Bladder problem

[Silly]

I had Titchy at the vets today as she last couple of days has been crying with deep concentration on her face while weeing.

The vet got a sample from her (it must of hurt her, poor girl) it was clear then cloudy, the litmus paper had traces of blood in it.

He gave me Septrin which I have given her, she is eating not rushing out like normal that's how I knew she wasn't right you know their behaviour change immediately don't you, she is eating hay as well. The vet said she seemed lively enough. She is out now nosing about.

I am aware of calcium but wanted some advice on what food to feed her that has no calcium in it, I thought I was doing well she eats mainly pepper of different colours and salad veg no spinach, kale or broccoli she does have coriander though.

She is 1.5 years approx. is this young for this to happen? My last guinea had bladder stones but had them at 4 she had antibiotics but had to be pts at 4.7 years old as they seemed not to work anymore and it was time to let her go.

Ruby and Titch have filtered water and no salt licks.

Any advice would be appreciated, the vet did say stones and sludge are so common in guineas.

Thanks.

s

 

[Jerrybelly]

Firstly, I really sympathise with you as I lost my first piggy to a bladder stone that couldn't be removed, and my Jerry has had bladder sludge for the past 2 years. Bladder problems are, unfortunately, all too common with piggies. Some people worry themselves endlessly about what is the right food to give, how much calcium etc., and their piggies will still end up with bladder problems. I also know owners who feed seemingly endless supplies of calcium rich foods with no problems at all (though, of course, this really shouldn't be encouraged). Personally, I think some piggies are prone to bladder issues, and sometimes it seems that no matter what we do they will get them anyway.

My first piggy had his bladder stone, and sadly passed away, far too soon at just 2 years old. I don't really think age has much to do with it.

I found this thread to be really useful in explaining calcium levels: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/...sphorus-Ratios-Explained-Diet-Advice-included

If you haven't done so already, then small changes can help. Try to increase water intake and consider feeding timothy hay. Nuggets are the highest source of calcium, so these should be fed in moderation (a VERY small amount each day will suffice) Some owners with bladder piggies also feed timothy-based nuggets (Oxbow Cavy Cuisine is an example of this) as most of the common brands of nuggets are made with alfalfa hay.

It is possible though that her painful wees are actually a result of an infection, and not sludge/stones at all.

 

[Silly]

Firstly, I really sympathise with you as I lost my first piggy to a bladder stone that couldn't be removed, and my Jerry has had bladder sludge for the past 2 years. Bladder problems are, unfortunately, all too common with piggies. Some people worry themselves endlessly about what is the right food to give, how much calcium etc., and their piggies will still end up with bladder problems. I also know owners who feed seemingly endless supplies of calcium rich foods with no problems at all (though, of course, this really shouldn't be encouraged). Personally, I think some piggies are prone to bladder issues, and sometimes it seems that no matter what we do they will get them anyway.

My first piggy had his bladder stone, and sadly passed away, far too soon at just 2 years old. I don't really think age has much to do with it.

I found this thread to be really useful in explaining calcium levels: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/...sphorus-Ratios-Explained-Diet-Advice-included

If you haven't done so already, then small changes can help. Try to increase water intake and consider feeding timothy hay. Nuggets are the highest source of calcium, so these should be fed in moderation (a VERY small amount each day will suffice) Some owners with bladder piggies also feed timothy-based nuggets (Oxbow Cavy Cuisine is an example of this) as most of the common brands of nuggets are made with alfalfa hay.

It is possible though that her painful wees are actually a result of an infection, and not sludge/stones at all.

Sorry about your guinea, it's so stressful them being ill isn't it.

Many thanks for caring enough to reply, I will read the link in a mo. I have looked at myself and blamed her bedding maybe being damp so I'm paranoid about that now, or her food, she would never take to pellets and is on muesli, she wasnt given pellets when born and I couldn't get her on to them I did try over and over again but gave up.

That's what I don't understand really my sister in laws guinea is never at the vets, lives on its own and eats spinach and doesn't have any bladder problems.

I really didnt expect her to have anything like this as young.

S

 

[sport_billy]

A few of us on here have lots of experience with bladder piggies. Jerrybelly, Myself and Flintstones to name but a few...

Can recomend speaking to the vet to get some metacam, if you haven't already done so. Its a painkiller and also an anti inflammatory so will help ease the pain on urination which can encourage them to feel better so eat and also reduce any inflammation in the bladder wall caused by an infection.

Guinealynx is an excellent medical website form the USA and has a sortable food chart so you can order it by calcium levels http://www.guinealynx.info/chart.html#chart

Try and get them to drink extra water, you can do this by adding something like avipro-plus probiotic to the water to make it taste nice, its also good to renew good bacteria in their tummies http://www.vetark.co.uk/pages/Avipro-Plus_4.aspx

Above all if they go downhill or get an xray done to rule out stones, you can also ask for the urine to be Analysed to check what infection is present. Septrin has a good sucess rate for UTI's so it's good. What dose are they on and does it smell of banana's? or aniseed?

lots of healing vibes to Titchy x

Just to add, we have used a low calcium diet and have had both Cookie and Treacle with long term bladder issues. Our other girls are fine, some seem more prone to it.

