Calcified Kidneys - any advice welcome

[Beccafox88]

Hi everyone, this is my first time writing on a forum but I’m really struggling to know what’s best for my girl. Daphne will be 4 in March 2025 and was diagnosed with kidney failure yesterday. Whilst the vet advised they could address the ample sludge in her bladder etc, both kidneys showed calcification, hence her recommendation was palliative care. She also consulted an experienced retired colleague when coming to this diagnosis/recommendation. So I’ve been trying to come to terms with this - Daphne is still relatively bright in herself and full of sass - she has been getting a wet bottom and so we’re bathing regularly and ensuring the cage is clean. She is on 0.2ml Rheomocam daily and we’re weighing her daily as she lost some weight suddenly. The difficulty I’m having is that despite the recommendation, the vet said if I wanted a second (third really) opinion they could refer to Anton vets in Andover, however she felt it was unlikely they would say different. Anton vets is over an hour from me and I don’t believe my insurance would cover any expenses as it’s a different vet to my usual one registered with the insurance company. I of course want to do what’s best for Daphne and am just so unsure how best to proceed. I’d really appreciate any thoughts or advice. I’m a long time guinea pig owner and Daphne and her sister mean the absolute world to me, I am heartbroken but want to be strong for them and make sure Daphne’s as comfortable and happy as possible. Thank you for reading x

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry you have had such devastating news, it's such a shock for you.
A few years ago I had a 2 year old piggy called Bracken who had a bladder stone removal operation. He healed well and was quickly his old self. 2 weeks later he went down hill again, a scan showed a kidney stone and calcification of the kidneys and penis, none of which had showed on the earlier scans and xrays. The vet (a very piggy experienced exotics) advised there was no treatment, we could only keep him pain free and when that was no longer possible we would have to let him go. Bracken had Metacam and Tramadol and was happy for 2 months before he started losing weight and acting as if he was in pain. We upped the pain meds for two weeks and spoilt him with all his favourite foods. Saying goodbye was so hard but we were at the limit of the pain meds and it was the kindest thing to do.
You are perfectly entitled to have another opinion. I would take a few days to think about it, you don't need to rush into anything immediately.
I recommend vetbed to help with the wet bottom. I buy offcuts on ebay and cut them into smaller bits to place in all the favourite sitting spots and hideys. It locks the wet underneath so needs some thing absorbent under it, I use a folded newspaper.
I am so sorry I don't have better news for you.
Sending you hugs.