Gritty pee

[Piggies&buns]

With the vets confirmation that there is nothing that needs treating (ie no stones or infection, no bleeding), then just with powdery pee and an intermittent soft squeak then it may not be anything concerning.

All you can do is monitor and stay in contact with your vet

 

[Mclayton]

With the vets confirmation that there is nothing that needs treating (ie no stones or infection, no bleeding), then just with powdery pee and an intermittent soft squeak then it may not be anything concerning.

All you can do is monitor and stay in contact with your vet

Well, he's been like this on & off since December 6th, & never shown any signs of illness.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Well, he's been like this on & off since December 6th, & never shown any signs of illness.

You’re doing all you can.

 

[Mclayton]

You’re doing all you can.

Update this morning. The dried are smaller spots this morning, but a little hard,,, but easily rubbed into the fleece. Is this an improvement then? They still squeak when doing a calcium wee, but wasn't as bad last last night.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Given we can’t see it we can’t know if it is an improvement on what you had been seeing but the fact you say rubbed into the fleece suggests a powdery pee which a lot of piggies will do.

 

[Mclayton]

Given we can’t see it we can’t know if it is an improvement on what you had been seeing but the fact you say rubbed into the fleece suggests a powdery pee which a lot of piggies will do.

 

[Piggies&buns]

That looks like a completely common pee patch. Milky white urine drying to a powder is normal. You are feeding the recommended diet so there is not anything else you can do

 

[Mclayton]

That looks like a completely common pee patch. Milky white urine drying to a powder is normal. You are feeding the recommended diet so there is not anything else you can do

That has been rubbed in. It was a little hard & more white than that. This is in their pen. Watched them last night. When doing a non calcium pee, they don't squeak

 

[RosieLily]

Hi! I’m not all that knowledgeable about guinea illnesses, I just know what works for my girls. My two are both “bladder pigs”.

Coriander is what caused flares for us, for whatever reason. I heard of another bladder pig on this forum that had issues with coriander as well. After removing it from their diet the flares are close to non-existent now. Either way I’d try get a sample of the painful wees.

Perhaps worth considering.

 

[Piggies&buns]

That has been rubbed in. It was a little hard & more white than that. This is in their pen. Watched them last night. When doing a non calcium pee, they don't squeak

Yes that’s a powdery pee
As I have said, you are feeding the recommended diet so unless their calcium balance is still wrong (either too high or too low) then you are doing what you can.

Guinea Lynx :: What's Normal?

 

[Mclayton]

Yes that’s a powdery pee
As I have said, you are feeding the recommended diet so unless their calcium balance is still wrong (either too high or too low) then you are doing what you can.

Guinea Lynx :: What's Normal?

I can I know though, if too low? They had their teeth checked at the vets & she said they were perfect. So, for me, probably not too low in calcium.

 

[Mclayton]

Hi! I’m not all that knowledgeable about guinea illnesses, I just know what works for my girls. My two are both “bladder pigs”.

Coriander is what caused flares for us, for whatever reason. I heard of another bladder pig on this forum that had issues with coriander as well. After removing it from their diet the flares are close to non-existent now. Either way I’d try get a sample of the painful wees.

Perhaps worth considering.

They have had their wee samples checked time & time again

 

[Mclayton]

Hi! I’m not all that knowledgeable about guinea illnesses, I just know what works for my girls. My two are both “bladder pigs”.

Coriander is what caused flares for us, for whatever reason. I heard of another bladder pig on this forum that had issues with coriander as well. After removing it from their diet the flares are close to non-existent now. Either way I’d try get a sample of the painful wees.

Perhaps worth considering.

Will cut out the coriander for a few days then, see what happens. I must admit, they are nearly 1 now, & only been on coriander for a 2-3 months. They've never had any issues before then

 

[Piggies&buns]

If the vet isn’t finding anything wrong then it’s possibly because there isn’t anything to find.
IC can only be concluded by ruling everything else out.
You are already giving glucosamine (IC affecting the glucosamine layer in the bladder and urine then causing pain where the bladder is raw) so the only other thing is pain relief if the vet diagnoses IC.
An IC piggy will be on long term pain relief and glucosamine. That will usually bring mild cases under control. A flare will mean a piggy will need a temporary increase to their normal maintenance level of glucosamine and pain killers to bring it back under control. The dosage can then reduce back to the maintenance level.

