How do you tell if your guinea pig has a bladder stone?
How do you tell if your guinea pig has a bladder stone?
Any guinea pig that is having trouble urinating, losing weight, or just acting unusual could have a bladder stone. X-ray films and an ultrasound may help confirm that a bladder stone is present. Unfortunately, surgery to remove the bladder stone is usually needed.
What are the chances of a guinea pig surviving surgery?
Guinea pigs have a relatively high risk of anaesthetic complications, with a perioperative mortality rate of 3.80% compared with 0.24% for cats and 0.17% for dogs (Brodbelt et al, 2008). This study revealed that all exotic species have a higher risk of anaesthetic complications than more commonly treated domestic pets.
How do you treat bladder sludge in guinea pigs?
What can I do to prevent/treat bladder sludge?
- Increase water intake.
- More exercise.
- Improve sanitary conditions and enclosure.
- Eliminate packaged treats.
- Offer a variety of grass hays and eliminate alfalfa from the diet.
- Offer a grass hay-based pellet at recommended daily feeding amounts.
Are bladder stones painful for guinea pigs?
How to Know If a Guinea Pig Has a Urolith. If your cavy is urinating blood, has a painful abdomen, vocalizes while attempting to go to the bathroom, or is not urinating normally or at all, your pig may have a urolith.
Can a guinea pig live with a bladder stone?
If stones get stuck in the urethra or ureters, they can obstruct the flow of urine, resulting in a life-threatening situation. If your guinea pig is showing any signs of a urinary problem, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What foods cause bladder stones in guinea pigs?
There are several factors that influence the creation of a bladder stone. A sudden change in the urine’s acidity level (measured as pH) appears to play a significant role. Too much calcium oxalate in the diet (a common component of spinach, parsley, and strawberries) may contribute to the buildup of crystals.
How do you take care of a guinea pig after surgery?
If your guinea pig has had open surgery, keep the guinea pig on towels or fleece, change at least twice a day for 3 days or as needed. If your guinea pig chews on the towels, use flat newspaper instead (not shredded). White towels are best; you can monitor any bleeding and poop and pee output more easily.
Do guinea pigs fast for surgery?
No fasting is required. Rabbits and guinea pigs are herbivores and require a regular source of food and water to maintain a healthy gut. They have a high metabolic rate. It’s a good idea to bring a selection of their favourite food to entice your pet as soon as they are awake from surgery.
What does guinea pig bladder sludge look like?
This sludge comes out as powdery deposits on fleece and bedding ranging in texture from baby powder soft to salt-like coarseness. It is important to take a guinea pig to the vet if they are producing bladder sludge since it can cause an inflammation leading to UTIs or cystitis.
How common are bladder stones in guinea pigs?
Unfortunately, bladder stones (urolithiasis) are very common in the guinea pig. Stones in guinea pigs appear to universally be calcium containing salts; these can include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate. In my experience calcium oxalate seems to be the most prevalent.
What are the signs of bladder stones?
Typical symptoms of bladder stones include:
- lower abdominal pain, which can often be severe (men may also have pain in or around their penis)
- pain or difficulty when peeing.
- peeing more frequently (particularly at night)
- cloudy or dark-coloured urine.
- blood in the urine.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to recover from anesthesia?
Most guinea pigs seem to recover well from surgery and are up and eating right away but recovery can take more time for others. It is not unusual for guinea pigs to be quieter and less active than usual for the first 24 hours after surgery.
