Truffolo
Forum Donator 2025/26
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Very worried, Olivia peed blood!
- Thread starter MartiDavi
- Start date
Yes! We would be looking at flushing in Olivia's case.
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
I’m glad you’ve got her home with a plan, and I hope the pain meds help her pick up with eating. Sounds like a good move to not have more of the opioid. She’ll be glad to be at home, whatever is going on for her. And the absence of stones sounds positive too.
Take care, you must both be shattered physically and emotionally.
Take care, you must both be shattered physically and emotionally.
We'll see how it goes in the next few hours. She is still struggling with critical care so I guess sleep is not back on the menu for the two of us!
Forgot to add before, the vet also gave her a fluid injection, and another injection of a medication that should act as an appetite stimulant. I don't remember the name of this last one unfortunately.
He also gave us potassium citrate to help with the overall calcium situation, tho my understanding is that it might help with future calcium, and it will do nothing for the calcium that's already in the bladder.
Forgot to add before, the vet also gave her a fluid injection, and another injection of a medication that should act as an appetite stimulant. I don't remember the name of this last one unfortunately.
He also gave us potassium citrate to help with the overall calcium situation, tho my understanding is that it might help with future calcium, and it will do nothing for the calcium that's already in the bladder.
MartiDavi
Junior Guinea Pig
Quick update from me after Davide’s post.
Olivia has now had her first dose of tramadol at the vet. Since being home I’ve also given paracetamol and tried to feed her, but I’m really struggling — she’s not chewing properly and the Critical Care just kind of sits in her mouth. I can barely get anything in.
She also cried again while peeing and there was blood, so I’m worried the pain is still not well controlled.
She’s due her next tramadol dose at midnight and I’m really hoping that helps more, but I’m not sure what to do in the meantime.
Would you:
• keep trying very small amounts of Critical Care even if she’s barely chewing
• or let her rest for a bit and try again later?
Any tips to help stimulate chewing/swallowing would really help (at the vet they only said to use big syringe and stuff her mouth)— I feel like she wants to but just can’t coordinate it.
Also, has anyone seen tramadol take a bit of time to “kick in” compared to opioids?
We’re just taking it hour by hour at this point
Olivia has now had her first dose of tramadol at the vet. Since being home I’ve also given paracetamol and tried to feed her, but I’m really struggling — she’s not chewing properly and the Critical Care just kind of sits in her mouth. I can barely get anything in.
She also cried again while peeing and there was blood, so I’m worried the pain is still not well controlled.
She’s due her next tramadol dose at midnight and I’m really hoping that helps more, but I’m not sure what to do in the meantime.
Would you:
• keep trying very small amounts of Critical Care even if she’s barely chewing
• or let her rest for a bit and try again later?
Any tips to help stimulate chewing/swallowing would really help (at the vet they only said to use big syringe and stuff her mouth)— I feel like she wants to but just can’t coordinate it.
Also, has anyone seen tramadol take a bit of time to “kick in” compared to opioids?
We’re just taking it hour by hour at this point
MartiDavi
Junior Guinea Pig
CTWC
Forum Donator 2025/26
My heart is breaking for you, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Is your vet 24 hours? 
My heart is breaking for you, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Is your vet 24 hours?
Thank you so much! Me and Martina are starting to break a bit, hopefully we can get a couple of hours sleep in turn to keep us going.
In theory there's a branch of our vet that does 24hrs, but they have no exotic out of hours vets so it's not ideal
Just want to say, Olivia really is a fighter. I know the situation is critical, but on Monday evening I really thought she was gone, and since then she's done two long trips to the vet, and she's still with us. I think she doesn't want to leave us 
We rescued her when she was 18 months, she had no name and was living with dozens of other girls at the rescue. But oh how much she deserved and loved being at home with us, she has been the best piggie since the day we got her, and she's putting up one hell of a fight, poor baby
We rescued her when she was 18 months, she had no name and was living with dozens of other girls at the rescue. But oh how much she deserved and loved being at home with us, she has been the best piggie since the day we got her, and she's putting up one hell of a fight, poor baby
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Olivia was very lucky to find her home with you.
She is getting the best care and so much love.
It’s exhausting both physically and emotionally looking after a sick piggy.
Take dare of yourselves as well.
Hugs
She is getting the best care and so much love.
It’s exhausting both physically and emotionally looking after a sick piggy.
Take dare of yourselves as well.
Hugs
Thank you so much everyone
Not going well, I am not really seeing any significant effect of the oral tramadol she took at 4pm. I am thinking of giving her a second dose a bit earlier than scheduled (10pm instead of midnight) as she desperately needs some pain relief.
