This is how I would approach my vets with Luna if she were my pig
Step 1 – investigate/treat wee/pain/wet bum
Likely urinary issue – could be infection, interstitial cystitis or bladder sludge/stone. I would also want to rule out cystic ovaries were not cause of/contributing to the symptoms (especially since no blood in urine)
NB wet bum could also indicate arthritis developing in hind legs and it is painful for her to lift herself up to wee cleanly
I would take in a fresh urine sample to be examined microscopically and also re-tested via dipstick by the vet themselves (hopefully this will also rule the previous ketone result as a false positive otherwise diabetes might need to be considered
My vets would palpate to see if they could feel any stones and then suggest Xray of kidneys/urinary system for stones/sludge. I’d ask them to include hind legs to rule out arthritis. I’d ask them to re-check cystic ovaries for cyst enlargement (by palpation – might not be possible to see anything on Xray)
Step 2 Investigate other symptoms for possible underlying heart or kidney issues
Symptoms include additional weight gain, breathing noises (hooting), lethargy, possible proteinuria, pea eye.Other signs to check her for include swollen front paws/pads, slight blue-grey tinge to her lips and/or ears (if normally pink otherwise difficult to see!)
I would therefore ask the vet to include an additional Xray plate (if necessary) to check heart and lungs.....also to rule out that fluid accumulation has been responsible for the weight gain which would otherwise indicate heart or kidney issues
Steps 1 & 2would be covered with one set of Xrays/visit
Hopefully by this time we would have diagnosis and treatment for both sets of symptoms. However if things still weren’t clear
Step 3 – Possible ultrasound
My vet might also suggest a possible ultrasound to check cystic ovaries do not require treatment (cysts may have grown larger hence weight gain or there may be another underlying problem connected with the reproductive system) and to identify any sludge/thickening of the bladder wall
Step 4 – Blood tests
Taking blood under GA is quite a risky procedure in a guinea especially if the vet has not had much experience so for many piggie owners this is an option of last resort. It is however the best source of information on hearth and kidney function. It can also show up other underlying conditions such as diabetes, infection, inflammation and cancers. As my vets are very experienced we normally take bloods at the same time of the first Xrays to avoid a second visit/GA
If the ketone test is positive again, you may wish to consider getting bloods done at the same time as the Xrays
Step 5 Skin condition/general health
I would be hoping the skin condition is now clearing up with the second dose of Xeno. However as already stated, you may need to consider a fungal treatment as well such as imaverol dip. 48hours after the next xeno treatment (you should be treating all your piggies that are in contact with each other) then bathe them in vetsect or lyclear shampoo, rinse off thoroughly followed by syringing on the imaverol and leaving it to dry
Provide extra Vit C to boost the immune system
Thorough disinfection of everything the piggies have come into contact with is vital to help break the life cycle of the mite (but also get rid of fungal spores)
Johnsons insecticidal cage spray works on hard surfaces to kill the mites. Be warned it contains permethrins so this should be done outdoors away from any pets (especially cats) Neither you nor your pets should breathe in the spray. Leave it on for 30mins (and I then wash it off).
F10 disinfectant works against fungal spores and is also antibacterial. After the insecticidal treatment has been wahed off, Spray it on and leave it to dry – it won’t harm the piggies.
Fabrics would be hand-soaked in F10 and rinsed out thoroughly. Then washed at 60degC or higher with a biological washing powder..I would also include the peroxide powder (Vanish) in with the load...then tumble dry.
I would throw out/replace anything wooden.
Step 6 –Last gasp!
If the skin condition hasn’t cleared up by this time I would also be discussing with the vet whether to give a round of ivermectin injections (for the mites) and/or an oral antifungal (such as itrafungol)
Echocardiogram
Not all heart conditions show upon Xray or via stethoscope – with Alan Maggots, my vet had to subsequently do an echocardiogram which showed endocarditis (damage to heart valve resulting from a past infection) The only symptoms he had were poor abdominal breathing, slight cyanosis to the lips and lethargy. Treatment is the same as for other heart conditions (diuretic and heart meds such as fortekor and/or pimobendan)
Phew - think that's everything. Good luck tomorrow. Hopefully a good palpation (feel of her body), a decent set of Xrays and microscopic analysis of the urine are all that will be required to enable diagnosis and treatment.
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