 

[Silly]

Hi Sport Billy,

I am a bit worried about giving her extra water by syringe I know people do it but I read if I don't do it right it can go to her lungs, I don't think she drinks enough so I do give her cucumber and lettuce washed.

Yes it did smell of bananas or something fruity you know like when the kids are little the medicine they get. 0.6.5 once a day. He did say about anti inflammatory but then said well stick with Septrin for now.

Are your guineas off and on antibiotics then? It's just so draining when they are ill or not right though, it's hard to stop worrying when I aren't in.

I don't fancy her being asleep for an x ray I said they can be held in a towel as I read on here about that but some just wont do things unless its what they always do. I don't think she would take to being asleep, her and her cage mate are both very timid and get stressed easily. I can't see her surviving the ordeal to be honest.

S

 

[sport_billy]

Hi Silly,

A quick post before I have to log off...

Ask for some metacam it will make the world of difference. I cant stress this enough. It will reduce inflammation and help with pain.

Don't syringe water if you do not feel comfortable, wet veg will do the trick, but not too much lol or wou'll have wet poos.... Well not you, Titchy

The dose of AB is fine and should help in a few days.

Yes, we sometimes have AB's when it gets bad but Cookie has cystitis which means her pain is not caused by bacteria just inflammation of the bladder, so she has some metacam each day when it flares up for a week or so, there are a few other things we do that I will go into more detail about later. But hopefully this is a UTI that will clear up with the AB's prescribed by the vet.

 

[Jerrybelly]

Hi Sport Billy,

I am a bit worried about giving her extra water by syringe I know people do it but I read if I don't do it right it can go to her lungs, I don't think she drinks enough so I do give her cucumber and lettuce washed.

Yes it did smell of bananas or something fruity you know like when the kids are little the medicine they get. 0.6.5 once a day. He did say about anti inflammatory but then said well stick with Septrin for now.

Are your guineas off and on antibiotics then? It's just so draining when they are ill or not right though, it's hard to stop worrying when I aren't in.

I don't fancy her being asleep for an x ray I said they can be held in a towel as I read on here about that but some just wont do things unless its what they always do. I don't think she would take to being asleep, her and her cage mate are both very timid and get stressed easily. I can't see her surviving the ordeal to be honest.

S

You don't need to necessarily go down the route of syringe feeding water, as it can be stressful for the piggies, but piggies do seem to like the taste of probiotics (as Sport_Billy has said) so by adding some to their water bottle it usually encourages them to drink more.

Ditto the advice on the Metacam. It's a very effective painkiller (Jerry has taken a daily dose for the past 18 months) and also works as an anti-inflammatory.

Many good, cavy savy vets will give a piggy a small whiff of gas before an x-ray. This does not put them to sleep, but sort of sedates them temporarily so that they can take the x-ray. Mine have all been treated this way.

But, again, hopefully you are just dealing with an infection which will clear up with Septrin x

 

[piggyfan]

I have no advice but really hope your little one is well soon.

 

[Silly]

I remember the Metacam as my last guinea had that, I will ask about it tomorrow.

I apologise for not thanking people but I can't find thanks anywhere, unless I'm missing it. I feel really ignorant that I can't put it so 'thank you' for your replies especially for making feel like it isn't my fault as much.

S x

 

[Jerrybelly]

I remember the Metacam as my last guinea had that, I will ask about it tomorrow.

I apologise for not thanking people but I can't find thanks anywhere, unless I'm missing it. I feel really ignorant that I can't put it so 'thank you' for your replies especially for making feel like it isn't my fault as much.

S x

That's okay The thanks button has been temporarily removed while the forum is being fixed. It should be back soon.

 

[sport_billy]

Don't apologise lol

Keep us updated

 

[Silly]

I just thought I would update on Titch, she was out for a cuddle half hour ago and purred away on me.

When she went back I thought she would need a wee and watched her, she still concentrates while weeing maybe she expects pain still but she didnt squeak just did the bum drag thing and walked off so I'm hoping she feels better. She's not too naughty at having her medicine.

She is at her bowl of veggies with Ruby. I feel alot better than yesterday now she seems more herself.

S x

 

[piggyfan]

It is really positive she is eating.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

That's good news - sometimes a piggy will 'wheek' out of habit as they expect pain.
Could you discuss the possibility of introducing Cystaid with your Vet ? It coats the bladder wall so helps prevent any nasties sticking around.
Having a bladder piggy myself, I've just switched to a different dry food - still early days, Harley also has unsweetened Cranberry juice daily in his bottle.

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/guinea-pig-f...6/vetcare-plus-multi-modal-formula-1kg-p-9415

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/pet-cystitis...100-sprinkle-capsules-for-cat-cystitis-p-9835

Following a stone removal in 2010, he had to have a bladder flush in Feb. this year as he had sludge but do believe it is hereditary in some piggies although Chops, his brother has never had any issues, Harley just drew the short straw.
It can be managed effectively with pain relief as others have stated and hope this is just a 'blip'
Hugs to you and Titch x

 

[Silly]

Thanks to you both I have bookmarked the links you put. Ill get some cranberry juice to try as well.. It seems such a common problem with guineas, I would of been quite ignorant about the fact that they can get them if it wasnt for reading other stories on here.

S xx8