The simplest - and cheapest - thing for the Cientanni family to do when Bubbles the pet guinea pig fell severely ill would be to say goodbye and replace it with a £10 alternative.

The risks, not to mention the cost, involved in saving the sick Cavy were acute.

But Bubbles beat all the odds to survive not one, but two ops under anaesthetic - leaving Meopham Veterinary Surgery astounded - and the Cientanni family £700 out of pocket but one guinea pig richer.

Sharon Cientanni, of Wrotham Road, Meopham, could not bear to see her four children heartbroken, in particular Bubbles’ owner 16-year-old Vito.

The 46-year-old, who also has a parrot and two cats, said: “My husband said we should just buy another one as they only cost about £10. But he gives us so much joy, especially the children.

“Some people would rather spend the money on material things but the children really care for him.”

Vet Sarah Dickinson removed a large stone which nearly filled four-year-old Bubbles’ bladder - twice.

Miss Dickinson said: “The physiological make up of guinea pigs is not suited to anaesthetics so operating on them is something we consider as a last resort.”

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