Removing the ovaries prevents many of these conditions and provides reliable contraception, although it does not lower the risk of mammary tumors. For young, healthy guinea pigs, veterinarians often recommend an ovariectomy performed through a bilateral flank approach. This method avoids disturbing the digestive tract, shortens surgery time, reduces complications, and supports smoother recovery, especially by lowering the risk of gastrointestinal stasis.
Read the full story HERE: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/reasons-to-spay-your-guinea-pig/