Rectal bleeding, no other symptoms (male pig, 4-5 yrs)

[weepiggy]

I have merged your new posts back in with your original thread. We do ask they members keep to one thread for one issue, that way all background is together which makes advising much easier.

To find your own threads to enable you to continue commenting on that thread, please click on the three lines at the top of the screen then choose ‘your threads’

Thank you! I couldn't understand why the post kept disappearing and I'm already stressed as it is ^^;;

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

If the red urine returns, it is either not an infection or it is a non-bacterial urinary tract infection (sterile cystitis). It can be temporarily suppressed by an antibiotic in its milder to medium forms (most piggies have some faecal bacteria in their urinary tract, seeing that the tiny scent gland is located right in front of the genitalia) but sterile cystitis cannot be cured by it and will come back up.

Or it could be an altogether different issue that could be located in the gut if you are seeing sheer blood drops and not reddish urine and stones anywhere in the urinary tract have been excluded.
You can find more information on sterile cystitis (which is now the most common urinary tract infection in pet guinea pigs) in this link here: Wiebke's Guide to Pees and Stones

I assume that your vet has palpitated (felt) the bladder for potential stones on your previous visit and has already excluded this aspect? They may want to make sure that there are also no stones in any part from the kidneys downwards.

Please contact the clinic again. All the best.

 

[weepiggy]

Hi

If the red urine returns, it is either not an infection or it is a non-bacterial urinary tract infection (sterile cystitis). It can be temporarily suppressed by an antibiotic in its milder to medium forms (most piggies have some faecal bacteria in their urinary tract, seeing that the tiny scent gland is located right in front of the genitalia) but sterile cystitis cannot be cured by it and will come back up.

Or it could be an altogether different issue that could be located in the gut if you are seeing sheer blood drops and not reddish urine and stones anywhere in the urinary tract have been excluded.
You can find more information on sterile cystitis (which is now the most common urinary tract infection in pet guinea pigs) in this link here: Wiebke's Guide to Pees and Stones

I assume that your vet has palpitated (felt) the bladder for potential stones on your previous visit and has already excluded this aspect? They may want to make sure that there are also no stones in any part from the kidneys downwards.

Please contact the clinic again. All the best.

I found a patch in his cage where he urinated that was clear, but there is what looks to me like pure blood in the cage elsewhere, the same as in the previous photos I posted in this thread.

The vet did palpitate and said he didn't feel any obstructions at all, but there was a little discomfort with pressure on the bladder, at the time. I don't know if this is still the case. I intend to take him back when I can (it will have to be the start of the week) and have an x-ray done, and then go from there. One thing I have noticed is that it doesn't seem like Merry is urinating more than usual. In fact, it seems like he's urinating less. There is a little chirping when he urinates - sometimes - although his appetite isn't decreased at all. He will happily and eagerly eat anything brought his way.

The vet told me that if the blood is fresh and bright in colour that it wouldn't be coming from the gut.

 

[Wiebke]

I found a patch in his cage where he urinated that was clear, but there is what looks to me like pure blood in the cage elsewhere, the same as in the previous photos I posted in this thread.

The vet did palpitate and said he didn't feel any obstructions at all, but there was a little discomfort with pressure on the bladder, at the time. I don't know if this is still the case. I intend to take him back when I can (it will have to be the start of the week) and have an x-ray done, and then go from there. One thing I have noticed is that it doesn't seem like Merry is urinating more than usual. In fact, it seems like he's urinating less. There is a little chirping when he urinates - sometimes - although his appetite isn't decreased at all. He will happily and eagerly eat anything brought his way.

The vet told me that if the blood is fresh and bright in colour that it wouldn't be coming from the gut.

No, I don't expect the gut (or rather a rip in the anus that is getting reopened) to be cause. It is more likely that the problem is connected to the urinary tract. I just want to cover all bases I can think of. Whatever it is, it seems to be on the milder side so far.

