Pretty Sure Barney Has A Uti

[AbiS]

I think Barney must have a UTI as he is passing blood in his urine. He has also lost weight but I'm not sure if that is a symptom of illness or because I have had them on a bit of a diet. Barney has always been heavier than Toby but he is now 60g less than him. He is eating, drinking and behaving as normal.

Questions i have:

1. do I need to take a urine sample to vets, if so how far in advance can I collect it?
2. Which antibiotics are best for UTI?
3. Does Barney need a probiotic if on antibiotics? Do I get that from the vet?
4. Is there anything else I should be doing?

 

[sport_billy]

Hi abi, sorry if this rushed on tablet

Try and get one as close to apt time as soon as possible and keep in fridge
Septrin is good for UTI's and pigs like taste too so easy to give
Probiotics either poo soup or something like avi pro plus
I would ask for some meta am too acts as painkiller and anti inflammatory

If blood doesn't clear up ask for X-ray to rule out stones etc...

Let us know how he gets on, sending lots of love and vibes
X

 

[AbiS]

Hi abi, sorry if this rushed on tablet

Try and get one as close to apt time as soon as possible and keep in fridge
Septrin is good for UTI's and pigs like taste too so easy to give
Probiotics either poo soup or something like avi pro plus
I would ask for some meta am too acts as painkiller and anti inflammatory

If blood doesn't clear up ask for X-ray to rule out stones etc...

Let us know how he gets on, sending lots of love and vibes
X

Thanks SB, hope all is well with you and yours x

 

[DM030819]

Questions i have:

1. do I need to take a urine sample to vets, if so how far in advance can I collect it?
2. Which antibiotics are best for UTI?
3. Does Barney need a probiotic if on antibiotics? Do I get that from the vet?
4. Is there anything else I should be doing?

1. A sample would be helpful. Put him in a nice, clean and dry bowl or basket and wait till he pees. Collect it in a syringe or a small clean bottle.
I sit my pigs in my plastic washing basket with some hay and a bit of veg and wait until they pee.
As close as possible to the vet appointment would be good but any is better than none. The vet can try to get a sample out of him at the appointment so try not to worry.

2. Septrin is the best for the job but my vet has also used Sulfatrim.

3. Yes to probiotics. A vet can give you some, or you can get ProC from Pets at Home. Mix a bit with water and syringe it to him about 1.5 hours after the antibiotic.

4. Be wary about him being in pain and ask for Metacam if that helps. Monitor his food intake as sometimes antibiotics (usually Baytril) messes with their tums and they don't want to eat. Weighing him daily too will help identify if something isn't quite right too. If he doesn't seem better in a week or so take him back and ask for an xray as it could be bladder stones.
I always find it helpful to house them on light coloured bedding like Vetbed or towels when I'm watching for blood as it's easier to see.

 

[AbiS]

@Jaycey great info, thank you

 

[AbiS]

The vet was immediately concerned about sludge as there was sediment in the sample I took in. Rather than starting antibiotics immediately he wants Barney to have an X-ray tomorrow. I'm starting to feel really worried about him now.

 

[DM030819]

Try not to worry, seeing sludge isn't a death sentence.

Some pigs pee out sludge and have no further issues. Some have bladder stones and need surgery.

I have a pig who has had 2 bladder stone surgeries and he's still going strong 2 years later.

 

[Flutterby]

Sending lots of healing vibes x

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Sludge doesn't necessarily mean stones; one of mine has always done really chalky wees, I've always been concerned regarding stones as I have had 2 females pass small ones in the past. However when she was x-rayed & had an ultrasound scan done recently for suspected heart failure, no stones or grit were found in her bladder etc.

 

[AbiS]

Phew! It's just a UTI! He needs to have septrin for 2 weeks and has been given metacam. They had run out of probiotics but get said they weren't really necessary as septrin tends not to upset their tummy unlike other antibiotics. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[DM030819]

Baytril is the usual one that causes upset but Septrin can too.

You can either see how he goes, or pop into Pets at Home and get some Pro-C (a yellow tub).

 

[AbiS]

Baytril is the usual one that causes upset but Septrin can too.

You can either see how he goes, or pop into Pets at Home and get some Pro-C (a yellow tub).

If I was seeing how he goes what would be the indicators that he does need it? He is a very feisty boy and I think I will have a battle to get 2 meds into him so might like to try to avoid a 3rd if possible - I like intact fingers!

 

[Adelle]

If I was seeing how he goes what would be the indicators that he does need it? He is a very feisty boy and I think I will have a battle to get 2 meds into him so might like to try to avoid a 3rd if possible - I like intact fingers!

If he gets any form of digestive upset I.e soft poos, mishapen poos, lack of poos/bloat or is digging around other pigs bums for their healthy droppings then he will need probiotics.

I give them 1.5 hours after each antibiotic dose as standard practice- better to avoid a problem than risk one happening in the first place.

Most pigs love pro-c when adding a pinch to 1ml of water and syringing.. So you'll probably find it won't be a fight for that one! Any pig Iv gave it to tries to break the syringe when having it haha

 

[AbiS]

@Adelle thank you!

I managed to get his first dose in tonight by slipping it in the side of his mouth while he munched on carrot - I think he will be getting a lot of treats over the next couple of weeks! Will get pro-biotic tomorrow, not able to this afternoon as the baby needed a nap but should manage to get to a pets st home tomorrow.