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Bladder Stones Or Uti (pics For Awws!)

Cavy Kung-Fu

Cavy Kung-Fu

Adult Guinea Pig
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Is there any way to differentiate between a urine infection and bladder stones?

Iggy is poorly again which breaks my heart a bit. I've decided that he's a proper man when it comes to being ill because he's acting like it's the end of the world which keeps me worried! My girls never behaved like this when they've had UTI's!

I first noticed issues Sunday evening just gone when he was arching his back and having a screech so I put him on some metacam that night and took him to the vets Monday morning.

She couldn't feel any stones and suggested treating for infection and if his symptoms hadn't eased in a week we would do an ultrasound. I know it's fairly early days but is there a way to tell?

image.webp

As you can see he's not impressed!

image.webp

But he's taking his meds so well this time, and he's barely biting! :))
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Is there any way to differentiate between a urine infection and bladder stones?

Iggy is poorly again which breaks my heart a bit. I've decided that he's a proper man when it comes to being ill because he's acting like it's the end of the world which keeps me worried! My girls never behaved like this when they've had UTI's!

I first noticed issues Sunday evening just gone when he was arching his back and having a screech so I put him on some metacam that night and took him to the vets Monday morning.

She couldn't feel any stones and suggested treating for infection and if his symptoms hadn't eased in a week we would do an ultrasound. I know it's fairly early days but is there a way to tell?

View attachment 71377

As you can see he's not impressed!

View attachment 71378

But he's taking his meds so well this time, and he's barely biting! :))
Click to expand...
Aww bless him.My late Sam had the same symptoms, arching his back when trying to wee and squealing in pain.It turned out to be a uti and after it was treated he showed improvement but a couple of months later the symptoms came back and this time it was a stone.I don't think you can really differentiate between the two in the way that the pig acts x
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Is there any way to differentiate between a urine infection and bladder stones?

Iggy is poorly again which breaks my heart a bit. I've decided that he's a proper man when it comes to being ill because he's acting like it's the end of the world which keeps me worried! My girls never behaved like this when they've had UTI's!

I first noticed issues Sunday evening just gone when he was arching his back and having a screech so I put him on some metacam that night and took him to the vets Monday morning.

She couldn't feel any stones and suggested treating for infection and if his symptoms hadn't eased in a week we would do an ultrasound. I know it's fairly early days but is there a way to tell?

View attachment 71377

Unfortunately only a scan will tell. If it is regularly recurring and you haven't had stones before, then you are most likely dealing with IC (interstitial cystitis), which does NOT lead to the formation of stones or sludge.
Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones/sludge and interstitial cystitis (recurring inflammation of the bladder walls) all present with the same symptoms. Your vet generally works his way down the ladder in this order. IC is always a diagnosis by default after all the other angles have been excluded, but your piggy continues to have bouts despite repeated courses of antibiotic and with no stones present.

As you can see he's not impressed!

View attachment 71378

But he's taking his meds so well this time, and he's barely biting! :))
Click to expand...
 
Have you cheqed him for a sperm rod, inside his willy , and or calcium build up around the outside of the willy ? Both can cause discomfort and irritation!
With your index finger and thum , gentaly role back the scin and Expose his willy! A sperm rod can often be pulled out in one complete peice! And with the calcium build up again roll between 2 fingers and it should break up and fall away
A sperm rod which looks for all intent and purpose like a white worm in the centre of the willy, and a calcium build up is white deposits around the willy!
 
I think the only way you can know for certain is with an ultrasound or x-ray. Sometimes they can have an infection alongside a stone so it is best to carry out either an x-ray or ultrasound to check.
 
Thanks guys! I might go for the scan next week if he's not doing better. I thought it was a long shot but thought it would be worth asking if you can tell.

I checked for a sperm rod straight away, with a grimace on my face haha but he was clear.

Is it better to go for an ultrasound? I've never had either of them done for my animals before and thought the ultrasound sounds less intrusive? Hoping I can just hold him while they do it.

@Redribbon he definitely needs a cuddle, he's a real teddy bear :))
 
They don't usually need to be sedated for an ultrasound but often do for an x-ray so the vet can get the right position to check for a stone. Is just a whiff of gas though.
 
helen105281 said:
They don't usually need to be sedated for an ultrasound but often do for an x-ray so the vet can get the right position to check for a stone. Is just a whiff of gas though.
Click to expand...

Okay thank you! Hopefully the ultrasound will be enough, he stays pretty still these days and accepts his fate bless him.
 
septrin is another antibiotic used for UTI.Is your vet guinea pig savvy ?maybe a second opinion may help.:hug:
i would start another thread for your own problems,you will get more appropriate response.
 
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