How Common Are Bladder Stones?

[PAMELAKT]

This is really putting me off getting a friend for Billy.

Are they THAT common?

Everytime I look on here I find another bladder story.

I can't go through that again....

 

[helen105281]

It is not known exactly what causes them, I have had 2 pigs out of about 18 who have had one. A lot of the time it is genetic predisposition, though I personally believe that diet has a large part to play as I have mentioned to you before. I would not let this stop you getting a friend for Billy, and also think about what Rodney has taught you, you can then apply that to looking after Billy and any future pigs.

 

[sophieandhoney]

I wondered the same thing when I lost Sophie to ovarian cysts and Henry to kidney failure. Cos it was all I saw on the boards, I wonder if it is like when you buy a car and you see "your car" everywhere. And equally now with Honey and her bladder sludge, it is all I am seeing!

I think from now on - re bladder issues I will always feed a low calcium diet to limit the chances. Best I can do.

XX

 

[MerryPip]

I think with bladder issues, some pigs are just prone to them and many aren't. Like illnesses in people, some of us have a predisposition or bigger chances of getting some illnesses than others even if we live the right lifestyle. If you do your best to feed them the right diet and keep their calcium intake sensible then that's realistically all you can do.

When something's playing on your mind though or when you've had a really difficult experience it can be hard to see past it but a new piggy is a new start and a new individual. They may have their own ups and downs but that doesn't make having them a bad decision..... Whatever you decide, it should be in Billy's best interests too. He'd probably prefer a new buddy even if they aren't perfect, but in real life none of us are! Good luck, it's always a hard decision though.

 

[Elwickcavies]

I've never had a pig with stones (touch wood) and I've had maybe 30 over the years. I don't feed a low calcium diet, although I avoid too much of the high calcium foods and I don't filter my water for the pigs. Remember that most guinea pigs go through life with very few problems, and are generally healthy little things. I know with everything you've been through it is bound to prey on your mind, but I'm sure you'll come to the right decision for you and Billy.

 

[PAMELAKT]

Thanks guys....

I know it's best for him, but then I think he is 3 next month, Rodney died on his 4th birthday. Then again Billy could live to be 8 couldn't he!

If I get a rescue boy I won't know if he has been fed well....

It's all what if's. I feel terrified of having to go through it all again. I had similar with Rodney's twin brother two years before, they both had nightmare issues.

If decent vet care wasn't such an issue locally it wouldn't be so bad, it infuriates me you should have to travel so far to an exotic vet just to get interest in your sick animal.

But then I think, if I don't, and I lost Billy, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. They do bring me such a lot of smiles....

Altho I think the opposite, I had pigs as a kid & had no idea how fragile they are to look after properly.

I will let my head settle a bit first, I am moving to my new flat in a couple of weeks I'll get that sorted - then I can make my decision on maybe a new cage & a new friend for Billy... Xx

 

[MerryPip]

Good plan. We grieve and spend time debating about the right thing so much more than the piggies do. A rescue piggy may not have had the best start but you can give them a fantastic future. My Donald had spent the first 2-3 years of his life in a tiny cage being fed the wrong things and he had some health issues as a result but he was such a loving piggy and he and Suilven were so close, the fact he left us suddenly was incredibly sad but I was so proud that we gave him such an awesome new life for the year we had him. Quality time is always good no matter how late in the day it comes and many, many recue piggies are happy and healthy but were just unwanted and unloved. You'll find the right friend for Billy at the right time for both of you

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

As an adult i have had five pigwigs, two of which have had stones, both totally different situations. Pepper had an op to remove his which was successful but then his bladder blocked and i lost him anyway, and i currently have Oscar who has a stone that is lodged and has been for about 8 months and is thriving, but ultimately i know he can go any day. Heartbreaking!

 

[PAMELAKT]

God, it is heartbreaking. I still have the task of collecting Rodney's ashes at some point this week ;( still can't believe my beautiful boy has gone.

Oh I don't know.... Rubbish isn't it!

