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Cystitis

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wind1

wind1

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I have a guinea on anti biotics at the moment for possible cystitis. She is eating but doesn't appear to be drinking. I don't know how much she drinks normally as she is in with another guinea but I have divided the hutch for now to monitor her intake and output. Wee and poo look normal and food intake is good but as she doesn't appear to be drinking should I put something in the water to tempt her? Also would it be an idea to give her extra cucumber maybe or any other veg with high water content?
 
Give her plenty of cranberry juice, the genuine article, not the type made from concentrate and water. Ocean Spray is a suitable brand. Don't put it in her water bottle, you cannot moniitor her intake. You will need to syringe her the juice, some pigs can't get enough, others need to be "encouraged"! You cannot overdose them with cj. About 20ml per day is about the minimum. If she wants more, even better. What antibiotic is the pig taking?
 
Try to give her some probiotic as well (mix up with some unsweetened cranberry juice and syringe or give in a bit of cucumber) to keep the tummy going and make her feel better in herself.

Don't worry about her not drinking; it depends on the amount of fresh food etc. You can give her a bit extra cucumber if it makes you feel better!
 
Cranberry juice not going down well! Her poos are a bit soft now. She is on Baytril. Can I use a probiotic yoghurt or does it have to be a powder from the vet?
 
You can buy probiotics online, although by this time you won't get them delivered until Monday or Tuesday! Soft poops could well be down to the Baytril it's not the gentlest medicine, when given orally, on the tummy. A probiotic usually sets the balance right again.

Pets at Home sell a probiotic. Vetark Pro-C Probiotic, in a yellow tub in the small animals section (http://www.petsathome.com/products/6F03-Supplements/pid-14208). It says to put into the water, but all you need to do is put 1 scoop in 100ml water, and syringe what you can into her.

You could also ask your vets if they would sell you any; many vets stock Bio-Lapis, which would be made up as half a packet of powder in 100ml water.
 
Thankyou. I will go to Pets at Home tomorrow morning or speak to the vet. Was just wondering if I could use anything tonight like yoghurt or will that not work?
 
The soft poo is down to baytril - my Llewelyn has just recovered from cystitis (fingers crossed!) and had it, too. He wasn't into cranberry juice either, that's why I syringed as much as would take in one go.
 
Have you got any other pigs? If so - and as disgusting as this sounds - crush the poop of a healthy pig, mix with a little water, and syringe it to your poorly piggie. It's said to be the best probiotic!
 
I'll give that a try. I have another 14 to choose from! I am now syringing cranberry juice and water into her as she is just not interested in drinking. She is still eating well though. Does anyone know how quickly the anti-biotics will take to work as she is still squeeking when she passes water or poo (haven't worked out which one, think it's probably both). I'm worried it could be more than just cystitis or uti. A bladder stone maybe?
How much of the 'poop biotic' should I be giving her in a day?
 
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Ideally, she should be on Septrin, it is more effective against cystitis than Baytril.
"P-B" as much as she will take.
 
Her bladder and urethra will be very sore and painful from the infection for a few days. You can use some Bepanthen cream (for children and general use from the pharmacy) on the outside to help healing.

Cystitis can be quite tenacious. If it doesn't clear up and she keeps screaming or if there is blood, have her x-rayed for bladder stones/crystals. You should not need full anaesthesia for that (some vets won't do it without).

It has taken Llewelyn two courses of antibiotics (the second was septrin) to clear up.

All the best for you two!
 
Rimadyl or Metacam can also be of use when treating cystitis. The analgesic will deal with the pain and inflammation, while the antibiotics deal with the infection.
 
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