Please switch to monitoring the food intake by weighing daily (instead of weekly) on your kitchen scales; ideally first thing in the morning when the weight is lowest for best day to day comparison. Over three quarters of the daily food intake is grass fibre (hay/fresh grass), which you cannot control by eye so your piggy can lose a lot of weight very quickly without you noticing if he is still eating his veg...
Here is more practical information on the various monitoring methods and what each does and does not: Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

All the best.

 

[weepiggy]

No, I don't expect the gut (or rather a rip in the anus that is getting reopened) to be cause. It is more likely that the problem is connected to the urinary tract. I just want to cover all bases I can think of. Whatever it is, it seems to be on the milder side so far.

Please switch to monitoring the food intake by weighing daily (instead of weekly) on your kitchen scales; ideally first thing in the morning when the weight is lowest for best day to day comparison. Over three quarters of the daily food intake is grass fibre (hay/fresh grass), which you cannot control by eye so your piggy can lose a lot of weight very quickly without you noticing if he is still eating his veg...
Here is more practical information on the various monitoring methods and what each does and does not: Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

All the best.

I wasn't aware about the fresh grass. So that's just grass from the garden washed well and given to him? And I should do that daily? Merry hasn't bled since this morning but one thing I'll say is that he's ravenous! I gave him two leaves of romaine lettuce, less than a quarter of a yellow pepper, and two slices of cucumber. He's hanging out of his cage wheeking for more food. I'm not sure what to do!

 

[Wiebke]

I wasn't aware about the fresh grass. So that's just grass from the garden washed well and given to him? And I should do that daily? Merry hasn't bled since this morning but one thing I'll say is that he's ravenous! I gave him two leaves of romaine lettuce, less than a quarter of a yellow pepper, and two slices of cucumber. He's hanging out of his cage wheeking for more food. I'm not sure what to do!

Hi

Be careful when introducing grass as it can cause fatal bloating. In guinea pigs with potential bloating or sterile cystitis issues, it is not what we recommend.

The bloating angle is obvious whereas in sterile cystitis any new food can trigger a very strong new flare up so you have to go very, very, very slowly with the usual mix of fresh food. Personally, I would wait until you have a better idea as what is actually going on.

Please take the time to read this link here: Fresh Grass and Lawn Time - Tips for Avoiding Spring Time Deaths

 

[weepiggy]

Update On Merry

Thank you all for your kind advice and care. I took Merry this morning for an x-ray and the vet found crystals in his bladder. She informed me that these would progress into stones if they weren’t treated. I had already made the decision not to proceed with surgery as Merry is older and I don’t want to put him through something like that, especially with the risks that accompany it.

They called me to tell me the results and I chose not to go back to the vet to say goodbye. I feel terrible for choosing not to, but I fell apart as soon as I realised I’d be losing my baby. Part of me regrets it, but part of me is relieved to be spared to heartache. I didn’t want to remember Merry’s last moment with me holding him to my face and sobbing. I gave him cuddles this morning before I took him to the vet. I just didn’t say goodbye.

I collected his paw prints and fur later. I’m just hoping someone can reassure me that I didn’t fail him by not going back to hold him one last time and say goodbye. The vet said he was still sedated from the x-ray and wouldn’t have known I was there anyway. I can’t stop blaming myself.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

Hugs!

Please don't blame yourself. In my experience, holding my guineas one last time and saying goodbye was more for me than my guineas. You felt you didn't need that or even that it wouldn't have been helpful for you at all and then you followed through on what was best for you. I presume your vet is speaking the truth on sedation and that Merry would not have noticed you holding him that final time. He's at peace now, no more pain.

RIP Merry. Have fun beyond the rainbow with all the other guineas.

 

[Wiebke]

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry that you had to let Merry go in what were very traumatic circumstances for you.

You haven't failed him in any way but you have put his own welfare before your own pain and upset at all stages. That is the mark of a loving owner. And you are truly one!

What you are now experiencing is the normal reaction to it all. It would a miracle if you were not shaken to the core as it is all catching up with you right now.

I have answered more extensively on your support thread in our End of Life/Bereavement section.