Urinary infection?

[scooterpig]

Hi,

Any tips on how to identify a urinary infection? I was away last weekend and had someone look in the pigs each day (she runs a rescue so knows what she's doing). When I got back she said she thought Toffo had a urinary infection as he was smelly and damp underneath. I took him to the vet who couldn't really see anything.

When I got back last weekend he was dry again, and he is sometimes a bit of a smelly pig at times anyway. Today though he's been a shade quiet and fluffed. Should I take him back to the vet? He's drunk about 50cc of water since the weekend and seems to be eating and pooping normally. My pet-sitter had said he'd drunk a lot of water over the weekend which seems surprising.

I'm also wondering if his being damp underneath could be because he spends a lot of time lying on his hay, in his house, in the pen and is therefore either sweaty or simply lying where he pees! He's not the most energetic of guinea pigs at the best of times.

What symptoms should I be looking for if he does have a urinary infection? Also, how do you get a urine sample from a guinea pig (the vet said I should get one if bringing him back and gave me a syringe)? He's on vetbed and hay so that tends to absorb a lot.

Thanks,
Scooterpig

 

[MemberX]

Hiya,

I'd be looking for blood in urine and squeaking when peeing. Can you put a light coloured rag down perhaps an old towel to see if the pee is an abnormal shade.

Cystitis can cause wetness underneath because of peeing more often or dribbling urine as the pig is sitting in it. In boars the penis is red and inflamed but I am thinking could this be the start of a bladder stone because Sows are more prone to cystitis than boars.

Unsweetened cranberry juice may help if this is a simple thing that can be cleared up. Not sure how to get a sample. Can you put him in a large plastic box like a laundry basket and perhaps get one that way. I would take him to a vet that is guinea savy.

Good luck!

Louise
x

 

[choloe]

i learnt on here that guinea pigs can't sweat so would rule that out. when we had to get a urine sample from zoe we had her out until she couldn't hold onto it any more and caught some in the bottle. you could have your piggy out on a towel and when he urinates put the bottle under him and catch some for testing. then you can also see if it is discoloured or painful to do. hoping all goes well with your piggy O0 sending hugs and healing vibes and welcome to the forums from me and the girls in oz :smitten:
:smitten: :smitten: please keep us updated, girls send toffo :-* :-* :-*

 

[rw3399]

I would talk him to the vet for a check up. My inital thought is a uri like you said.

 

[Kiran]

I'd say see a vet for another opinion on what is wrong. If he was quiet and kinda fluffed up, that is a sign that he is pain.

Like someone else already said, blood in pee and squeaking.

If he shows any other signs of pain, such as grinding teeth (more slow and steadier than teeth chattering) or if he stops eating, get hiim to a vet immediatley.

As for theurine sample, well thats a tricky one, then tend to pee without warning. I'd say take him out, and when boys are about to pee they usually kinda wiggle their bums are then raise themselves. So keep him out and watch him and when he does that grab him and let him pee in a container something.

Good luck