Glucosamine for bladder advice

[Flinty]

Hey all,

I know there have been threads on here previously, but just wanted to clarify

I have a 1 1/2 year old sow who I'm pretty sure is having bladder problems and would like to give her some long term help. I've read that glucosamine can help so would love advice on quantities and which tablets are best. I'm planning on putting the dosage on cucumber as I think it's the lowest stress way for her to have it (and she's v greedy, so she'll probably love it).

Holland and Barrett is currently sold out of their vegan pill, so has anyone got any advice for this alternative brand? Are there any things I need to look out for?
Vegan Glucosamine HCL

Thanks so much,

Georgi x

 

[Piggies&buns]

Has she been sent by a vet for a diagnosis? I just note you say ‘pretty sure’.
Glucosamine can help with some bladder problems. I can’t help with dosages but do ensure you consult a vet before doing anything

 

[Flinty]

Has she been sent by a vet for a diagnosis? I just note you say ‘pretty sure’.
Glucosamine can help with some bladder problems. I can’t help with dosages but do ensure you consult a vet before doing anything

Hey,
I've had a pig before with the same symptoms who was diagnosed so am going from that, but will make sure to take her too x

 

[Piggies&buns]

Ok. Definitely take her. The symptoms may appear to be the same but the diagnosis and treatment could be different so don’t give her anything until you have seen a vet. You wouldn’t want to mask symptoms and then make it harder for a vet to diagnose the problem or cause a delay in getting the correct treatment.
There is some useful information on this site for bladder piggies including adjustments to the diet.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Please have your guinea pig diagnosed first. Glucosamine is a support product for any affected walls in the urinary tract; it is NOT a cure.
Treatment depends on whether your guinea pig has got a bacterial urinary tract infection, a bacterial cystitis, bladder stones or sludge or whether it has a sterile (i.e. non-bacterial) interstitial (i.e. recurring or chronic) cystitis.

Glucosamine is needed only in the two latter cases but an antibiotic in the first three and analgesics (painkiller-cum-anti-inflammatory) are recommended in all of the issues that present with very similar symptoms. Only a hands-on examination of the bladder and if necessary a scan can tell the vet what they are exactly dealing or not dealing with. Home treatment can only help to mitigate symptoms in the longer term; it cannot help with acute infections and it cannot cure stones or sludge.