A little advice needed please

[Janey]

Hi all

Just come across this forum and joined - it looks very interesting and useful!

One of my girls, is squeaking when urinating - not really loud, but I'm concerned that it could be an infection or bladder stones. I haven't noticed anything else unusual with her, appetite is normal, weight fine and she seems herself. Am I right in thinking she needs a vet? If so, can anyone recommend a savvy vet in the Derby/Burton-on-Trent area?

Thanks.

 

[Niki]

Hi & Welcome

The fact you're concerned indicates she does need to see a vet. You know your pigs the best & whilst it sounds like it could be a UTI it is better to have it checked out by a cavy savvy vet.

These vets are on the Recommended Vets List
Alfreton Park Animal Hospital
Watchorn Road
Alfreton
Derbyshire

Tel: 01773 832218

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Ooh, please get your little one seen to asap.
One of my boars had blood in his urine and was crying in pain, turns out it was cystitis.
Do a lot of research into antibiotic treatment in piggies if you have never experienced it before (like us) - always good to be prepared and have the back up if needed. The forum is good as well for questions you need answering on this problem.
Healing vibes for little one x>>

 

[Janey]

Thank you both for your replies. I have them registered at my local vets, but am not convinced they would be suitable, as they're general vets, not exotics. I used to take my ratties there, and didn't have any problems, until one died, shortly after an op. Do the vets at Alfreton specialise in piggy care or are they a good general vet?

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Thank you both for your replies. I have them registered at my local vets, but am not convinced they would be suitable, as they're general vets, not exotics. I used to take my ratties there, and didn't have any problems, until one died, shortly after an op. Do the vets at Alfreton specialise in piggy care or are they a good general vet?

My advice after our experience would be to arm yourself with as much knowledge on UTI's/stones/cystitis in piggies. If your vet is savvy, they'll know what to prescribe, usually Baytril or more commonly, Septrin. Never be afraid to ask them questions if you feel unsure - these little furries are very special to us.
Ask if there are side effects/possible complications and if they are a bit clueless, seek another vet. My vet is very good and I probably annoy her by calling with questions but she knows what our piggies mean to us
Some poor girl today discovered her vet had given an antibiotic that is poisonous to guineas :... so the more you read up, the better.
This is a wealth of medical care:
http://www.guinealynx.info/
It gives you the dosage calculations etc. as not all vets get it right (please don't let that alarm you "))
Another person you could contact regarding your issue is Laura:
http://www.guineapighelpline.com/
Keep us updated with your progress p

 

[Niki]

Thank you both for your replies. I have them registered at my local vets, but am not convinced they would be suitable, as they're general vets, not exotics. I used to take my ratties there, and didn't have any problems, until one died, shortly after an op. Do the vets at Alfreton specialise in piggy care or are they a good general vet?

I'm assuming they are cavy savvy as they are listed on the Forum's Recommended Vets List (recommended by other members).

You could ring them & ask.

 

[Janey]

Noticed this morning that when she weed, she didn't squeak, but I'm still taking her to the vets at 2pm anyway - I'd rather get her looked at. I've read up the info on the Guinealynx site about antibiotics and will query anything they say that I'm unsure about.

I'll post back later and let you know what they said.

 

[Janey]

Just got back from the vets and they couldn't find any bladder stones, so are treating it as a UTI with 2ml Baytril twice a day for a week. If she doesn't improve, they want to see her again. The vet asked about diet and advised me to reduce the calcium rich greens, which I've already started to do since the squeaking started. She also didn't attempt to prescribe any penicillin based meds, whew! When I asked about the possibility of bladder stones developing/treatment, she said she wouldn't do the procedure under local anaesthetic. I thought I'd read on here, that with girlie pigs, it was possible, but I suppose that could be in certain situations only, and with piggy savvy vets.:{

I'm greatly relieved it isn't stones, but poor little girlie, she wasn't happy during the travelling and exam.