We are having issues with our Guinea pig (unfortunately called squirrel) who has been having recurring issues with blood in his urine. It varies from a lot to just spots, dark red and pink and will be there for a few days then go. It has been on and off for a few months, sometimes with weeks in between with no sign. He doesnt act like hes in pain with no squeaking when he pees and acting and eating as normal. Hes had an xray and no stones present, had 2 rounds of baytril and metacam and now on septrin and metacam. The first round of baytril and metacam stopped it for a while then it came back and it continued throughout the long second course of baytril and then stopped when we ended medication. I am so confused as to what it is! Our vet is contacting the exotic vets and theyve suggested a bladder culture but no sign of anything odd on the xray done recently. If anyone has any tips that would be great. We have also changed his diet around 6 months ago when he had bladder sludge due to too much calcium and that has cleared with no further problems. Thanks!
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Confusing piggie with blood in urine
- Thread starter bex2288
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D
DMS260820
So maybe he has cystitis ? Have you had a scan done yet instead of an xray?
Not yet, could definitely be on the list! What are the symptoms of cystitis?
D
DMS260820
Blood in urine, squeaking whilst peeing normally
Claire W
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I have a piggy who has interstitial cystitis (IC). She’s had it for over 3 years now but was only diagnosed after everything else including a urine culture and reproductive problems had been ruled out.
They present with blood in the urine and sometimes squeaking when urinating but not always. Antibiotics can clear in the short term but it comes back once antibiotics have finished.
It’s definitely worth mentioning to your vet. It can’t be cured until it goes away on its own but it can be managed
They present with blood in the urine and sometimes squeaking when urinating but not always. Antibiotics can clear in the short term but it comes back once antibiotics have finished.
It’s definitely worth mentioning to your vet. It can’t be cured until it goes away on its own but it can be managed
Thank you I think that could be the case as he doesnt squeak or seem in pain! And it keeps coming back. How do you manage it?
Claire W
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You can try giving cystease capsules which are just supplements for cats with cystitis and metacam when they are having a flare
Hi!
Has your vet checked for sterile interstitial cystitis, which we generally refer to as IC? It has become rather common in guinea pigs in the last decade. Sterile means that a guinea pig is not reacting much to antibiotics, so they won't clear the problem permanently.
Unfortunately as we don't know yet what is causing IC, we can only treat/manage symptoms, but not the cause. Metacam (which is an anti-inflammatory as well as a painkiller) and cystease or a similar glucosamine based bladder flood supplement to support the beleaguered natural glucosamine coat of the bladder walls seem to be the most effective. The good news is that IC does not cause any bladder stones and is not a fatal disease. The bad news is that you aare looking at years rather than months before it goes away on its own.
Thanks that's really helpful. Any recommendations on where/ what glucosamine?Hi!
Has your vet checked for sterile interstitial cystitis, which we generally refer to as IC? It has become rather common in guinea pigs in the last decade. Sterile means that a guinea pig is not reacting much to antibiotics, so they won't clear the problem permanently.
Unfortunately as we don't know yet what is causing IC, we can only treat/manage symptoms, but not the cause. Metacam (which is an anti-inflammatory as well as a painkiller) and cystease or a similar glucosamine based bladder flood supplement to support the beleaguered natural glucosamine coat of the bladder walls seem to be the most effective. The good news is that IC does not cause any bladder stones and is not a fatal disease. The bad news is that you aare looking at years rather than months before it goes away on its own.
Cystease or cystophan are UK brands; they are free online available cat food supplements (and not a medication), but vegan glucosamine from a health shop will also do if you struggle to get hold of cystease. Cats are the other species with a penchant for bladder trouble.
If in doubt, speak to your vet.