Here's a thought... (Bladder problems)

[ZannDra]

I've read that quite a few people (myself included) have problem with piggies and their bladders.

Then I read a long thread in here about Calcium / phosphor ration and how important it is to keep it as normal as possible by giving the right food and veggies...

Someone wrote that you can't really know WHAT is wrong with the urine before it's analysed (too much Calcium or phosphor). I agree on that.

Then I thought, but can't we just test it ourselves? Without the vet I mean...

I'm thinking PH sticks:
[ame]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Strips-urine-saliva-testing/dp/B00307DA7K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=drugstore&qid=1278670348&sr=8-2[/ame]

They are designed to test urine, right?

I believe they could a least give us an idea of which direction we should feed them, right?

Does anybody understand what I mean?@)

 

[Wiebke]

Piggy urine is by nature very alkaline and it is virtually impossible to adjust it. Which is one of the reasons why UTI and bladder stones are rather frequent in guinea pigs.

PH sticks do not tell you how much phosphorus or calcium is in the urine. You might better look out for testing sticks that indicate blood in urine.

 

[ZannDra]

Aaaah I see... Yes, that would be better... Thanks!-c

 

[CiaraPatricia]

You can urinalysis test strips that I think show if there's blood in the urine, as well as protein/pH/well loads of things! I should remember from college if it shows if there's blood, I think it does but not sure.

 

[ZannDra]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind|)