The vet gave us the option of doubling the dosage (0.4 to 0.8) "if necessary", from where I am I think this is the case.
She has not properly chewed anything, she barely took any cc, I don't even know if she's swallowed anything in the last 6 hours.
Not sure she's gonna swallow the tramadol either, but at this point I'm afraid I ran out of options.
Not going well, I am not really seeing any significant effect of the oral tramadol she took at 4pm. I am thinking of giving her a second dose a bit earlier than scheduled (10pm instead of midnight) as she desperately needs some pain relief.
The vet gave us the option of doubling the dosage (0.4 to 0.8) "if necessary", from where I am I think this is the case.
She has not properly chewed anything, she barely took any cc, I don't even know if she's swallowed anything in the last 6 hours.
Not sure she's gonna swallow the tramadol either, but at this point I'm afraid I ran out of options.
We just gave Olivia the higher dose of tramadol.
I asked Martina to throughly check her mouth beforehand, it was quite empty which means she has swallowed the last cc she had.
As I was giving her the tramadol I could feel clear movement under her neck so hopefully we are not at the point that she lost her swallow reflex yet.
I'm gonna let her rest a bit now, and hope that the pain relief will kick in.
I feel strangely ok as far as tiredness goes, I let Martina sleep for 3-4 hours before we change turns.
I've gotta say, I'm not sure anyone is reading this at this late time
but even just writing gives me some relief. Thanks forum
I asked Martina to throughly check her mouth beforehand, it was quite empty which means she has swallowed the last cc she had.
As I was giving her the tramadol I could feel clear movement under her neck so hopefully we are not at the point that she lost her swallow reflex yet.
I'm gonna let her rest a bit now, and hope that the pain relief will kick in.
I feel strangely ok as far as tiredness goes, I let Martina sleep for 3-4 hours before we change turns.
I've gotta say, I'm not sure anyone is reading this at this late time
but even just writing gives me some relief. Thanks forum 
I am so very sorry for the bad news. The 'crystal bits' are usually called 'bladder sludge' to help you find more relevant information or experiences in personal searches.
Stones and some loose crystals are most common but occasionally the crystals passing down from the kidneys are too many and don't develop into larger stones in the bladder but really fill it up as they are not passed on. Even rarer is that crystals clump together into a very rough stone in the bladder.
The problem with sludge is that when the bladder gets packed too tightly with crystals, neither medication that promotes stronger urination nor bladder flushes will work and it comes down to an operation as the only option left.
Any bladder flush needs to be done very gently and carefully to prevent damaging the bladder or pushing urine back up into the kidneys, with fatal consequences.
I am very sorry that your regular vet is away. Initially, the sludge would have likely been less dense, so that less invasive methods to a flush or an operation would have been preferable as a first line approach.
Sadly, I cannot produce a magic wand measure but I hope that this explains some aspects.
Olivia is unfortunately very much on a knife edge.
I so wish I had better news.
I am so very sorry for the bad news. The 'crystal bits' are usually called 'bladder sludge' to help you find more relevant information or experiences in personal searches.
Stones and some loose crystals are most common but occasionally the crystal passing down from the bladder are either too many and don't develop into larger stones in the bladder. Even rarer is that crystals clump together into a very rough stone.
The problem with sludge is that when the bladder gets packed too tightly with crystals, neither medication that promotes stronger urination nor bladder flushes will work and it comes down to an operation as the only option left.
Any bladder flush needs to be done very gently and carefully to prevent damaging the bladder or pushing urine back up into the kidneys, with fatal consequences.
I am very sorry that your regular vet is away. Initially, the sludge would have likely been less dense, so that less invasive methods to a flush or an operation would have been preferable as a first line approach.
Sadly, I cannot produce a magic wand measure but I hope that this explains some aspects.
Olivia is unfortunately very much on a knife edge.
I so wish I had better news.
Thank you so much for the message Wiebke.
We had actually searched the forum extensively and read quite a bit on sludge, including your always very knowledgeable messages.
The 2 X-rays Olivia had in the span of 2.5 weeks were basically the same according to the vet, but Olivia would have been maybe fit for the flushing 2 weeks ago. We can't tell if Olivia's vet underestimated the issue after the first X-ray and thought flushing was not necessary. He's supposed to be a very good exotic vet, and he always cared for Olivia a lot, so I hope that's not the case. I've seen the X-ray myself, I wouldn't have defined it as tightly packed with crystals, the crystals were few and very small compared to the bladder area, but it's undeniable that they are causing way more damage than what we were told to expect 2 weeks ago.
