bladder stone prevention?

[teddy2011]

If a guinea pig suffers with a calcium build up,or sludge in their urine could you give them extra vitamin d3 to help absorb the calcium to prevent them from getting bladder stones?

I know in burgess there is added vitamin d3 - but my guinea pigs live indoors and there is not much sun in ireland,so I don't know if this is enough and one of them in particular has had problems in the past with UTI's, excessive drinking and peeing.

Does anyone know the recommended amount of d3 a guinea pig should have in a day?

x

 

[gogoguineas]

Sorry, I don't know anything about d3 but you could try guinea lynx for info. They also have a list of foods with the calcium ratio.
I give my pigs a few slices of fresh beetroot each once a fortnight as the acidic-ness absorbs or dissolves the calcium build up.
Just don't feed them the leaves thought, they're toxic. I lost a piggie to a bladder stone so when I was told this i started trying it, no problems in the last couple of years for me

 

[teddy2011]

That's really good to know thanks!

I will try these tomorrow and see if they like them - some of them are very fussy!:p

 

[flintstones]

Vitamin D can be lethal if you overdose with it, I discussed a vitamin supplement with my vet he advised against it.

This article is a good read in the comments she also lists the foods she feeds.

http://www.guineapigtoday.com/2012/01/10/dealing-with-calcium-issues-in-guinea-pigs/

 

[paulag]

Vitamin d is essential for calcium absorption from the diet. It won't affect bladder stones. There is adequate levels of vitamins and minerals in the amount recommended on the packet for good quality pellets (they should be limited to this in adult piggies to prevent them getting fat and ensure they eat plenty of hay). As has already been said supplementation isn't necessary and can be toxic. A range of good quality veg will also help.