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Possibly Diabetic?

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LeahsPiggies

LeahsPiggies

Teenage Guinea Pig
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One of my girls is 6 years old now, and she has had some symptoms for a while now that I thought I'd take further and research on - these include

- excessive thirst
- excessive urination
- lost around 200g although she eats fine
- obviously an older Piggie so more prone
- developing slight cataracts
- has had a history of cystitis but doesn't have it now, or hasn't had it for a couple of years.

Other than these symptoms she is absolutely fine. She acts normal and just like my other two girls. It does alarm me that she drinks and urinates more than my other two girls put together.

My question is, what can be done for her? She isn't in any pain or discomfort from what I can observe. I am just curious on people's opinions or experiences.
 
Have your vet actually checked her glycose levels, either urine or blood?

A friend's pig was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and they did do blood work once and urine tests at least 5 times to make sure the diagnosis is proper. After that, they had to understand whether she is type 1 or type 2 diabetic (she's type 2, and is 5 and a half years old). If I were you, I'd have the tests done just to rule out anything serious.
 
RosieMaia said:
Have your vet actually checked her glycose levels, either urine or blood?

A friend's pig was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and they did do blood work once and urine tests at least 5 times to make sure the diagnosis is proper. After that, they had to understand whether she is type 1 or type 2 diabetic (she's type 2, and is 5 and a half years old). If I were you, I'd have the tests done just to rule out anything serious.
Click to expand...

She has had no reason to go to the vet in a while so she's had no tests done. I was wondering if it would be worth taking her as she's absolutely fine in herself. I will have to book an appointment though!
 
Well, I usually take the pigs to see their vet if I suspect something may be wrong, even if it's just for some peace of mind. But I'm lucky in having access to both excellent and affordable vet care hence the price for tests is never ever a concern. I understand this may not be always the case in the UK - I've seen hundreds of pounds mentioned for even standard procedures like Xrays and ultrasounds.
 
I think that @Claire W has a diabetic pig and so she may be able to explain the diagnosis and care she opted for?
@pig in the city may also have some thoughts?

If you don't necessarily link all the symptoms, the weight loss and big drinking/ weeing could suggest kidney failure? I would be looking at wee tests and maybe blood test at vets especially with that amount of weight loss. Even if it doesn't give you definitive answers, it might guide you on whether pain relief needed and whether metacam suitable or not as she ages.
 
Thank you @lauraboara Yes, my Ellen was diagnosed with diabetes last October at just 7 months old.

I first realised that something wasn't quite right when I noticed she was glued to the water bottle. I tested her urine at home which revealed high glucose levels in her urine so off to the vets we went with a urine sample.

There, my vet tested her urine which revealed the high glucose and Ellen was given a quick blood test which consisted of a pin prick behind her ear. Sadly, the blood test revealed high blood sugar levels (high glucose in her blood) which confirmed diabetes.

It wasn't as bad as I originally thought though as you hear so many horror stories.

Ellen straight away started a diabetic diet which consisted of low sugar / low carbohydrate veg and no fruit to be fed at all. After advise from @pig in the city and @Glynis who have both had diabetic piggies in the past, I just changed Ellen's diet. She now only eats bell pepper (apart from red as it is higher in sugar), cucumber, lettuces (apart from iceberg) coriander, dill, fresh grass, dandelions and limited nuggets. Foods such as carrot and sweetcorn and all fruits including tomatoes should be avoided.

Ellen went back to the vets two weeks after being diagnosed and after changing her diet, she no longer had high glucose levels in her urine and her excessive thirst had stopped so my vet saw no reason to conduct another blood test.

Since then, Ellen has been absolutely fine although we are still feeding her the diabetic diet.

It is however important to point out that high glucose levels in urine isn't a firm diagnosis for diabetes as other factors can contribute to the results. Only a blood test can confirm diabetes.
 
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I agree with the above posts, a vet visit is definitely needed. I suspect that kidney failure is the more likely diagnosis in an older piggy. Urine and blood tests will probably be needed to get a firm diagnosis. Hope you get some answers soon
 
Hi yes I'd be going to vets @LeahsPiggies
Diagnosis is required to confirm diabetes. My girl Velvet was diagnosed by urine and blood tests.
After she was confirmed I changed her diet.
Food diet is pretty effective. Offer more hay too. Check what pellets you are using too some are higher in sugars. Oxbow make one that is good for diabetics.
I used to check Velves weight and urine weekly (more often if sick or I felt there were changes)
More than happy to exchange messages if I can be of any support.
 
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