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Is 18 months young to have bladder stones?

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Salt n Peppers mum

Salt n Peppers mum

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Hi everyone, as posted with my previous threads about on going problems with my boar Pepper, after his 2nd x-ray today the vet has picked up a bladder stone. :(
At least now I know whats been going on for the last 5 months and have a confirmed diagnosises.

But he started his crying episodes when he was pee/pooing when he was 12 months old. Dont you think this is very young to start with this problem?

My other questioned is, if he has them young could it be possible he has a genetic disposition to getting them again quite quickly?

I am following the calcium/ph ratio (or trying to) with his veggies, he has a very small amount of Oxbow cavy (Tmothy based) too. And lots of fresh hay (dust free), and his other favourires including Orchard grass. I have never fed him spinach, kale.
I am going to pick Pepper up at 4pm today and the vet will be able to show me the x-ray.

Paula
 
Hi Paula,

Sorry to hear it is a stone, at least you know what has been going on with him. 12-18 months is young for stone issues, especially when you consider there are still people out there who advocate a diet rich in calcium for pigs up to 9-12 months.

Has he ever been a good drinker? Fluids are important to bladder health, so encouraging him to drink more water (by syringe, if needs be) will benefit him.

Continuing with the diet based on the calcium-phosphorus ratio is good. Switch to filtered water as well if you can, especially if you live in a hard water area.

Be sure to have some pain relief to hand, and the syringe-feeding basics so that you're prepared for the possibility that he's not up to eating due to the pain from his surgery.
 
I saw a vet once who said he didn't think one of my boys had stones because he was too old (4) and said if guinea pigs are going to get them, they get them before they're one year old!

Needless to say I haven't gone back to that vet since.

I sympathise completely as have just gone through two operations in past month with Charlie and he's still not right. Your pig does seem young for it. Fluids are really important, aim for about 45ml a day (I do 3 x 15ml every day) and add a bit of juice if need be.

Hope it all goes ok

Sarah x
 
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