Blood in urine? (photo)

[squeaksandcarrots]

Today I started noticing Penny’s urine is a different color and it looks more like blood to me. Normally it is more white but recently it has been brownish. I will note that the vet confirmed she has a tumor, so I’m wondering if there is a correlation. The vet is closed and I am going to call asap in the morning, but any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Piggies&buns]

It doesn’t look like blood on the picture (blood dries dark brown) but you’re doing the right thing by checking with the vet particularly as she has a known condition.

 

[Wiebke]

Today I started noticing Penny’s urine is a different color and it looks more like blood to me. Normally it is more white but recently it has been brownish. I will note that the vet confirmed she has a tumor, so I’m wondering if there is a correlation. The vet is closed and I am going to call asap in the morning, but any advice would be appreciated.
View attachment 238739

Hi

This looks like normal urine to me. Depending on the concentration of the urine and the amount of bacteria in it (most piggies pick up faecal bacteria when scent marking their territory), the oxidisation process can vary in intensity and shading. It is however always orange going into rusty colour.

This doesn't look like a pee containing either porphyrine (a natural deep red dye that is associated with urinary tract infections and will dry to a dark maroon colour) or a lot of proper fresh blood, which would be bright red drying to mid brown. However, seemingly clear urine can test high for blood, which many people are not aware of. It actually takes a whole lot of blood for urine to turn red. Most red pees are in fact porphyine coloured pees (which also may or may not test for the unrelated presence of blood - been there myself with that one).

If you have concerns, please see a vet.

 

[squeaksandcarrots]

Thank you for the information! Here is another photo for reference. It looks more orange this morning

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for the information! Here is another photo for reference. It looks more orange this morning
View attachment 238752

The colour darkens as it dries and the exposure to oxygen continues. While porphyrine and bloody pees are coloured when they leave the body, oxidising pees are clear at first.

There is still no indication that this is not a normal pee with obviously a bit of powdered calcium mixed in (which you couldn't really see in the first picture). This is the normal and healthy way of the body to excrete any excess of calcium.
You only need to start worrying if there is a whole cluster of them over several days or long term on a near daily basis. Keep in mind that too little calcium in the diet can also cause calcium pees just as too much once you get outside your own local sweet spot.