Poor Olivia needs a miracle now, which is not really on the table I'm afraid when it comes to this stuff.
The only miracle was she coming into our life and us into hers.
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m sure the pain relief will be doing something for her comfort levels, even if she is not managing to eat. I’ll be thinking of you all and hoping for some improvement. You’re being amazing piggy parents, our hearts go out to you as many of us can relate to the worry you’re going through it, it’s a horrible place to be.
Mrs Tiggy Winkle
Senior Guinea Pig
Sending good thoughts. You're doing all you can, you and Martina, and Olivia is doing her best too.
Thank you for your kind words
These really are awful situations, all of us unfortunately know that, but this means we understand each other's pain here.I know I should perhaps be talking about pts and being kind to Olivia in that way, but I have a problem with loss and letting go, I have to accept that it would be just too much to ask of me. I know It's likely I will beat myself up later on over this, it's happened already with other rainbow piggies, but I can't help it for now.
MartiDavi
Junior Guinea Pig
Thank you everyone for the kind words and support
It’s my shift now, but I have to be honest — it’s not going very well.
Olivia is on my lap in a little towel burrito and seems comfortable, or at least I hope she is. I’m trying my best to give her cc, but she’s not really swallowing it. It just kind of sits in her mouth and I’m giving her time, trying to encourage her to chew, but with very little success.
She still has a bit of energy to try and escape, but I’m worried she’s still in pain and that’s making everything harder — like she wants to eat but just can’t follow through.
She has peed again with blood, so at least some fluids are going through, but overall I really expected her to have bounced back a bit more by now and she hasn’t.
If she gets through the night (and that feels like a big if right now), I think I’ll need to have a more assertive conversation with the vet tomorrow, because this is starting to feel really hard on her and I don’t want her to suffer.
Any advice or reassurance is really appreciated
It’s my shift now, but I have to be honest — it’s not going very well.
Olivia is on my lap in a little towel burrito and seems comfortable, or at least I hope she is. I’m trying my best to give her cc, but she’s not really swallowing it. It just kind of sits in her mouth and I’m giving her time, trying to encourage her to chew, but with very little success.
She still has a bit of energy to try and escape, but I’m worried she’s still in pain and that’s making everything harder — like she wants to eat but just can’t follow through.
She has peed again with blood, so at least some fluids are going through, but overall I really expected her to have bounced back a bit more by now and she hasn’t.
If she gets through the night (and that feels like a big if right now), I think I’ll need to have a more assertive conversation with the vet tomorrow, because this is starting to feel really hard on her and I don’t want her to suffer.
Any advice or reassurance is really appreciated
I understand how hard this is as I went through having my Meggie pts in January. It’s the hardest decision to make, knowing when is too soon or when it might be the right time. I’m not suggesting this but it reminds me of the time I went through it. I really feel for you all. Hugs x
MartiDavi
Junior Guinea Pig
Thank you so much Janey and thank you for sharing that — I’m so sorry you had to go through that with Meggie, it must have been incredibly hard.
I do believe that what you did is one of the purest forms of love — putting your piggy first, even when it hurts so much.
Right now it’s really hard for us to think too far ahead. We’re both exhausted and just taking it minute by minute.
What I’m holding onto at the moment is this: if I see even a tiny improvement tonight — especially if Olivia is able to swallow some cc after her next dose of painkiller at 3am — then I’ll take it from there and keep going.
If not, the only plan I can think of is to take her back to the vet first thing tomorrow morning. The opioid was the only thing that truly controlled her pain, so maybe trying again at a lower dose could help us find that balance where she’s comfortable but still able to eat.
If we can’t get to that point, then we may need to start thinking about what is truly best for our little fighter.
Our vet always calls her “madame” — and she really is, one of the best ever. We love her so, so much
and thank you for sharing that — I’m so sorry you had to go through that with Meggie, it must have been incredibly hard.I do believe that what you did is one of the purest forms of love — putting your piggy first, even when it hurts so much.
Right now it’s really hard for us to think too far ahead. We’re both exhausted and just taking it minute by minute.
What I’m holding onto at the moment is this: if I see even a tiny improvement tonight — especially if Olivia is able to swallow some cc after her next dose of painkiller at 3am — then I’ll take it from there and keep going.
If not, the only plan I can think of is to take her back to the vet first thing tomorrow morning. The opioid was the only thing that truly controlled her pain, so maybe trying again at a lower dose could help us find that balance where she’s comfortable but still able to eat.
