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Poorly piggy - advice/experience?

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Hemmy

Hemmy

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi guys.

About 2 weeks ago I noticed Mabel started to pass orange/red urine. At first I thought that there was blood in the urine, but there were no particles/bits and when it dried it did not separate as I though blood in urine usually does.

I kept a close eye on her and put the colour change down to dehydration, as she was still acting, eating and drinking as normal. I increased the amount of liquid she took in by feeding more cucumber and fresh vegetables. Some days the urine has been normal, and others it is a dark orange or red.

However, over the last few days Mable has been uncomfortable and has begun squeaking when she goes to the toilet.

She is seeing the vet tonight at 5:15, and I wanted to ask everyone some questions:

1) Does this sound like a UTI to you guys (this is what I think the problem is).
2) Does anyone have any experiences with treatment of UTIs?
3) Does anyone have any tips for the vet, as this is the first (and hopefully last) appointment I have had to take her to. (I plan on taking all 3 pigs as they have never been apart.)

Thank you.
 
I would say this is a urinary tract infection. It is best to take a guinea pig to the vet right away when their urine is red. You are doing the right thing by taking her to the vet. She will be given antibiotics to take for two weeks and it should then be cured.
 
Hello, sorry to hear your piggy is unwell.

yes what PF says is correct, any blood in urine really should be checked out straight away.

Ask you vet to try and gently manipulate/feel her bladder as well, a good vet can normally feel any abnormalities in the bladder such as swelling or stones.

They will probably give you a course of Baytril (anti biotic) and Metacam (pain killer/anti inflammaroty). You will need to give her a pro biotic as well while shes on these as the baytril can upset the natural gut flora.

Healing wheeks from me and the boys x
 
I know the vet will tell me when they prescribe the medication, but how are the medicines you mentioned administered? Want to read up as much as possible so I'm able to give them to her properly.
 
UTI is most likely. Please ask for septrin (US bactrim) in preference to baytril. Make sure that you get at least a 3 weeks course; UTIs can be persistent and can make a comeback if the dose is too low and/or the dose to short. Make sure that you see a good vet. General vets often scale down from bigger animals and do not take into consideration the far high metabolic rate of guinea pigs.

Always ask for a probiotic to be given with any antibiotic; many vets are not aware how vital it is to keep the guts going.

A urine test will give clarity - blood and a high level of protein will indicate an infection. If bladder stones come into play, always ask for an x-ray; just palpitating the bladder won't be enough.

Here is more information: http://www.guinealynx.info/uti.html
 
first_time_piggie_mum said:
They will probably give you a course of Baytril (anti biotic) and Metacam (pain killer/anti inflammaroty). You will need to give her a pro biotic as well while shes on these as the baytril can upset the natural gut flora.
Click to expand...

Just got back from the vets, these are exactly what I've been given.
No bladder stones and other than being VERY scared by the dogs in the waiting room all went okay.

How do I give her a probiotic?
 
Hi Hemmy

What dosage and length of course did they give Mabel?

I use Vetark Pro C Probiotic, (its in a yellow tub with a white lid) which I bought at a pet shop, cant remember which one but it wasnt Pets at Home, although I am sure they will have something similar.

I sprinkled it on Ginos morning veggies while he was on the Baytril, and the Septrin (as they Baytril didnt shift his UTI). It does say that you can add it to their water, but I wouldnt do that as any change in taste may discourage her from drinking. And in this heat and the fact that she needs plenty of fluids, isnt a good idea to add to water. In the tub there is a scoop, I used to sprinkle 1/4 of a scoop, and that was ok for Gino.

Let us know how shes getting on. xx>>>
 
0.4ml of Baytril twice a day for 10 days.
0.4ml of Metcam once a day for 10 days.
 
Update on Mabel

Hi guys, just to let you know Mabel has perked up considerably today. Shes been popcorning and chasing around with her two sisters and I feel so much better knowing shes not in any more discomfort. No red urine today so fingers crossed we're getting on top of her UTI.
 
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