Older guinea pig suddenly ill w/ orange urine

[Haku]

My guinea pig Haku is around 6 years old. For about a week now I’ve begun noticing orange urine in the guinea pigs’ page and assumed it was due to feeding them too much red bell pepper, but I stopped feeding it and the urine didn’t improve. I’ve attached a picture of an example—it doesn’t look to be blood since it doesn’t oxidize, I’ve had issues with blood in urine with a separate guinea pig and it doesn’t look similar.

He was perfectly active and eating normally in the past few days until I checked on him today—he currently isn’t moving much, seems to be in a lot of pain and keeps his head away from the light. He doesnt show interest in eating fresh vegetables so I syringe-fed him some critical care. He also looks to be straining to poop and there’s an ammonia smell coming from him even though the surrounding bedding smells normal. The weather has been getting colder recently so I’m wondering if that could’ve affected his immune system and made him ill.

I’m aware his lethargy and refusal to eat are both urgent issues. The vets are closed right now, but I’m looking to get him looked at first thing in the morning—In the meantime, has anyone had guinea pigs with similar symptoms and if so, what was their diagnosis/outcome? I’m thinking it could be a uti caused by the cold weather or maybe kidney issues due to his age.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this.

These symptoms could be any number of things but only a vet can diagnose.

All we can advise is that you switch from the routine weekly weight checks and instead weigh him daily (each morning) so that you can more closely monitor hay intake. If they are unwell they tend to not eat enough hay which then causes weight loss. It’s important you syringe feed at least 60ml of critical care per day to replace any lose hay intake (not eating veg doesn’t matter per se, it’s hay intake when is vital, but not eating veg does show a lack of appetite and by the time they stop wanting veg, they usually haven’t been eating enough hay for several days before that).

I hope he is ok

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

 

[Haku]

I’m sorry to hear this.

These symptoms could be any number of things but only a vet can diagnose.

All we can advise is that you switch from the routine weekly weight checks and instead weigh him daily (each morning) so that you can more closely monitor hay intake. If they are unwell they tend to not eat enough hay which then causes weight loss. It’s important you syringe feed at least 60ml of critical care per day to replace any lose hay intake (not eating veg doesn’t matter per se, it’s hay intake when is vital, but not eating veg does show a lack of appetite and by the time they stop wanting veg, they usually haven’t been eating enough hay for several days before that).

I hope he is ok

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

He unfortunately passed away this morning before the vets opened
I wish I’d taken the symptoms more seriously earlier. Most online info about orange urine says it isn’t a concern but it was definitely a sign of illness in his case

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry. Popcorn high over the bridge gorgeous Haku.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm so sorry to hear that

 

[DavRz]

Very sorry to hear your sweet boy has passed ..RIP Haku

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS)) to you. It's always so hard to say goodbye.

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Sleep well, little one