unexpectadly pregnant 2 year old guinea pig

Question
We just found out that due to missexing of a second guinea pig we got in December, our 2 year old guinea pig is pregnant for the 1st time.  We had her to the vet today, and they are going to do some research, but they have suggested spaying her and removing the pups at the same time.  We noticed a bit of fattening and swelling for the ffirst time about 10 days ago, which has increased. The problem of course being that since she is over 8 months old, her pelvic bone has fused.  They said they have no way to be sure when the pups would be old enough to be viable to to a csection.  While we never intended to breed her, my daughters are heartbroken at the thought of her pups dying without even trying to save them, but we dont want to lose her either.  They have said if we wait till she goes into labor, it will probably be too late. ANy ideas???

Answer
Hello Amila,

Well, I have one, but it can be risky and will be alot of work in order to be successful. You can feel the pups move 3-4 weeks before delievery. Wait 2 weeks after you begin feeling them move, then have a combination c-section/spay done. The pups will be about 1-2 weeks premature and may have a bit of a rough start, but you may be able to save them. You have to be very diligent in feeling for pups and I recommend X-Rays often (once the pups start turing, they need to be taken) to check on the progress. Preferably no less than weekly after she starts showing (which would be now), more often if possible. You also need to make sure with your vet that if she goes into labor he will be ready to do a c-section right away just in case. You also need to have someone with your pig all the time. She is a high risk case so she shouldn't be alone at all if at all possible, particularly after the pups start moving (which will likely be soon, they usually start showing after a month and moving at around 6-7 weeks). If you can do all this, you have a chance at saving the pups and mom, but it will be complicated to do. She will need to be the main focus of your family's world for the next few weeks. If you can do this and save them, I promise it will be worth it in the end. Good luck and if you decide to try to save them best wishes for a safe delievery and healthy pups. I'll keep your piggy and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

-kkat
http://www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs