ConfusedMamapig
New Born Pup
Hi. I'm interested in everyone's opinion on this. I had three piggies, all just over a year old. One was sadly pts two and a half weeks ago due to bladder issues (he developed a bladder stone and then stopped eating and despite pain relief and critical care we just couldn't get him back). My other two at the same time have started squeaking when weeing. Following tests at the vets both have blood in their urine (we have ruled out a stone in one and are investigating the other). They are both on sulfatrim which sees to be improving things so it may be a uti in both, not quite sure yet. I had a chat with the vet this morning along the lines of why all three with bladder problems, is it just bad luck or something I am doing wrong (can't help thinking that every now and then). He said it's not me, it's how they are kept eg indoors. He said because they are prey animals the indoor environment can be more stressful and can often underpin poor drinking habits. It's true my three hadn't been amazing drinkers but I just assumed some were and some weren't (and I got the latter). They do all drink regularly, just not very much. Although our c&c set up does have hideys and safe spaces my vet gave me some tips on putting more bottles all around, particularly in safe areas and creating more cover. He said that poor drinking could very likely be due to them not feeling safe to visit the water bottle. I am so alarmed that in having them indoors (which the kids love) I have inadvertently not given them the best environment possible....the last thing I ever intended. Plus I hate to think that they are living in a heightened state of stress. I have three children and although they (the guinea pigs!) are tucked away there is often noise and activity in the house. However that said all of them regularly sleep in full view, out in the middle of the cage not even under a hidey...so maybe they are not stressed. I don't know. Does anyone have some thoughts, like I said three bladder poorly piggies in three weeks (including one pts) it's making me question everything...