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Unpleasant smell

CaviaEkko

CaviaEkko

Junior Guinea Pig
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I know I’ve made quite a few posts about my sick 8 month old guinea pig, but I’m just really worried about him and wanted to ask what this could be.

He has kidney problems that have been getting worse, although right now he is still eating and drinking normally, pooping and peeing normally, gaining some weight back, begging for treats, jumping around, and getting excited when I bring him vegetables.

Recently I noticed that he has a really strong, unpleasant smell. It seems strongest around his stomach and down toward his bottom, and I can still smell it on my hands after holding him. I washed him and made sure he was completely dry, but he still smells. I honestly can’t tell if it’s just poop/urine stuck in his fur, something related to his kidney problems, an infection, or something more serious. I’m really scared because I don’t know if the smell could mean that he is starting to deteriorate or if I’m just overthinking it.

Has anyone experienced this with a guinea pig with kidney problems, or have any idea what could cause this kind of smell?
 
I’m sorry to hear this
Is he perhaps dribbling urine?
The best thing would be to have your vet check him over.
Sending hugs
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m sorry to hear this
Is he perhaps dribbling urine?
The best thing would be to have your vet check him over.
Sending hugs
Click to expand...
I’ve never heard of urine dribbling before, and from what I’ve read online, I don’t really think that’s what’s happening. But we’ll definitely call the vet tomorrow just in case and hopefully get him checked out. I got really worried because I asked a few other people about the smell too, and some of them said that he smells like he’s rotting, which honestly scared me even more.

I’m also worried because none of his cage mates smell like this, even though they’re all in the same environment.
 
He needs a thorough all over exam by the vet as soon as possible. I hope there is some good news 🙏♥️
 
Hi

Infected urine can have a strong stale smell - but I second to please see a vet.
I hope that this can solve any problem. All the best.
 
Kidney problems can cause a piggy to dribble urine and increase infections.
Also kidney issues can cause a strong ammonia smell due to the advancement of the kidney disease.
Definitely have a chat with your vet
 
Piggies&buns said:
Kidney problems can cause a piggy to dribble urine and increase infections.
Also kidney issues can cause a strong ammonia smell due to the advancement of the kidney disease.
Definitely have a chat with your vet
Click to expand...
We called the vet today about the smell, and they said it’s probably from his urine because his kidneys are starting to fail.

Unfortunately, they said that means his condition has gotten worse and there isn’t really anything more they can do for him at this point. They also said bringing him in right now would probably just stress him out, so for now we’re keeping him at home. They told us that when he stops eating and starts having significantly less energy, we should bring him in to be put to sleep. They said again that he doesn’t have much time left, which is really hard to hear.

And thank you for helping.
 
Very sorry to hear this. Wishing you comfort and strength ♥️🙏
 
I’m sorry to read this
At you know ….and you don’t want to stress him out
You can make sure all his days are happy days ❤️
 
CaviaEkko said:
We called the vet today about the smell, and they said it’s probably from his urine because his kidneys are starting to fail.

Unfortunately, they said that means his condition has gotten worse and there isn’t really anything more they can do for him at this point. They also said bringing him in right now would probably just stress him out, so for now we’re keeping him at home. They told us that when he stops eating and starts having significantly less energy, we should bring him in to be put to sleep. They said again that he doesn’t have much time left, which is really hard to hear.

And thank you for helping.
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry. Concentrate on making every remaining day special and making it count with a memorable little enrichment activity - enrichment is about sharing quality time and happiness; it doesn't have to be food or expensive toys as very simple things can be the best enrichment of all.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

The big boon of terminal care is how you approach this time. It is as bitter or as sweet as you choose. Be aware that time is very subjective; if consciously lived and filled with love, it is a lot longer. You can stick a lifetime's worth of love into just a minute...

You may find the relevant chapter in this guide here helpful: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

You are also welcome to have this thread transferred to our End of Life and Bereavement section for ongoing moral support during this difficult time for you if you wish. In this case, we kindly ask you to please bookmark your ongoing personalised thread so you can pick it up easily whenever you need it.
 
So sorry to hear the bad news.
Focus on making every day a happy day, take lots of photos and make lots of memories.
Remember that you have already started to grieve so be gentle with yourself.
Hugs 🤗
 
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