Kidney Failure?

[guinea_pig_gal]

I've had a piggy (Blossom) ill for a few weeks. Blossom has been in pain when urinating, so I had her on Baytril, when that didn't work, my vet put her on Septrin, but I couldn't leave her on it a full week knowing she wasn't improving, so took her back to my vet. An x-ray showed three stones, two which were removed under anaesthetic, the other she passed herself. Blossom was still on Septrin and Metacam, but I became concerned as she was still in pain a couple of days later. My vet said to get more water and syringe food in her, (as Blossom's also struggling to eat, but my vet checked the teeth, she does have small spurs on the front teeth and her tongue is a bit sore one side) but I still wasn't happy two days later. I now have Blossom booked in for another anaesthetic to check the bladder as it is thickened and my vet isn't sure if it's more than scar tissue. I've also instructed her to take a blood sample (risky as its from main vein in the neck) to check for kidney failure. I thought that if her teeth needed doing, then maybe the lack of fluids wasn't flushing her bladder through, but as I'm administering food and fluids several times a day, I'm at a loss as to what else I can do. I feel horrible listening to her in pain, she's losing weight, and has no quality of life. I don't want her PTS, but if her kidneys are failing and she's in pain, I feel I'm being cruel. Is there anything else I can do for her?

 

[1GuineaPig1]

I'm sorry about that... I would suggest testing for kidney failure, and if that doesn't work, I'm sorry, but you might have to let her go. When the vet knows what's wrong with her, they'll tell you what to do. Again, very sorry.

 

[Tbag]

Oh dear, I'm very sorry you're going through this with Blossom but it sounds like you are doing all you can and are being very thorough with diagnosis.

The blood test will confirm whether you're dealing with kidney failure or not and whilst it's risky if your vet is confident to go ahead its a good sign. I've had two ill pigs get blood tests done and be absolutely fine.

If you are dealing with kidney failure the. You need to concentrate on quality of life. You could try switching to Tramadol which is a opiate based pain reliever whereas metacam is more of an anti-inflammatory which won't be as effective if kidney failure is the case.

If it's not kidney failure you could be looking at cystitis which can be treated or managed with a variety of options including metacam and glucosamine/cystease. You could also try a different antibiotic to septrin.

It's good you've removed stones and that she managed to pass one herself. You could try reducing the amount of calcium in her diet (if you haven't already) to minimise recurring stones and slushy calcium build up.

One final note based on my recent experience with Tango's kidney faillure is that if she is diagnosed with it then it doesn't mean the end right away of you can manage her condition. We had just over a month with Tango from the time of his diagnosis where he lived quite comfortably taking tramadol, glucosamine, septrin and fibreplex as he was also experiencing digestive trouble. We removed calcium high food from his diet completely, fed oats to maintain weight and syringed at least 20ml extra fluid into him daily.

Good luck to you and Blossom!

 

[Tbag]

Sorry just read my post back and its riddled with phone related typos - sorry about that!

 

[guinea_pig_gal]

That's ok, appreciate the reply. Blossom was on Baytril, then Veraflox, now Septrin. I don't give any of my piggies high calcium-typed food. I will ask vet about Tramadol, etc. Thank you for your advice.E="Tbag, post: 1627900, member: 12414"]Sorry just read my post back and its riddled with phone related typos - sorry about that![/QUOTE]
Thsts

 

[guinea_pig_gal]

I'm sorry about that... I would suggest testing for kidney failure, and if that doesn't work, I'm sorry, but you might have to let her go. When the vet knows what's wrong with her, they'll tell you what to do. Again, very sorry.

Thank you.