Bladder stones

[annachristina_piggies]

Hi all. My guinea pig Tommy was showing signs of bladder stones in the past week, squeeking with pain when trying to go to the toilet and rearing up a lot when finally going. Took him to the vet yesterday, he suspects bladder stones too but an X-ray must be done for confirmation and then surgery if required to remove them. The issue is... I’m going on holiday on Friday for a week (worst timing!). The vet recommended I wait until I am back for the X-ray and then surgery as I should be around to keep an eye on him post surgery but I am worried something will happen to him when I’m on holiday, and if not he is going to be a lot of pain for another 10 days at the minimum. He is on pain relief for the time being but is still squeeking with pain I just want some opinions from those who have experienced the same thing. Am I doing the right thing? Should I wait until I am back from holiday for the next steps and will a week make any difference to his prognosis?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all. My guinea pig Tommy was showing signs of bladder stones in the past week, squeeking with pain when trying to go to the toilet and rearing up a lot when finally going. Took him to the vet yesterday, he suspects bladder stones too but an X-ray must be done for confirmation and then surgery if required to remove them. The issue is... I’m going on holiday on Friday for a week (worst timing!). The vet recommended I wait until I am back for the X-ray and then surgery as I should be around to keep an eye on him post surgery but I am worried something will happen to him when I’m on holiday, and if not he is going to be a lot of pain for another 10 days at the minimum. He is on pain relief for the time being but is still squeeking with pain I just want some opinions from those who have experienced the same thing. Am I doing the right thing? Should I wait until I am back from holiday for the next steps and will a week make any difference to his prognosis?

Hi!

I am extremely sorry for your dilemma!

Firstly, can you please tell you where you are? We have members and enquiries from all over the world. This can greatly influence any advice and help we can give you.

While it would be good to get the stone out as soon as possible, especially in a boar, a bladder stone op in a boar very much depends on whether the stone is still in the bladder or whether it has moved into the urethra and is stuck in the awkward inglenook that boars have in the urethra. the longer you leave the op, the greater the risk that the stone can move and at the worst block the urethra. If that happens, your boy will go downhill very suddenly very quickly.
It is not necessarily obvious from an x-ray exactly where the stone is, but a difficult op can of course also impact on recovery.

It is very much a weighing up of risk factors in your case, unless you can leave your boy in experienced care.

 

[annachristina_piggies]

Thank you for your reply. I live in London.

I am extremely stuck and stressed with what decision to make. I have asked lucy at the ark whether she would look after him for the week, atleast that way I know someone with the best guinea pig experience can watch him in case he goes downhill, but I haven’t heard back from her. Otherwise, my friend will be piggy sitting and I will have to tell her what to look out for. The Post op period is critical which is why I want to try and wait until I get back for the X-ray and surgery

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your reply. I live in London.

I am extremely stuck and stressed with what decision to make. I have asked lucy at the ark whether she would look after him for the week, atleast that way I know someone with the best guinea pig experience can watch him in case he goes downhill, but I haven’t heard back from her. Otherwise, my friend will be piggy sitting and I will have to tell her what to look out for. The Post op period is critical which is why I want to try and wait until I get back for the X-ray and surgery

Thank you for coming back on your location. That helps a lot. I know that it is totally stressful!

Could you also contact Sandra at East Peckham GPR or Hazelcroft GPR (less likely) for emergency boarding?
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

Your friend is welcome to join the forum for ongoing support if she is the one stepping in. In any case it is very important that you leave a note to give her or whoever takes your boy permission to make any necessary decisions as recommended by the treating vet in your absence in case you cannot be reached by phone, including emergency ops and pts; this to enable life-saving care and to prevent any unnecessary suffering. Also leave some cash for initial payment in an emergency; you can usually pay the rest upon your return.
I ended up with a piggy of mine needing an emergency bladder op on my 50th birthday while I was away in Amsterdam and having to speak to the operating vet on the phone; thankfully I was in reach! But that was a lesson learned... and a rather memorable birthday!
Tips For Organising Your Holiday Absence

 

[annachristina_piggies]

Thank you for your advice! I agree it’s a lot of responsibility for my friend if he does go downhill

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your advice! I agree it’s a lot of responsibility for my friend if he does go downhill

I am really sorry; I fully sympathise with your situation having been there myself repeatedly with close family in another country.

 

[annachristina_piggies]

I decided for him to have the operation to remove the stone whilst under the care of a guinea pig rescue who are experienced with sick piggies. He had the bladder stone removed yesterday and is now in recovery, fingers crossed he pulls through

 

[Wiebke]

I decided for him to have the operation to remove the stone whilst under the care of a guinea pig rescue who are experienced with sick piggies. He had the bladder stone removed yesterday and is now in recovery, fingers crossed he pulls through

Fingers firmly crossed for your boy! At least you know that he is in experienced hands and has best chance possible for a good and full recovery recovery!