Constant urine infections

[Guineapig lover]

Hi, we’re on our 3rd urine infection. Peach has previously had xrays and antibiotics etc and they found nothing. She has a day or so of bleeding, but it clears up normally within 24 hours of the antibiotics . Saw some tiny spotting of blood again today so I’ll call vets for some antibiotics again. She hasn’t lost weight and looks ok. Is it normal to keep having urine imfections. She’s had two in the last 6 months. Also last visit to the vet she had a bit of dandruff, vet checked her but she hasn’t got mites. But we gave her spot on as a precaution. But ive noticed today along with a spot of blood eg urine infection that her ear looks a bit jagged on the edge and dry. I’m wondering if she has a fungal infection as well. I wonder if it’s the stress of the urine infecton. Can I home treat the dry ear? Feel like I live at the vet at the moment

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

Over the last decade sterile interstitial cystitis (often referred to as IC) has become a lot more common. This is a condition that is unfortunately not yet well known by general vets.

Sterile (i.e. non-bacterial and therefore not reactive to/curable by antibiotics) interstitial (i.e. recurring) cystitis (bladder infection) can only be diagnosed by default after all other potential urinary tract problems have been excluded (UTI and bacterial cystitis, bladder stones/sludge etc). It is not curable, only manageable until eventually goes away on its own.

Key to managing IC is glucosamine to support the glucosamine coating of the bladder walls. We recommend cystease capsules for cats (who are the other species struggling with sterile cystitis); they are not classed as a medication but as a food supplement and easily available online. You give the contents of one capsule mixed with 1-2 ml of water (give the powder time to soak and shake well before use) and then syringed once or twice daily. This in combination with metacam (which is an analgesic), especially during the typical flares, which happen every few weeks.

More information on IC: Links - Interstitial Cystitis - Guinea Lynx Records
Diet recommendations: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

 

[Guineapig lover]

Thanks wiebke u r a star as usual. Would I give this whilst she is having a flare up or every day.

 

[DMS260820]

We think our sow has ic as we tried everything but no cure, she has flare ups every now and then. But it isn't too bad overall to be fair. Blood in urine is the first sign I see, and then laying about in discomfort, still eating plenty though. She has had this problem for just over a year now