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Spike the Guinea had surgery today, for stone in Ureter

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Andie Cotton-Berry

Junior Guinea Pig
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Good evening, fellow Guinea lovers. My sweet, 2year old house guinea had surgery today for a stone in his ureter. Unfortunately, the vet did not realise that was where it was located, and anticipated it being in his bladder, following an earlier ultra-sound, by a different vet at the practice. My guinea is presently at the vet, overnight. He'd had bloody wee for a day or so, a couple of weeks back, and we got him quickly on antibiotics and painkillers, for two weeks. He bounced back brilliantly, and has been back to his happy self. I took him for a check up today, and the vet recommended we operate today, whilst he was fit and well. The op took an hour and a half, and the vet had trouble finding the stone... he said.... and was explaining why my poor guinea is opened up all along his tummy - a good five inches! Has anyone else had this experience, and has their guinea pulled through? I can see Spike is fighting - he is just the best little guy ( has a spike from his head, down his back - like a gremlin :-) )and comes to his name, follows me, and my boys around the house etc. I am a human medic, so feel right now like I have let the little guy down. Not sure I am totally buying that the vet took 1.5 hours to 'find' the stone? Am I being unfair on the vet? Waiting for them to call me in next hour, to see how he is getting on. My 16 year old and 12 year old boys are in bits right now, and his guinea brother is looking for him ... giving him extra cuddles tonight. Thank you all for your help. Andie CB. .
 
Hi and welcome!

I am very sorry that what looked like a fairly standard bladder operation has turned into a nightmare marathon. :(

It can unfortunately be very difficult to locate stones in the body when they are not conveniently in the bladder.
It may take several x-rays from different angles to work out the exact spacial location. I am very sorry; ureter stones are much harder to get out.

Here are some links for post-op and recovery care, which you may find helpful:
Tips For Post-operative Care
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Fingers very firmly crossed for your boy!
 
I went through similar surgery with my boy back in April/May. He wasn't strong though and stayed at the vets a couple of days before for round the clock feeding to boost him. He also had a stone in his ureter which initially appeared to be in the bladder (an exotics specialist who is a whizz with piggies) he didn't say how long it took him but he did say the surgery was more complicated than expected. Donald recovered really well and was gaining weight quickly but unfortunately he went downhill again and when we were back at the vet it was his opposite kidney which was swollen etc so we decided it was kinder to help him on his way at that point.
 
This is terribly kind of you, and I so appreciate your reply. I have been working today, and I work in cancer research, so usually have to stay a little tough ( on the outside ) but I've been welling up all day long - worrying about him. These furry little chaps get into your heart like no other. I am mum now to four boys - two human, and two of the squeeking variety.
Thank you again. I should hear from the vet in the next 45 mins, but they keep telling me it's touch and go, whether Guinea's get over this type of surgery. Warm regards, Andie
 

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Andie Cotton-Berry said:
This is terribly kind of you, and I so appreciate your reply. I have been working today, and I work in cancer research, so usually have to stay a little tough ( on the outside ) but I've been welling up all day long - worrying about him. These furry little chaps get into your heart like no other. I am mum now to four boys - two human, and two of the squeeking variety.
Thank you again. I should hear from the vet in the next 45 mins, but they keep telling me it's touch and go, whether Guinea's get over this type of surgery. Warm regards, Andie
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It's is a big surgery to have but there is little else you could do and you can't leave him to suffer. Hope you hear from them shortly
 
Lady Kelly said:
I went through similar surgery with my boy back in April/May. He wasn't strong though and stayed at the vets a couple of days before for round the clock feeding to boost him. He also had a stone in his ureter which initially appeared to be in the bladder (an exotics specialist who is a whizz with piggies) he didn't say how long it took him but he did say the surgery was more complicated than expected. Donald recovered really well and was gaining weight quickly but unfortunately he went downhill again and when we were back at the vet it was his opposite kidney which was swollen etc so we decided it was kinder to help him on his way at that point.
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Thank you very much indeed for your reply - this forum is wonderful, and I just appreciate having other guinea lovers, who understand the special relationship we form with these furry, funny beings. Very helpful to hear this, and will stop feeling cross with the vet. I was just initially thrilled that he woke up after the op'. Thank you again. Andrea
 
Aw your boy is gorgeous. Healing wheeky wheeks from Christian who knows what it's like recovering from an operation. He had a HUGELY HUGE AND HUMONGOUS ( I wondered how it could fit in his small body) abscess removal last year and it was touch and go for him too but he survived.
 
I have nothing of substance to add to your thread but wanted with the others to offer you support at this time. All of us on this forum care deeply for our piggies. And many of us have been through similar surgical experiences. We do understand what you are going through. Hugs to you sand Spike x
 
Bill & Ted said:
Wishing your boy a good recovery x
Welcome to the forum
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Thank you so much. Just heard from the vet, and they are trying to get him to eat the critical care syringe food ( he hates it! ) but they have said if he doesn't eat it by morning, then unlikely he'll make it. Dying to jump in the car, and let me help... but not allowed in :-( . Keeping all crossed and thank you again for your support, too.
 
Betsy said:
Aw your boy is gorgeous. Healing wheeky wheeks from Christian who knows what it's like recovering from an operation. He had a HUGELY HUGE AND HUMONGOUS ( I wondered how it could fit in his small body) abscess removal last year and it was touch and go for him too but he survived.
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Goodness - you are all marvellous. Thank you so much - if he can get through tonight, on mine and my boys sheer will-power, that would be pretty fantastic. I look a bit of a puffy eyed, snotty mess this evening, and all of us praying he keeps going. Thank you again.
 
VickiA said:
I have nothing of substance to add to your thread but wanted with the others to offer you support at this time. All of us on this forum care deeply for our piggies. And many of us have been through similar surgical experiences. We do understand what you are going through. Hugs to you sand Spike x
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Thank you for this - means a great deal. I've told a few people at work, who are lovely, but we are dealing with humans who are facing cancer diagnosis, so don't really 'get' my anguish for my little guy. Your late night posts are pretty fabulous . Thank you so much. Deliberating jumping in the car, to see if I can help make him eat something. Do your guinea's give you nose licks? Is the most darling thing.
 
Fingers crossed he starts eating and has a good recovery x
 
awww bless him. Will have all our fingers and paws crossed for you little Spike xx
 
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