Possible urinary infection or reproductive tract issue?

[cafecreme]

Hi, I noticed this morning first thing that Daisy (aged 1) was out of sorts. When I scattered biscuits, she came out of her hidey and ate maybe one or two, but then went back into her hidey. She usually LOVES her food and chases off the others (we have a quad). Over the next hour, she ate very little if anything, not even treat hay and stayed in her hidey. I noticed too there was some arching. We managed to see a general vet with guinea pig expertise at 11am. She was damp from wee when I put her in the carrier, and the vet noticed this as well. The wee in the carrier apparently looked normal (but this could be her companion, and also the vet didn't test it). The vet didn't feel anything in her abdomen. The vet prescribed meloxaid for pain and recovery plus liquid feed. I was told to mix the pain relief in food, but unfortunately I was given the wrong syringe and I don't know how much of the pain relief I got in her as it was an absolute mess (I later went back for the specialist syringe and it was much easier). I have now done three syringe feeds, she is not worse but also not better. She will take the syringe feed but isn't wildly happy about it. There have been a few nibbles on hay. She still smells of wee, I have tried to clean her up. We have a follow-up appointment on Tues with the general vet, who can refer to a hospital who do exotics. My working theory is that because of the wee and arching she may have some kind of urinary infection. I'm trying to figure out whether as she's stable we should wait it out til Tuesday on the current regimin or whether we should take her to the general out of hours service. The vet didn't say to stop giving veg, I can see that the syring feeding guide here says not to, but I wonder if a small bit of cucumber might help as I haven't seen her drinking. Thanks for reading, I am so grateful for this forum, it has been a huge source of help since we brought the pigs home.

 

[cafecreme]

An update on Daisy, in case this is helpful for anyone who has a similar issue

This morning she was loads better - came out for biscuits and had her share, and was eating and drinking. No arching or whimpering. We decided to give her the 24-hourly meloxaid anti-inflammatory pain medication but didn't feel the recovery feed by syringe was necessary (but gave a bit with it to make sure her tummy was lined). She was dry, and didn't smell of wee. She didn't protest when I checked, yesterday the area was very sensitive. Afterwards she was less good, a bit sleepy. Likely a side effect. The vet didn't give a lowered maintenance dose as per the patient info sheet (which was for dogs....), so maybe 0.17ml was too much.

I think it is a urinary issue as I changed bedding under the hideys last night and the ones where she was spending most time were really smelly, and not the usual smell. Usually they only wee around the edges of the cage.

This evening she's had veg and seems pretty much back to normal in terms of eating and drinking, maybe a little less energy, but if yesterday hadn't happened, I don't think I would notice a change. She came to the bars for her evening treat and at one point was on top of her castle hidey, munching hay.

Now the decision point is whether to keep the follow-up vet appointment on Tuesday - we'll see how she is in the morning.

We are so relieved she seems to be out of the woods, yesterday was scary.

I'm planning to order urinary treats to help prevent a reoccurance. They get dandelion anyway as I'm allowing some to grow in the garden for them, and dandelion root is a favourite treat.

 

[Merab]

Glad to hear that Daisy seems better. Sounds as if the meds are kicking in.
Personally, if it was one of my pigs I would keep the following up check, as much for reassurance as anything else.
It is your choice though as you know Daisy best and clearly act in her best interests.
Keep us posted

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m glad she seems brighter

I would also keep the follow up appointment.

Keep up with daily weight checks (each morning) so you can monitor food intake more closely (hay intake cannot be gauged by eye - so they can appear to be eating hay but it doesn’t mean it is enough to maintain weight).
You can return to the routine weekly weight checks once she is over the illness.

Guinea pigs can take and need surprisingly high doses of pain relief (the doses cats and dogs are given for their weights aren’t comparable to that which is needed for piggies) (they metabolise them differently to cats and dogs and that’s why 12 hourly doses can be needed for acute issues).

I’ve added our bladder guide in below as it details all the different issues piggies can face, along with their treatments
I hope she is ok

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support Levels
Wiebke's Guide to Pees and Stones

 

[Truffolo]

Thank you for sharing this with us. The anti inflammatory Meloxaid is usually very popular with guinea pigs who take it from the syringe very readily, even tugging on the syringe when it's finished. It is an effective pain killer and may be relieving her symptoms. The extra weeing may be from a stone or sludge build up and possibly a urinary infection. It is too soon to tell whether the problem has resolved, and after an episode of arching, pain and appetite loss, it is likely to return. if it does, she will need to see the vet promptly for diagnostics, which may include an X ray for stones and possibly a urine test. There is also the option of trying a guinea pig safe antibiotic to see if the symptoms resolve. It is great that she is more comfortable now and has regained her appetite, but my feeling is that this will not go away so easily. UTI's and stones and calcium sludge go hand in hand. It is better to start diagnostics now rather than waiting. It is usual to give dog Meloxaid as rodents metabolise this medication faster than cats and need the stronger version.

 

[Rescued One]

Glad to hear that Daisy seems better. Sounds as if the meds are kicking in.
Personally, if it was one of my pigs I would keep the following up check, as much for reassurance as anything else.
It is your choice though as you know Daisy best and clearly act in her best interests.
Keep us posted

I agree and would keep the follow-up appointment, because the anti-inflammatory may be masking symptoms. Better safe than sorry