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Possible Urolithiasis Or Mineralization Of Uterus For My Guinea Pig

Oreo&Coco

Oreo&Coco

Junior Guinea Pig
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Oreo has a long history of UTI and Cystitis in the past few years. She displayed the symptom again about two weeks ago. There is no sign of improvement (ie. decrease appetite, blood in her urine, losing weight) after a 10-day course of antibiotics. We visited the vet and had X-ray yesterday. I have attached the report from the Radiologist and the recommendation from the vet.

The recommendation is: Abdominal ultrasound to confirm urolithiasis or further characterize the location and character of the mineralized structure in the caudal abdomen. If a discrete urolith is confirmed, cystotomy should be considered for removal. Ovariohysterectomy should also be considered if abdominal surgery is performed as a prophylactic measure.

To be honest, we really cannot afford the ultrasound and the surgery. She is still quite active except for squealing (when urinating) and blood in her urine. She is now taking the second course of antibiotics and metacam. We are hand feeding her with Oxbow critical care powder to make sure she doesn't has an empty stomach. We just want to prolong her life with less pain as possible. The last thing we want to do is to put her to sleep if we run out of options. Any thoughts?
 

Attachments

Without the surgery, what option does Oreo has?
 
Am not overly familiar with the veterinary terms, do they mean a bladder stone? Or an ovarian cyst? Or both? My Maud had a history of bladder sludge and needed regular bladder flushes plus an emergency spay due to the infection tracking to her uterus. If it is stone and and she is affected by it, the only option would be surgery to remove it, though I think some people on here have experience of medications to try to make the stone break up so it is easier to pass.
 
helen105281 said:
Am not overly familiar with the veterinary terms, do they mean a bladder stone? Or an ovarian cyst? Or both? My Maud had a history of bladder sludge and needed regular bladder flushes plus an emergency spay due to the infection tracking to her uterus. If it is stone and and she is affected by it, the only option would be surgery to remove it, though I think some people on here have experience of medications to try to make the stone break up so it is easier to pass.
Click to expand...

According to the Radiologist report, they are not 100% sure whether the stone is in her bladder or ovary. That's why they suggest an ultrasound to locate the stone and then perform the surgery.
 
I would go for the ultrasound then and see where it shows it to be. I think you are looking at surgery either way though.
 
helen105281 said:
I would go for the ultrasound then and see where it shows it to be. I think you are looking at surgery either way though.
Click to expand...

We are thinking if we cannot afford the surgery then there is no point to perform the ultrasound. The vet suggests Oreo to take metacam for long term to comfort her if we decided not to have the surgery.
 
Yes metacam is a good idea so she remains comfortable for as long as possible.
 
Does anyone know where I can purchase Metacam online? As recommended by the vet, Oreo has to take Metacam for long term to comfort her. The vet is charging us US$22 for 5 doses. I assume it will be cheaper in long run if I can purchase in bulk order.

The Metacam dosage is 1.5mg/ml. Oreo is taking 0.25ml once a day. By the way, is there any side effect for Metacam? Thanks in advance.
 
I only know uk sites but we do have some US members on here. You could also ask on Guinea Lynx. You would need a prescription from the vet though.
 
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