Catrofen injection for piggies

[Josie_lg]

Hiya what’s everyone’s opinion/experiance with catrofen injections fir bladder piggies? Are these purely for sterile cystitis cases only. Or can this be used for ongoing bladder issues (not stones). Do most vets have this sort of drug?
Thank you in advance xx

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

I have no personal experience with cartrofen injections since they are relatively new; my current IC piggy is OK on oral glucosamine.

Cartofen is used for the more severe forms of sterile IC but not for other bladder issues because UTI does not affect the lining of the urinary tract; is a urine infection that is caused by faecal bacteria in the urinary tract and requires an antibiotic.
Bacterial cystitis is generally the result of mechanical bladder stone/sludge scratching the lining of the bladder. It requires an antibiotic. Oral glucosamine can help with the one-off healing process.

Cartrofen is used for dogs and cats (usually for treating for cystitis but it can also be used for FSC (feline sterile cystitis, which is similar to cavy sterial IC) so most vets should have access to it but this very much depends on the vet you are seeing. It is not a cheap drug. It is also not licensed for guinea pigs, nor are all that many vets aware of sterile IC in guinea pigs, so I would not bank on getting it everywhere.

I hope that this helps you.