Certain veg can cause flares and it is individual to every piggy but with IC changes to the diet can also cause flares, along with stress etc.

 

[Mclayton]

If the vet isn’t finding anything wrong then it’s possibly because there isn’t anything to find.
IC can only be concluded by ruling everything else out.
You are already giving glucosamine (IC affecting the glucosamine layer in the bladder and urine then causing pain where the bladder is raw) so the only other thing is pain relief if the vet diagnoses IC.
An IC piggy will be on long term pain relief and glucosamine. That will usually bring mild cases under control. A flare will mean a piggy will need a temporary increase to their normal maintenance level of glucosamine and pain killers to bring it back under control. The dosage can then reduce back to the maintenance level.

Certain veg can cause flares and it is individual to every piggy but with IC changes to the diet can also cause flares, along with stress etc.

Thank you for that. They are definitely not stressed. I rescued them from a stressful environment. Now, they have peace & quiet, as I'm the only one here. They are in the living room with me, so see me all the time I'm not at work

 

[Mclayton]

If the vet isn’t finding anything wrong then it’s possibly because there isn’t anything to find.
IC can only be concluded by ruling everything else out.
You are already giving glucosamine (IC affecting the glucosamine layer in the bladder and urine then causing pain where the bladder is raw) so the only other thing is pain relief if the vet diagnoses IC.
An IC piggy will be on long term pain relief and glucosamine. That will usually bring mild cases under control. A flare will mean a piggy will need a temporary increase to their normal maintenance level of glucosamine and pain killers to bring it back under control. The dosage can then reduce back to the maintenance level.

Certain veg can cause flares and it is individual to every piggy but with IC changes to the diet can also cause flares, along with stress etc.

Well his bladder was fine a month ago. I've upped the cystease to 2 day, just incase

 

[Free Ranger]

Can I just butt in here with a little comment?
Cystease is a helpful supplement for bladder pigs but we must be careful not to overdo things. One capsule a day for piggies known to be at risk or suffering from bladder problems is tried and tested. Doubling up is unknown territory for me... it's tempting to give more of something if it doesn't have an adverse response but if you're going to do this please keep an eye on the gut because you don't want to cause any disturbances. I know nothing about the maximum doses pigs can tolerate and I wouldn't like to experiment.

'People supplements' of glucosamine tend to come from the crushed up shells of crustaceans I think - I always assumed it was things like prawns or something. I know that because my friend was trying to find one for vegetarian ladies with stiff knees! There are human veggie options out there - probably there are options for our animals. Maybe it's just synthesised in a lab or something. But just be a bit careful, every pig is different x

 

[Mclayton]

Can I just butt in here with a little comment?
Cystease is a helpful supplement for bladder pigs but we must be careful not to overdo things. One capsule a day for piggies known to be at risk or suffering from bladder problems is tried and tested. Doubling up is unknown territory for me... it's tempting to give more of something if it doesn't have an adverse response but if you're going to do this please keep an eye on the gut because you don't want to cause any disturbances. I know nothing about the maximum doses pigs can tolerate and I wouldn't like to experiment.

'People supplements' of glucosamine tend to come from the crushed up shells of crustaceans I think - I always assumed it was things like prawns or something. I know that because my friend was trying to find one for vegetarian ladies with stiff knees! There are human veggie options out there - probably there are options for our animals. Maybe it's just synthesised in a lab or something. But just be a bit careful, every pig is different x

Will stick to one capsule then. Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

I agree with Free Ranger.

How long have they been on cytease?
How long ago did you increase the dose?
Has their pain decreased since being on the cytease?

It takes around a month to build up and will help to line a raw bladder and protect it from urine this reducing pain. This is the issue in IC piggies , the glucosamine layer is affected and thus urinating is painful.

White pee is calcium and that comes from the diet being too high or too low in calcium. To my knowledge Glucosamine won’t stop the urine being white and calcium being excreted.

So if the cytease has made a difference to their pain levels (as I’ve said IC piggies also need pain relief) then it is obviously helping.
It, to my knowledge, won’t do anything if they have a normal glucosamine layer because it doesn’t need replacing - if that makes sense

 

[Mclayton]

I agree with Free Ranger.

How long have they been on cytease?
How long ago did you increase the dose?
Has their pain decreased since being on the cytease?

It takes around a month to build up and will help to line a raw bladder and protect it from urine this reducing pain. This is the issue in IC piggies , the glucosamine layer is affected and thus urinating is painful.

