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Urine Help

Linzig33

Linzig33

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Messages
79
Reaction score
23
Points
220
Location
Glasgow
Hello, I have a concern about my boys urine. I noticed a brown liquid next to some faeces in my boys cage today (I will upload the pictures) and am unsure if it is possibly blood? Also I had my two boys out in the hallway for some play time (I have only had them three weeks and feel they don’t enjoy this as they just run for shelter every time but I will be patient) and noticed one of them squeaking, when I went over there was white urine. I am unsure if he was just making a noise because he was out of his cage or wether he was in pain passing urine (I will also upload a picture of this). When I wiped it up it turned the kitchen paper orange? I am concerned around calcium etc. I am a relatively New Guinea mum despite having them as a child. I feel everthing is worrying me from the bedding they have (puppy pads at the moment but have been using a fluffy bath mat which is in the wash). I have also noticed they seem to be trying to seperate from each other, one will climb up onto the roof of their house and I find the other hidden veins the house at times. Just want to be doing the right thing for them and ensure they are as happy as can be. Any advice will be greatly appreciated .

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That looks like blood in the urine I'm afraid. There may be a bladder sludge/stone issue there, a trip to the vet is in order.
 
Or Rainbow Chard?
When they are in their run have you put plenty of hideys in, guinea pigs are prey animals so they get anxious in wide open spaces. They will get used to it, just provide the hides.
Guinea pigs don't necessarily have to be close to be bonded. All of mine have zoomies together in the morning, then go there separate ways.
If that isn't blood in the urine, are they drinking enough. The wee seems very concentrated.
I would say the white wee is excess calcium
 
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Mishka said:
That looks like blood in the urine I'm afraid. There may be a bladder sludge/stone issue there, a trip to the vet is in order.
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I was worried about that. I haven’t registered at any vet yet, there is a vets 4 pets nearby, is this somewhere you would recommend, it’s within a pets at home. I’m guessing I should take both boys and have both checked, I can maybe guess which guinea it’s is that’s unwell however I will be cautious. If I can’t get an appointment tonight, do you recommend an emergency vet? Thank you
 
Merrypigs Sanctuary said:
Guinea pee is naturally milky but the orange coloured wee is a bit strange :/ Have they had ant beetroot or anything recently? Xx
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No coloured good, I feed them kale, spinach, pepper, apples for treats and lots of hay. They also have nuggets daily too so nothing of extreme colour in there?
 
Linzig33 said:
No coloured good, I feed them kale, spinach, pepper, apples for treats and lots of hay. They also have nuggets daily too so nothing of extreme colour in there?
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Hmmm, in that case I would suggest blood unfortunately :( We take the Sanctuary pigs to a Vets4Pets (Stafford) and they're great :) The one in Shelfield is very good too! Good luck xx
 
Linzig33 said:
I was worried about that. I haven’t registered at any vet yet, there is a vets 4 pets nearby, is this somewhere you would recommend, it’s within a pets at home. I’m guessing I should take both boys and have both checked, I can maybe guess which guinea it’s is that’s unwell however I will be cautious. If I can’t get an appointment tonight, do you recommend an emergency vet? Thank you
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If they are still eating and drinking normally it can probably wait until the morning. If you pop your address in the vet locator at the top of the forum then you will find your nearest recommended exotic vet.

Try not to panic. It may be a UTI, and while your piggy is potentially in pain right now, this is easily treatable. I would personally take both pigs for a health check if I were you. But for figuring out who it is, if you lift them up and have a look at their privates then you might see some evidence of the darker urine.

It may also be oxidation of the urine, which is where pee sometimes turns orange in the air, particularly in young pigs this is common. But as imo that looks more brown than orange I would get a vet to look them over.
 
Mishka said:
If they are still eating and drinking normally it can probably wait until the morning. If you pop your address in the vet locator at the top of the forum then you will find your nearest recommended exotic vet.

Try not to panic. It may be a UTI, and while your piggy is potentially in pain right now, this is easily treatable. I would personally take both pigs for a health check if I were you. But for figuring out who it is, if you lift them up and have a look at their privates then you might see some evidence of the darker urine.

It may also be oxidation of the urine, which is where pee sometimes turns orange in the air, particularly in young pigs this is common. But as imo that looks more brown than orange I would get a vet to look them over.
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Yeah eating fine, just seems to be a little out of character at the moment. I was looking to get them a health check anyway so maybe good timing. Would hate to think either of them are in pain but kind of makes sense that he’s being a bit different. I was told they were about 5-6 weeks and I have had them for 3 so still young boys. Thank you for the reassurance and I have found a vet from the vet locator so will give them a ring. Great to have the support of this forum as my friends just think I’m crazy being so worried about my little guys!
 
