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Wet Guinea Pig

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Birdie

Last night I put my two sows in the kitchen for a run around. When I picked up Rosie (1 year old) she was sitting in a puddle of urine and her tummy was soaked. Thought this was a little strange as they're usually so clean and hygenic, but she was covered in it. This morning she was ok but smelled a little strong.

This afternoon I put them in their run on the grass (once the sun had moved round and it was in the shade). When I went to get them in after a few hours Rosie was soaked on her tummy and her back end - all over the top of her back end too so heaven knows how urine would have got up there but I'm certain that's what it is because of the smell. She's eating and drinking but possibly a little quieter than usual. Does she have a UTI? Will get her to the vet tomorrow but what can I do in the meantime?

Please help.
 
Make sure it's unsweetened cranberrry juice (Ocean Wave from supermarkets), and if necessary mix with water; if you can't get hold of cranberry juice, give her as much water as she'll take to flush her bladder.

She sounds very much like having UTI.

At the vets, please insist on an x-ray without general anaesthetic (sandbag is sufficient!) to make sure she hasn't got any underlying bladder trouble.

She'll need preferably pediatric septrin 0.5 ml 2x daily, or if your vet isn't prepared to give that, baytril 0.4 ml 2x daily.
Septrin contains SMZ-TMP or trimethoprim-sulfa, which is recommended on the guinealynx medical website. http://www.guinealynx.info/uti.html
Please make sure your girl is given the proper dosage.

Make sure to demand a painkiller, as UTI's are very painful. Metacam helps with the cramps in the bladder.

Keep on giving her as much cranberry juice and fluids as possible.

Wishing your poorly girl all the best!

Also ask for a probiotic to counter the effect of the antibiotic on the guts; so the appetite and the digestive system don't suffer.
 
Thanks guys. She's drinking LOADS bless her and is eating. She also seems quite happy and actually popcorned a minute ago so hopefully she's not in too much pain. Will get her to the vets first thing tomorrow. Healing vibes needed :(
 
"At the vets, please insist on an x-ray without general anaesthetic (sandbag is sufficient!)"

I assume that you use the sandbag to "persuade" the vet not to give a general anaesthetic.
 
I love the idea!

Wiebke has advised brilliantly on this, I agree it is probable that it is a UTI. Septrin (trimethoprim) is the best drug for the job, without a doubt, and the painkiller (Metacam or Rimadyl) is highly advisable too.
 
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