 

[MerryPip]

It wouldn't hurt so much if we didn't love them so much. The fact we dither, panic and cry over them so much is just because we love them so much. I'm sitting here with my Struan boy who's just had a bladder stone removed as well as two mammary tumours at the same time and is now doing brilliantly but the last 4 weeks have been a hard slog with a massive open wound, lots of nursing and extra care. He's happily shouting at the screen saying as I'm typing I have been so stressed over him lately but I wouldn't change him for the world.

 

[PAMELAKT]

Wow, what an ordeal you must have been through! I should stay off the health & illness threads I think as they really do nothing but put me off taking on another.

But then, another part of me thinks - someone has to do it. Someone has to give them a home & a lot won't do better than one I can offer.

Hope your little man continues to do well x

 

[MerryPip]

He's sat on the sofa next to me whilst eating his way through a mound of parsley and begging for head fozzes

Your perfect piggy will be out there when the time is right.....

 

[Freela]

I hear you! It's really hard to be able to open yourself up again after you've gone through a loss. I felt that way when my Frenzy died. She had a jaw abscess that spread to the bone and then causes probable sepsis... we tried so hard to save her, but didn't really know what we were doing (I was a fairly new owner and our vet at the time did not know as much about guinea pigs as he pretended to.) It was something I never wanted to go through again. We mainly got another pig because I didn't want Linney to be alone, even though I didn't really feel 'ready' to have another one, and I was always terrified about teeth issues after what happened to Frenzy. As it happens, a couple of years down the road Sundae (the pig we got after Frenzy passed) also developed a jaw abscess and dental issues, but with a new vet and more experience, we were able to get her through it, and I now have a more 'balanced' knowledge about tooth and jaw issues, and although I know there are always potential bad outcomes, I have a lot more confidence in my ability to handle them with future pigs.

As for bladder stones, I really don't know the prevalence. Pigs are prone to bladder issues, supposedly. Out of the pigs I've owned, one has a bladder stone and general bladder issues (Sundae again- she's my problem pig for health issues!) and two haven't. All were on the same diet, which my vet has said was a good one in terms of preventing bladder issues. I suspect there is some genetic component so it's kind of a toss-up.

((HUGS))- I'm so sorry for your loss. Emotionally it's so hard to have another pet when you are still grieving, and fearful of what could happen if you open up again to another animal. I think, in time, you'll know what to do. You may need some time yet to grieve and process.

 

[PAMELAKT]

I hear you! It's really hard to be able to open yourself up again after you've gone through a loss. I felt that way when my Frenzy died. She had a jaw abscess that spread to the bone and then causes probable sepsis... we tried so hard to save her, but didn't really know what we were doing (I was a fairly new owner and our vet at the time did not know as much about guinea pigs as he pretended to.) It was something I never wanted to go through again. We mainly got another pig because I didn't want Linney to be alone, even though I didn't really feel 'ready' to have another one, and I was always terrified about teeth issues after what happened to Frenzy. As it happens, a couple of years down the road Sundae (the pig we got after Frenzy passed) also developed a jaw abscess and dental issues, but with a new vet and more experience, we were able to get her through it, and I now have a more 'balanced' knowledge about tooth and jaw issues, and although I know there are always potential bad outcomes, I have a lot more confidence in my ability to handle them with future pigs.

As for bladder stones, I really don't know the prevalence. Pigs are prone to bladder issues, supposedly. Out of the pigs I've owned, one has a bladder stone and general bladder issues (Sundae again- she's my problem pig for health issues!) and two haven't. All were on the same diet, which my vet has said was a good one in terms of preventing bladder issues. I suspect there is some genetic component so it's kind of a toss-up.

((HUGS))- I'm so sorry for your loss. Emotionally it's so hard to have another pet when you are still grieving, and fearful of what could happen if you open up again to another animal. I think, in time, you'll know what to do. You may need some time yet to grieve and process.

Thank you..... I want to, but I don't want to! Haha. I will do, I am just terrified of it. I don't want Billy to be lonely, he needs piggy company I realise that. I just hope no one gets ill!

 

[Wiebke]

Each new journey is always a risk, but it is also an enrichment - and the chance to make one piggy very happy during the time he has with you. The pain of the loss will never get less, but so will the need to have happy piggies in our life. It is always tough when you have lost a piggy to a particular illness after a huge battle. So far, I have only lost one of my piggies, Minx, at a younger age in direct connection with bladder stones and in her case there was clearly a disposition for them.

