Tiny guinea pig delivered six kits despite risk of surgery

Vet surgeon Sarah Jane Kenny operated on the tiny pet and delivered six kits despite the risk of using a general anaesthetic.

Even the most qualified vets don't recommend c-sections on guinea pigs.

Nugget, a pregnant one-year old guinea pig, arrived in MyVet Firhouse in Dublin with serious difficulties during labour.

Ms Kenny said that Nugget was struggling to progress to stage two of labour, so initially we gave her an injection of oxytocin and calcium.

The injections weren't successful in helping her move forward in her labour and safely deliver her kits.

That was odd because she had had a previous litter without any issues at all, but now there was only one option and the decision was made to perform a C-section.

The anaesthetic for a tiny guinea pig, especially a tiny, pregnant guinea pig, was the first big challenge, as there is a high risk involved when using a general anaesthetic.

We placed an IV catheter and pre-medicated Nugget and was closely monitored by my colleague, Shauna Moynihan, who did an excellent job.

The surgery was another challenge because of Nugget's small size and lasted around 50 minutes as we worked carefully to deliver the six kits. Ms Kenny said that Nugget and the babies are now happy and healthy, and that the whole team did a great job and we all agreed that the babies were adorable.