If we can’t get to that point, then we may need to start thinking about what is truly best for our little fighter.
Our vet always calls her “madame” — and she really is, one of the best ever. We love her so, so much
Truffolo
Forum Donator 2025/26
It may be that her body can no longer process the food because of the problem in her bladder. Her vet would probably be best able to advise you. Supplementary feeding helps when the piggy wants to eat but can't, for instance, for tooth issues. It is an important part of keeping the piggy comfortable during palliative care. It can help to restart an intestine in stasis. If little Olivia is not taking in the feed, could it be better to let her have a rest. Natural hunger and the appetite stimulant may make her want to eat more Critical Care after a pause. You both probably need some rest. If she is back in her cage, how does she look? Will she come out again after a rest or will she retire completely? I hope you can find some comfort in all of this. It is a very difficult situation to be in 
Update: I've been by Olivia's side for 3 hours since 3:30am, unfortunately we have not seen the pain relief we were hoping for from the tramadol.
She did have another dose about 90 minutes ago but considering the first 2 doses didn't really do anything, I think our hope to get her to bounce back by easing the pain and start eating again is not really there anymore. I think this was her last shot.
I'll change turns with Martina soon and get some sleep myself...if Olivia is still with us in 3-4 hours we might decide to ease her passing.
She was recovering so well not a week ago, it is heartbreaking right now
She did have another dose about 90 minutes ago but considering the first 2 doses didn't really do anything, I think our hope to get her to bounce back by easing the pain and start eating again is not really there anymore. I think this was her last shot.
I'll change turns with Martina soon and get some sleep myself...if Olivia is still with us in 3-4 hours we might decide to ease her passing.
She was recovering so well not a week ago, it is heartbreaking right now
Mrs Tiggy Winkle
Senior Guinea Pig
This, exactly. @Davide @MartiDavi I'm so sorry at what you're going through! It's really tough. I remember sleepless nights and exhausted days trying to syringe feed very ill guineas. I'm sorry to say that by the time they got to the state I understand Olivia is in, it was too late, and then I would regret trying so hard against all odds. I too have problems with loss. Not to make this about me, but just saying I understand your pain at least somewhat.It’s so hard when you’ve tried absolutely everything and nothing is working.
Hugs, and healing vibes to Olivia
CTWC
Forum Donator 2025/26
Sending you all our genuine love try to stay strong for Olivia
MartiDavi
Junior Guinea Pig
Hey everyone
It’s my shift now with our lovely Olivia. Davide filled me in on his night and we had a long chat.
Sadly, Olivia is not doing well at all. Even the plan I had in mind earlier — trying opioids again — doesn’t feel right anymore given how she is now.
I’ve let Davide get a bit of rest, we’re both taking the day off work, and I will call the vet as soon as they open. Deep down, we know we will be saying goodbye to our wonderful Olivia today.
She has been such a sweet, loving piggy. After Matilde passed, she stepped up as the dominant — always protective of her little sisters Ginny and Mia (who we sadly also lost), and they adored her. She was so affectionate with us too, and she helped us through the pain of losing the others.
It’s going to be incredibly hard losing her, especially because she’s been the one holding us together.
Thank you all so much for your support — this forum has always been such a source of comfort
It’s my shift now with our lovely Olivia. Davide filled me in on his night and we had a long chat.
Sadly, Olivia is not doing well at all. Even the plan I had in mind earlier — trying opioids again — doesn’t feel right anymore given how she is now.
I’ve let Davide get a bit of rest, we’re both taking the day off work, and I will call the vet as soon as they open. Deep down, we know we will be saying goodbye to our wonderful Olivia today.
She has been such a sweet, loving piggy. After Matilde passed, she stepped up as the dominant — always protective of her little sisters Ginny and Mia (who we sadly also lost), and they adored her. She was so affectionate with us too, and she helped us through the pain of losing the others.
It’s going to be incredibly hard losing her, especially because she’s been the one holding us together.
Thank you all so much for your support — this forum has always been such a source of comfort
Mrs Tiggy Winkle
Senior Guinea Pig
Thinking of you both and of Olivia. Hugs
CTWC
Forum Donator 2025/26
I hope that you can feel all the support we are all sending you, everyone on here is with you.
You have all been amazing throughout this heartbreaking time.
If it is Olivia's time soon spend your moments with her speaking gently to her perhaps sharing your stories of her time with you with her let her hear your voice
You have all been amazing throughout this heartbreaking time.
If it is Olivia's time soon spend your moments with her speaking gently to her perhaps sharing your stories of her time with you with her let her hear your voice