A stone in the ureter , can anyone help

[gizzy]

Hi , a friend of mine has a 3.5 year old un neutered boar named Jack, that has been recently diagnosed with a stone in the ureter*,

her vet said it would be touch and go if it were to be operated on .

Jack is eating and drinking well and has the occasional shows of diluted , and also un diluted blood , but is in relatively good spirits .

Question has anyone had any success eroding Guinea Pigs stones .

Jacks mum is desperately looking for ways to help this little one .

Your input would be much appreciated

 

[lovelygirl]

I would phone or visit the CCT for the best advice possible!

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Is the stone in the ureter - tube leading from kidneys to bladder - or the urethra (the tube which leads from the bladder to the outside of the body)?

I have no personal experience of stones in my pigs, but my understanding from following other pigs with such conditions is that the prognosis tends to be less "positive" if the stone is in the ureter than if the stone is sat in the bladder or even in the urethra (although this latter situation would require urgent surgery for a boar) - it's obviously easier to get to the bladder than to the fine tubes between the organs if surgery is required.

Not to say there is no hope - it's great that Jack is otherwise well and there'd certainly be no just reason to do anything drastic because of his condition, I'm just saying that surgery isn't as straightforward because of the position of the stone.

It is possible that, if the stone is small enough and has not formed adhesions to the walls of the ureter, the stone can be flushed down to the bladder and then surgically removed, but fluid intake would have to be pretty high and consistent - at least 10ml given 3-4 times a day.

Is Jack on any medications to help with the blood in the urine? Infections can occur alongside stones, so it's worth mentioning to your friend if the vet would consider trying a course of Septrin and also prescribe some pain relief should Jack start showing any signs of pain. The blood is very likely to be directly linked to the stone, but I feel it is worth treating with antibiotics to rule an infection out just in case there is one alongside the stone.

Best of luck to the little chap. xx