Linzig33 said:
Yeah eating fine, just seems to be a little out of character at the moment. I was looking to get them a health check anyway so maybe good timing. Would hate to think either of them are in pain but kind of makes sense that he’s being a bit different. I was told they were about 5-6 weeks and I have had them for 3 so still young boys. Thank you for the reassurance and I have found a vet from the vet locator so will give them a ring. Great to have the support of this forum as my friends just think I’m crazy being so worried about my little guys!
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All I can say is good on you for paying attention and spotting this. We've all been there. Just try to keep them comfortable. Of they stop eating ring an emergency vet.

Also, spinach and kale are very high in calcium. I would avoid feeding them this right now. Offer them some lettuce instead (not iceberg), the high water content of lettuce will do them some good. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water too.
 
Can you add your location to your profile we may be able to recommend a recommended vet in your area.

EDIT - you have found one, let us know what they say
 
Great advice I will do that thank you. I have an appointment for Saturday, the vet was lovely and advised the same that if they stop eating or any other concerns call them or take them to an emergency vet. Will have a look and give them a warm cloth wash in the mean time. Thank you again
 
sport_billy said:
Can you add your location to your profile we may be able to recommend a recommended vet in your area.

EDIT - you have found one, let us know what they say
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I have found Taylor Vet Practice which is in Glasgow. I have an appointment on Saturday and have been advised the vet is experienced with Guinea Pigs . Any further concerns and I will absolutely get them to an emergency vet.
 
Cool - excellent, adding your location to your profile would be useful for future reference if you could that would be great, will make a mental note of you being a Scottish member too we often get asked for recommendations for up North :)

I do hope your piggies get well soon, you have caught it early if it is anything to worry about. Sending lots of healing vibes, has there been any other squeaks when weeing or pooing?
 
sport_billy said:
Cool - excellent, adding your location to your profile would be useful for future reference if you could that would be great, will make a mental note of you being a Scottish member too we often get asked for recommendations for up North :)

I do hope your piggies get well soon, you have caught it early if it is anything to worry about. Sending lots of healing vibes, has there been any other squeaks when weeing or pooing?
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Done :) I’ll pass on any info I can on the vet that has been recommended on the vet locator- I’m sure they’re great. Thank you! Eating well as we speak however I haven’t heard much noise since having them out earlier. I am keeping a close eye for noise or any changes in them. I asked about the climbing earlier on, can this be an indication of them being uncomfortable? I will put the fleece back in the cage so they are cosy.
 
Linzig33 said:
Done :) I’ll pass on any info I can on the vet that has been recommended on the vet locator- I’m sure they’re great. Thank you! Eating well as we speak however I haven’t heard much noise since having them out earlier. I am keeping a close eye for noise or any changes in them. I asked about the climbing earlier on, can this be an indication of them being uncomfortable? I will put the fleece back in the cage so they are cosy.
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The climbing could just be exploring. My little ones like to clamber on top of things and also hide behind their houses rather than in them. How do they interact with one another? Do you see much in the way of dominance behaviour? Also, how big is the cage?
 
Mishka said:
The climbing could just be exploring. My little ones like to clamber on top of things and also hide behind their houses rather than in them. How do they interact with one another? Do you see much in the way of dominance behaviour? Also, how big is the cage?
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Great, think I’m overlapping normal behaviours with concerning ones while I am getting to know them and also if they are unwell. Yes one is more dominant than the other, mounting and the sort of chattering/vibrating noise is apparent. They are ok apart from this and only happens once every couple of days. The cage is just under 100cm length, I have my eye on a 140cm cage that I am going to purchase. Making space for it in my spare room just now. There cage seems quite cluttered at the moment, just with the two tunnels and bowls etc. Can this distress them or do they not kind as they seem to enjoy darting in and out of the tunnels? I bathed both boys as you suggested. Neither had darker urine round their genitals but one does seem to have a more swollen genital area than the other. He’s also the one that squeaked earlier when he passed urine. Not heard anymore noise from him since.
 