The worst time is where you are right now because you are not yet ready for a new piggy yourself. HUGS!

 

[PAMELAKT]

Each new journey is always a risk, but it is also an enrichment - and the chance to make one piggy very happy during the time he has with you. The pain of the loss will never get less, but so will the need to have happy piggies in our life. It is always tough when you have lost a piggy to a particular illness after a huge battle. So far, I have only lost one of my piggies, Minx, at a younger age in direct connection with bladder stones and in her case there was clearly a disposition for them.

The worst time is where you are right now because you are not yet ready for a new piggy yourself. HUGS!

Thank you - such kind words you all have. You are completely right, I am not ready - but Billy needs it & once I have a new 4 squeaky family member I would love them & be glad I got them as it's be worth it to see Billy happy.. Xx

 

[Pebble]

Each new journey is always a risk, but it is also an enrichment - and the chance to make one piggy very happy during the time he has with you. The pain of the loss will never get less, but so will the need to have happy piggies in our life. It is always tough when you have lost a piggy to a particular illness after a huge battle. So far, I have only lost one of my piggies, Minx, at a younger age in direct connection with bladder stones and in her case there was clearly a disposition for them.

The worst time is where you are right now because you are not yet ready for a new piggy yourself. HUGS!

^^^^ This!

Also - It looks like it;'s becoming more common...because vet medicine and diagnostics for guineas is SO much better these last 8 years
20 years ago, a poorly piggie was lucky to get baytril if anything...and that was all.

Hugs Hun.....take your time......
x

 

[Wiebke]

^^^^ This!

Also - It looks like it;'s becoming more common...because vet medicine and diagnostics for guineas is SO much better these last 8 years
20 years ago, a poorly piggie was lucky to get baytril if anything...and that was all.

Hugs Hun.....take your time......
x

Yeah - Minx had to be pts 7 years ago this week due to bladder trauma after her second stone op; those were still the days when getting any antibiotic apart from baytril was near impossible, ops on small animals were rather risky, information on stones and diets etc. was minimal and even exotic vets were rather stumped.
It took me 18 months to get really over it, as larger-than-life Minx has always been my most special piggy and I still treasure every day of the three years she's been in my life. But it also doesn't take anything away from the joy that watching the very loving "marriage" between her bereaved companion Dizzy and her new rescue dated "toy boy" Llewelyn has brought me after Minx' passing. Without Dizzy and Llewelyn making me smile and keeping me going, the hole I plunged into would have been a lot deeper!

Diagnostics have become so much better in the intervening years. It doesn't mean that everything always works out or can be treated or controlled, but there is so much more awareness of issues around these days when they would have just died in years gone by, booked off under "one of these things".

 

[PAMELAKT]

Just all still worries me, I the end I believe it was the medications that killed Rodney - all too much for his little organs.

 

[MerryPip]

Just all still worries me, I the end I believe it was the medications that killed Rodney - all too much for his little organs.

You'd be daft not to think about it but sometimes regardless of what we do and don't do, it just isn't meant to be. I still have major 'what if...' issues about my beloved Suilven who we had pts after a short illness at the start of the year but in the end we never truly know what could have happened differently and we owe it to them to remember them with love and smiles not bitterness and regrets.

Not easy I know but you gave Rodney a brilliant life and cared for him in his illness and that's the most we can do for any creature and any new friend you have for Billy will be spoilt rotten and given the best chance at a happy life with you. Life is a constant challenge and even if we do everything right sometimes things don't turn out as we expect so a new piggy needs to be a fresh start for them and you .... Huge hugs. I know how hard it is to lose a piggy and the stress of bladder issues ( it's all go on that front in our house too). I hope it becomes easier in time....

 

[Freela]

Just all still worries me, I the end I believe it was the medications that killed Rodney - all too much for his little organs.

