winter!

Question
Winter in Ontario,Canada is upon us (Austin and I that is). Temperatures have dropped into the minuses and Austin's water freezes solid sometimes more than once per day. Austin himself seems cozy and content in his insulated shed, snuggling up in the mounds of straw in his sleeping box for most of the day. He does not seem particularly interested in going outside for long periods of time but I'm assuming this is normal as he has just become obsessed with eating and is less playful in the cold. His shed is equipped with electricity so I have purchased a heated water bowl but before attempting to wire it securely into his pen I just want to make sure that straw and the heated water bowl won't be a dangerous combination, I'm a worrier. Any other winter tips would be appreciated, I want to make his first winter as warm and enjoyable as possible. Also, he hasn't been neutered yet as I wanted to hold off on it until he came around to me a bit more as he wasn't properly socialized, he's now close to 7 months. We have seen a vet for his vaccinations who is willing to do the procedure but I'm worried that he will begrudge me for it. I don't mind his smell, but from what I understand that will be the least of my worries as he ages. I'm not that concerned about him being a "good pet," his odor and occasional aggression is nothing I can't handle, I just want him to be happy. So healthwise, is it prudent to neuter him? Also, how invasive or dangerous is the procedure and what will the recovery be like? I can't thank you enough!


Answer
The longer you wait to neuter him, the longer the recovery. It is a simple operation because it is not invasive. But the stress to the pig and recovery will be more the longer you wait! Call now!
He is young enough still so there should be no real recovery time.
Our pigs bounce back right after surgery, but our vet uses Iso gas, which is suggested, instead of an injectable, which can take hours for recovery and is more "dangerous". But, it is a quick, simple operation.
The concern about the cord is the pig chewing on it.
I would not suggest any "hot" wires that the pig can get too.
Thanks,
Priscilla Valentine