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Urine smells sour?

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Sabm

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I took in a guinea pig that was very very thin. He looks no older than two years old. The only reason I never took him to the vet is because he was never lethargic, always had a high energy. I've been feeding him cavy performance food (the young oxbow kind) giving him unlimited Timothy with orchard and alfalfa as well. I give him at least 5 baby carrots a day. I'm noticing that his pee has become incredibly strong though. I cleaned his cage yesterday morning and by last night he had stunk up the room. I work at a pet store so I know what normal guinea pig pee smells like. The only way I know how to explain the smell is that it smells sour. I know that they excrete their excess vitamin c so I thought maybe with all of this food that could be causing the smell? I couldn't find a single thing on it though except on ONE website which said it COULD be a uti. They didn't give mete impression that it was an emergency though. He also does have any other symptoms of a stone or uti. Does anyone know what is causing this awful strong smell?!?
 
I am not a pig expert by any means...but I know when humans have urinary tract infections (I've had the pleasure of experiencing several myself) the smell can be quite strong. Is he showing any signs of discomfort when he pees or poops? Any noticeable blood in the urine? Maybe he is in the early stage of a UTI. Plus his low weight might also be a concern. If I were you, I would take a urine sample to to the vet to get tested. I have never done this myself, but from what I understand, make sure the pig is good and hydrated and put him in a bowl or other container without absorbing bedding. Collect the first pee in a clean container and refrigerate until the appointment. This way the vet can test for infection and rule out other problems. Good luck.
 
Strong smelling urine is an indication of either infection or dehydration.

I agree with the above poster, I'd take a urine sample to your vet to rule out a Urinary Infection. Make sure the sample is as fresh as possible for the best results.

I give him at least 5 baby carrots a day.
Click to expand...
Try to add more variety to his diet, like lettuces (Cos, Butterhead, Green leaf, red leaf ect.)
I'd only feed him one medium baby carrot daily at most.
 
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Oxbow Cavy Performance alfalfa-based and only suitable for baby pigs? Cavy Cuisine is the version for adult pigs. I would be careful with this, as alfalfa is high in calcium and can cause bladder issues.
Sorry if I've misunderstood...

As for the strong smelling wee - it would be a variety of things. Possibly not drinking enough (just like in humans). You can offer cucumber, and keep his veg damp after washing it (don't dry it) if you suspect he's not drinking enough.

It can also be a sign of a UTI. A urine sample and a vet visit would be able to confirm this.
 
* can give cranberry juice as this flushes out infections and toxins, and syringe this and normal water just incase dehydration is causing his problems, and make sure he is getting enough vitamin C, ask the vet to give sub cut fluids and a vit C injection just incase and if it is an infection ask for probiotics as well. good luck * are in my thoughts xx
 
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