Linzig33 said:
Great, think I’m overlapping normal behaviours with concerning ones while I am getting to know them and also if they are unwell. Yes one is more dominant than the other, mounting and the sort of chattering/vibrating noise is apparent. They are ok apart from this and only happens once every couple of days. The cage is just under 100cm length, I have my eye on a 140cm cage that I am going to purchase. Making space for it in my spare room just now. There cage seems quite cluttered at the moment, just with the two tunnels and bowls etc. Can this distress them or do they not kind as they seem to enjoy darting in and out of the tunnels? I bathed both boys as you suggested. Neither had darker urine round their genitals but one does seem to have a more swollen genital area than the other. He’s also the one that squeaked earlier when he passed urine. Not heard anymore noise from him since.
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They're probably just playing then, piggies love to get into places they're not 'meant' to. Boars do need loads of room though, looooooads. Have you considered building a C&C cage?
 
Mishka said:
They're probably just playing then, piggies love to get into places they're not 'meant' to. Boars do need loads of room though, looooooads. Have you considered building a C&C cage?
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I have indeed yes, I have saw a website selling them for around £60. To add a level on its another £27. I am more than happy to spend on my little guys as I wouldn’t commit to any animal without the finances to look after them, however, I am looking into getting the materials myself to build one. Do you have any recommendations for anywhere that sells parts seperately? Or someone who sells them for a cheaper price?
 
Linzig33 said:
I have indeed yes, I have saw a website selling them for around £60. To add a level on its another £27. I am more than happy to spend on my little guys as I wouldn’t commit to any animal without the finances to look after them, however, I am looking into getting the materials myself to build one. Do you have any recommendations for anywhere that sells parts seperately? Or someone who sells them for a cheaper price?
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Mishka said:
They're probably just playing then, piggies love to get into places they're not 'meant' to. Boars do need loads of room though, looooooads. Have you considered building a C&C cage?[/QU
Mishka said:
The climbing could just be exploring. My little ones like to clamber on top of things and also hide behind their houses rather than in them. How do they interact with one another? Do you see much in the way of dominance behaviour? Also, how big is the cage?
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PPS would you recommend a 4x2 or 5x 2 c&c cage?
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Mishka said:
I'd say 2x5 for a pair of boars. They will LOVE all the room!


Proplex Surface Protection Sheet 1200mm x 2400mm | Wickes.co.uk

That right there will easily be enough to build a 2X5 on a stand and probably even enough grids for a second floor too :) Much cheaper than buying a ready made set.
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Thank you thank you thank you! This helps massively! I will order this and can’t wait to see them run around in it . I will upload pics when it is all here and set up! You have all been a great help today, thank you!
 
Linzig33 said:
Thank you thank you thank you! This helps massively! I will order this and can’t wait to see them run around in it . I will upload pics when it is all here and set up! You have all been a great help today, thank you!
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So excited to see!

Make you you get the correx from Wickes on the Click and Collect, otherwise they will try and charge you a fortune in delivery XD Just go grab it from your nearest store.
 
Hello, aw thank you for checking in! Everything ok today, eating and drinking well. I have stopped any kale and spinach in the mean time, given them lettuce and lots of hay. I haven’t heard any further squeaks while urinating, lots of orange coloured Staines on the puppy pads where the fleece has rolled back. Hoping that’s just the oxidation you mentioned but vet appointment on sat will clear that up. Ordered the c&c stuff so can’t wait for that to arrive next week :). At wickes as we speak picking up the underlay! Will keep you posted :)
 
Linzig33 said:
Hello, aw thank you for checking in! Everything ok today, eating and drinking well. I have stopped any kale and spinach in the mean time, given them lettuce and lots of hay. I haven’t heard any further squeaks while urinating, lots of orange coloured Staines on the puppy pads where the fleece has rolled back. Hoping that’s just the oxidation you mentioned but vet appointment on sat will clear that up. Ordered the c&c stuff so can’t wait for that to arrive next week :). At wickes as we speak picking up the underlay! Will keep you posted :)
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So glad to hear them doing so well! The oxidisation is very obvious, it looks like iron-bru XD I was very alarmed the first time I saw it. I hope that this is the case for your boys, but you're so doing the right thing by getting them checked :)
 
Hello! Sorry about the late reply! I rearranged it to tomorrow evening. I’m not as concerned about the darker urine as I spoke with another vet who said what you had about oxidisation. So tomorrow is just for a general check up and to have the boys fully registered. I’m wondering how to best transport them? I still have two seperate animal carrier boxes (cardboard) and will put in their fleece so they still smell they’re own smell but should I keep them seperate or in the same box? Thank you :)
 
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