PammyRay
Junior Guinea Pig
This is my first post having just joined today so Hello Everyone!
I have just returned from the vet with my 2yr 2 month (approx.) boar Maccy who has been diagnosed with a bladder stone, he has had blood in his urine over the past couple of days and initially it appeared almost like pure blood (I thought he may have been injured in some way). He's so gentle and loving, the less dominant of the two brothers, and he still seems happy enough; jumping over his food bowl and climbing up to eat straw. However he doesn't seem to be eating as much of his dried food (Wagg Guinea Pig Crunch) and I'd say it's possible he may be drinking a little less, he's still happily chomping on straw.
The vet weighed him (didn't support his bum when he picked him up though, I didn't like that) and took his temperature which were both fine. Then he palpatated his abdomen area and the vet said he could feel a stone possibly about 1cm in size. I'm quite sad because the options came as a shock... The vet said 'I'm not sure what you want to do because you can always get another Guinea Pig for five pounds'. (I think he was actually trying to be understanding but what a ridiculous and upsetting thing to say). So he said that an x-ray would be needed to see if there were any more stones he'd missed and if so possible surgery which would total about £400.
The vet noted that Maccy seemed perky enough (he kept climbing up my arms and body and licking me) and that Maccy would probably let me know soon enough if he was in pain by not eating etc. So the vet suggested a course of antibiotics as a first resort, he also injected him with antibiotics and an anti-inflamatory. The vet mentioned that he might only have months left - I'd asked if the condition affects their lifespan if left. Then he said see how he is in about a week and when I return we can discuss the options, one of which might be euthanasia.
Needless to say I got upset, it was a shock.
The vet seemed to think there was no special diet on which I could put him, which seemed to contradict things I have read on forums. I realise from some research that people have had many differing results with bladder stone operations. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to help him so any advice on diet, bedding, bathing etc etc would be so gratefully received. Does the cost of the operation sound about right? And how can I be sure my vet is specialised with Guinea Pigs, to be honest his manner left a little to be desired and I felt like he just classed him as a small animal rather than my beloved, adored, gorgeous little Maccy that I know and cherish so well.
Thanks.
I have just returned from the vet with my 2yr 2 month (approx.) boar Maccy who has been diagnosed with a bladder stone, he has had blood in his urine over the past couple of days and initially it appeared almost like pure blood (I thought he may have been injured in some way). He's so gentle and loving, the less dominant of the two brothers, and he still seems happy enough; jumping over his food bowl and climbing up to eat straw. However he doesn't seem to be eating as much of his dried food (Wagg Guinea Pig Crunch) and I'd say it's possible he may be drinking a little less, he's still happily chomping on straw.
The vet weighed him (didn't support his bum when he picked him up though, I didn't like that) and took his temperature which were both fine. Then he palpatated his abdomen area and the vet said he could feel a stone possibly about 1cm in size. I'm quite sad because the options came as a shock... The vet said 'I'm not sure what you want to do because you can always get another Guinea Pig for five pounds'. (I think he was actually trying to be understanding but what a ridiculous and upsetting thing to say). So he said that an x-ray would be needed to see if there were any more stones he'd missed and if so possible surgery which would total about £400.
The vet noted that Maccy seemed perky enough (he kept climbing up my arms and body and licking me) and that Maccy would probably let me know soon enough if he was in pain by not eating etc. So the vet suggested a course of antibiotics as a first resort, he also injected him with antibiotics and an anti-inflamatory. The vet mentioned that he might only have months left - I'd asked if the condition affects their lifespan if left. Then he said see how he is in about a week and when I return we can discuss the options, one of which might be euthanasia.
Needless to say I got upset, it was a shock.
The vet seemed to think there was no special diet on which I could put him, which seemed to contradict things I have read on forums. I realise from some research that people have had many differing results with bladder stone operations. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to help him so any advice on diet, bedding, bathing etc etc would be so gratefully received. Does the cost of the operation sound about right? And how can I be sure my vet is specialised with Guinea Pigs, to be honest his manner left a little to be desired and I felt like he just classed him as a small animal rather than my beloved, adored, gorgeous little Maccy that I know and cherish so well.
Thanks.