We have a NIC cage with multiple levels and what we did was take out the second platform and move it to the third (pictured below – the level she is laying on in the picture was removed) so she couldn’t jump to it.  I would recommend doing this AT LEAST a day or two ahead of the surgery to get your bun used to the change – Lola was quite confused and kept trying to jump on a shelf that wasn’t there…quite comical but could have caused some problems had she done it after she had her spay.

I think the guniea pig cage would be to small and he would much prefer to relax in his actual home (but that could just be my experience with Lola).

Lola’s cage was sanitized as best as possible and she was down for the count for about a week – we just monitored her incision and let her run around as soon as we thought she’d be okay. You can definitely tell when they are going a little stir-crazy so hang in there!

Yes, feed them normally BUT also get them to eat whatever you can. Lola would only munch on carrots and wouldn’t touch her normal pellets, hay, or favorite greens of spinach the first night… It’s VERY important that they have something so carrots it was! She really didn’t start eating “normally” for several days and just picked at things.

Since Todd is a boy, you probably don’t need to worry too much. Maybe keep him from jumping around for a couple of days. I like the suggestion of just taking the second level out. Otherwise, he should be fine coming out to play once he’s feeling up to it.

Well you know I just recently went through this. First of all you have most of the information down that’s important so good job As for the cage, if you can take the shelf off I would. At least until he’s back to what you would consider normal. Bunjamin just got condo privileges back. I chose to keep him in his pet store cage for the first few days because it was easier to sanitize and it is still large enough for him to have the adequate room for recovery. Something I did worry about the first day and wish I had was a lower rim litter box because he couldn’t really hop into the one I used even though I used the smallest cat one it still was a little hop. Also I changed it everyday just to be safe to help lower his chances even more of infection.

As for food, I would just think of whatever Todd’s favorite food is stock up on it, take some to the vet with him and make sure its in his condo when you bring him home. I took lettuce to the vets and had a willow wreath in his cage and he ate a little lettuce but attacked the willow wreath like he hadn’t ate in days.

Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll go great!

The vet may make sure he’s eating before you leave (mine did) but give him 24 hours before he shows any normal eating pattern. He will want to eat something, but just provide some greens, hay and his pellets (carrots or a favorite like a banana slice if he isn’t eating other food) and water so he can choose which and how much. Often it’s the medication effecting his appetite as well as the procedure. As long as he eats something. If he refuses, call your vet. Ask for a dose of pain meds to take home with you the day of the procedure in case he is in pain later when it wears off. He may sleep a lot.

In fact, do not hesitate to call your vet once he’s home with any and all questions. It’s part of the service they provide, and a fast phone call can relieve you of worry and keep you on track with him. Meanwhile, I would try to remove the 2nd level from his current house, or you might temporarily attach a NIC cube to block it off. Do you have an XPen? If so, he could go into that or have that open onto his house so he can roam farther. In a few days he should be able to run around the room if he doesn’t jump up on couches or chairs.
You want to check his incision site for swelling, redness or oozing. You can hold a treat above his nose so he stands and get a peek without holding him. Or lay a mirror on the floor under him to see it.