Kidney Infection I hope!

[Sarah from Chucklebunnies]

I took Carmina to the vets because she was a bit lethargic, eating and drinking ok, and seemed to be the wrong shape to me - just a bit. I thought I was being over protective but I'm glad I did. She is now on antibiotics for a week and I am praying that it is an infection and not anything worse.
Two things really worry me - are there any foods I should be avoiding or any that I should be feeding? The vet suggested cranberries, but nothing else. I will get some of those tomorrow - the unsweetened sort - and also some banana because Carmina will probably get loose stools from the antibiotics and need extra potassium. If anyone has any suggestions about food to give or avoid I would be very glad to hear them.
The second thing is that it was so hidden, but the kidney was very large indeed when the vet isolated it with his fingers and showed me what he meant. I took pictures to try and show what I mean - her shape has gone from normal piggie to very narrow front with skinny front legs and a suddenly wide, quite firm tummy. She is also slightly lopsided, which is easier to feel than see. But it's really quite hidden.




The second picture is taken from above - I carefully put her back feet and her front feet on an even line. So you may be able to see the difference in shape. I hope this is helpful to others.
To be honest, I am very very worried. She has been eating, which is very good. I'm keping everything crossed.
Sarah

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Sorry to hear she is poorly. Did the vet give you probiotics to give alongside the antibiotics? She'll need these to restore the balance in her guts. You can get BioLapis / AviPro plus, both are ok and you can buy them online or your vet should be able to provide them.

Watch her fluid intake, and also pop her on the scales if you haven't already so that you can keep an eye on her weight.

She does look a funny shape, sorry I can't help more than that but I do hope she's ok

Sophie
x

 

[MemberY]

That is good advice from Sophie about the pro biotics, give 2 hours after the antibiotic via a 1 or 2 ml syringe. They do like it as it is sweet so not usually a problem giving it. Did he check her urine at all? if she isnt a good drinker, extra water by syringe can help flush out nasties.

Sending positive vibes for her x

 

[Sarah from Chucklebunnies]

Drinking...

I have been watching her like a hawk. She is drinking, but not as much as I'd like. The probiotics is a very good idea, I shall get some.
Sarah

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Ovarian cysts are very commonly diagnosed as enlarged kidneys. It looks far more like a cystic issue, given the shape of her. Place your hands under her belly, fingertips touching. First gently palpate, then roll your thumbs on top of her body, just beneath her ribcage. If it cysts, especially ones that large, you are likely to be able to feel them rolling under your thumbs.

A kidney infection is very possible, but to me, looking at her shape, I would be inclined to check for ovarian cysts.

 

[Sarah from Chucklebunnies]

Painful

Thankyou very much indeed for the explanation of looking for cysts.

I followed your directions CCC4, with great care. We had a bit of calm talking together before she was happy with the hands under her tummy and she is normally very sanguine. Then when I tried to feel with thumbs it quite obviously hurt. She didn't bite - this one is too polite - but she really told me! That means that I have no idea about cysts as I didn't want to hurt her to find out. But I can report that she is responding to the antibiotic - she's had 3 big doses now, a vet's injection and two lots of 0.4 ml from me - and her general behaviour is better, better appetite too. So I am very hopeful that she's on the mend!

Sarah - living in hope!