Advice about piggy with bloat

[ElmoRosie]

Hi.
My Guinea pig has been very unwell with bloat recently.
We took her to the exotic animal vet where she stayed for 3 nights. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep her in any longer as it was just too expensive.

We’ve now been caring for her at home with critical care, antibiotics, strong pain killers, probiotics etc. She has perked up a bit and is eating small amount of hay, critical care and is drinking. She’s also very keen to have veggies but we’ve been told not to give her any as this can make the bloat worse. Her poo is more normal but still not nice pellets and not much of them.

The past night or so we discovered some very dark looking pee (see photo). Not every pee she does is this discoloured but it’s very dramatic and I’m worried it’s blood.

Just looking for some general advice. We have an appointment with a knowledgeable but less expensive vet on the 15th but we’re unsure if we can limp her through till then.

I’m very conflicted as to what to do, especially without the advice from a vet.

Is this blood in her pee? Has anyone else had successes with bloat or is this likely something she won’t recover from?

Thanks!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi.
My Guinea pig has been very unwell with bloat recently.
We took her to the exotic animal vet where she stayed for 3 nights. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep her in any longer as it was just too expensive.

We’ve now been caring for her at home with critical care, antibiotics, strong pain killers, probiotics etc. She has perked up a bit and is eating small amount of hay, critical care and is drinking. She’s also very keen to have veggies but we’ve been told not to give her any as this can make the bloat worse. Her poo is more normal but still not nice pellets and not much of them.

The past night or so we discovered some very dark looking pee (see photo). Not every pee she does is this discoloured but it’s very dramatic and I’m worried it’s blood.

Just looking for some general advice. We have an appointment with a knowledgeable but less expensive vet on the 15th but we’re unsure if we can limp her through till then.

I’m very conflicted as to what to do, especially without the advice from a vet.

Is this blood in her pee? Has anyone else had successes with bloat or is this likely something she won’t recover from?

Thanks!

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry about your problems.

The pee looks very oxidised to me; unfortunately for you, only a blood test can tell whether the urine contains blood or not. Clear urine upon leaving the body oxidises when in contact with air (which is perfectly normal), whereas the urine at the start of a urinary tract infection or a cystitis is often intensely coloured red with a natural dye called porphyrine, which often freaks out owners. Seemingly clear urine can test high for blood while prophyrine pees can be free of blood - I have that particular t-shirt in my cupboard.

The problem with bloating issues is that they can be primary (i.e. the bloating itself is the problem) or that they can be secondary (i.e. caused by another underlying problem). It all depends as to what is actually going on. Unfortunately, until you know that, nobody will be able to answer your question.

Here is our practical forum information, which you may find helpful, especially in view of vet access being rather more difficult over the coming holiday:
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

All the best!