I know I still have a lot of guilt from when Frenzy passed. I still wonder if she might have lived if I had known more and if I had switched vets sooner. I was a relatively new owner, did not understand the severity of her problem going in, and I really think the vet who treated her did not have the expertise and knowledge to handle her problem but didn't tell me that. He advertised himself as treating small animals and exotics, but I can tell you that the vet I have now is fifty times more knowledgeably and experienced with guinea pigs, and will flat-out tell me if something is beyond his expertise and offer to refer me on. The vet who treated Frenzy just took my money and did the best he could... but the best he could wasn't that great, and she paid the price. I still wonder to this day if she would still be here if only I had found my current vet sooner. ((HUGS.)) I hope it gets easier. Sorry to go on about my own life and my own pigs, but I feel for you so much because I know what it's like.

 

[PAMELAKT]

Thank you.... Another thing pathetically putting me off is my mother, she thinks it's great I only have one now as I can go to a smaller cage. It's all about how the house looks to her & I am moving to my new flat soon which of course will look better cage free. Dreading her disapproving comments if I get another! 34 years old and still affected by mummy. Pathetic eh!

I feel so bad for Billy. But everytime I think I'll do it, I think oh god I can't someone will get ill Billy is almost 3, etc etc. I go around in circles with it.
Maybe I will think clearer when I move.

 

[Freela]

LOL, I'm 37 and my mother still gets to me some days! Give it some time. I think if you get some time and space to grieve your head will be clearer!

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I can fully understand why you are feeling the way you are, but just felt I needed to add to this.

Doing the job I do, and dealing with poorly piggies every day of my life, means I have gone through loss many times. I know many people probably think I can stay detached or that I have become hardened to it, but let me tell you, my heart breaks a little more with every piggy I lose, whether it be a permanent sanctuary resident or a temporary one. When you spend hours and hours, day and night, providing supportive care for an animal, you can't help but become very involved and the love you feel for them grows and grows. However, I truly believe that we get nothing in this life for free. We are privileged to share our lives with these wonderful furry friends, and we get as much love back as we put in. The pain we feel when we lose them is sadly the price we have to pay for all the wonderful times we have with them.

The fact you are so heartbroken is because you had such a wonderful bond with your little man. He was an incredibly lucky piggy to be part of your life. You have so much love in your heart, please don't let it be wasted. There are so many piggies (and other animals) out there who go through life never knowing love. You will never forget Rodney, but please let another piggy into your heart and make a big difference to his/her life.

 

[Pebble]

I can fully understand why you are feeling the way you are, but just felt I needed to add to this.

Doing the job I do, and dealing with poorly piggies every day of my life, means I have gone through loss many times. I know many people probably think I can stay detached or that I have become hardened to it, but let me tell you, my heart breaks a little more with every piggy I lose, whether it be a permanent sanctuary resident or a temporary one. When you spend hours and hours, day and night, providing supportive care for an animal, you can't help but become very involved and the love you feel for them grows and grows. However, I truly believe that we get nothing in this life for free. We are privileged to share our lives with these wonderful furry friends, and we get as much love back as we put in. The pain we feel when we lose them is sadly the price we have to pay for all the wonderful times we have with them.

The fact you are so heartbroken is because you had such a wonderful bond with your little man. He was an incredibly lucky piggy to be part of your life. You have so much love in your heart, please don't let it be wasted. There are so many piggies (and other animals) out there who go through life never knowing love. You will never forget Rodney, but please let another piggy into your heart and make a big difference to his/her life.

^^^^^ This!

It's tough, challenging and difficult to look after sick piggies and, given all the efforts you made for lovely Rodders, sadly it didn't end the way you hoped and your wee lad has gone to The Bridge. I'm so sorry you didn't have a better outcomee for Rodders.

BUT...I can assure you that you did your absolute best for your weeman Rodders and you have nothing to blame yourself for.

I can offer you sincere hugs.....you did everything right by your boy.....but nothing I can say is going to take away the pain of the fact he has left you. However - as bad as it may seem right now.....please don;t let your experience put you off finding a solution for Billy.

And as for "Mothers" - that is a different subject! My own mother has repeatedly asked me to "euthaniase" ALL MY 14 guinea pigs (because they don't "fit in" with her understanding of the world or of me her daughter). I have now reached a position where I no longer care or "let her views" affect me....it's taken me a long time but you have to be strong and get the best support around you from whatever external sources.

Sending you lots of positive vibes and healing wheeks...chin up Hun - it' been a rough couple of months for you an I am wishing you all the best.
x