White pee is calcium and that comes from the diet being too high or too low in calcium. To my knowledge Glucosamine won’t stop the urine being white and calcium being excreted.

So if the cytease has made a difference to their pain levels (as I’ve said IC piggies also need pain relief) then it is obviously helping.
It, to my knowledge, won’t do anything if they have a normal glucosamine layer because it doesn’t need replacing - if that makes sense

They have been on cystease since December 27th. I've increased it past few days. It could well be that, as they have been up until recently

 

[Mclayton]

I agree with Free Ranger.

How long have they been on cytease?
How long ago did you increase the dose?
Has their pain decreased since being on the cytease?

It takes around a month to build up and will help to line a raw bladder and protect it from urine this reducing pain. This is the issue in IC piggies , the glucosamine layer is affected and thus urinating is painful.

White pee is calcium and that comes from the diet being too high or too low in calcium. To my knowledge Glucosamine won’t stop the urine being white and calcium being excreted.

So if the cytease has made a difference to their pain levels (as I’ve said IC piggies also need pain relief) then it is obviously helping.
It, to my knowledge, won’t do anything if they have a normal glucosamine layer because it doesn’t need replacing - if that makes sense

The squeaky pees been very hit & miss. They go go hours to days with nothing then they will start for few days. I just wish I knew the connection to it starting. My vet recommended cystease when he had the infection,, but strangely, he never squeaked with the infection! It was only detected in his urine when his sugar levels were checked. That problem sorted

 

[Mclayton]

If the vet isn’t finding anything wrong then it’s possibly because there isn’t anything to find.
IC can only be concluded by ruling everything else out.
You are already giving glucosamine (IC affecting the glucosamine layer in the bladder and urine then causing pain where the bladder is raw) so the only other thing is pain relief if the vet diagnoses IC.
An IC piggy will be on long term pain relief and glucosamine. That will usually bring mild cases under control. A flare will mean a piggy will need a temporary increase to their normal maintenance level of glucosamine and pain killers to bring it back under control. The dosage can then reduce back to the maintenance level.

Certain veg can cause flares and it is individual to every piggy but with IC changes to the diet can also cause flares, along with stress etc.

Is it ok for a guinea pig to be on cystease as a preventative measure?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Is it ok for a guinea pig to be on cystease as a preventative measure?

In all honesty, I don’t know. Taking some/certain supplements above and beyond needs can be detrimental but I’m not sure about glucosamine specifically.

What I do think though is preventatives aren’t always the right way to go but it depends on the situation. My thinking is that if you are using a preventative for no real need, what happens if there is an actual need - you may have much less leeway to deal with the issue given the body is already used to an amount of something.

Creamy coloured urine is normal or affected by diet (calcium intake), taking glucosamine isn’t going to change that.
Glucosamine would help if your piggy has a painful bladder, and diagnosed IC. (Or joint issues)

You would do better to speak to your vet about it - ie does the vet know you are still giving the cytease (if they recommended it during the infection, did they anticipate you would stop giving it when the infection was cured), do they think it is helping, do you think it is helping etc
Even in diagnosed IC cases it’s about finding the maintenance dose to keep a piggy comfortable and thus having the ability to increase temporarily during a flare.

 

[Mclayton]

In all honesty, I don’t know. Taking some/certain supplements above and beyond needs can be detrimental but I’m not sure about glucosamine specifically.

What I do think though is preventatives aren’t always the right way to go but it depends on the situation. My thinking is that if you are using a preventative for no real need, what happens if there is an actual need - you may have much less leeway to deal with the issue given the body is already used to an amount of something.

Creamy coloured urine is normal or affected by diet (calcium intake), taking glucosamine isn’t going to change that.
Glucosamine would help if your piggy has a painful bladder, and diagnosed IC. (Or joint issues)

You would do better to speak to your vet about it - ie does the vet know you are still giving the cytease (if they recommended it during the infection, did they anticipate you would stop giving it when the infection was cured), do they think it is helping, do you think it is helping etc
Even in diagnosed IC cases it’s about finding the maintenance dose to keep a piggy comfortable and thus having the ability to increase temporarily during a flare.

I was told by my vet to keep Squeak on 1 capsule of cystease long term, since his infection, & was told by a rescue manager to give my other my piggie a capsule as a prevention. Last night wasn't great. Quite a bit of squeaking when weeing, but urine is fine. They were very active, doing zoomies etc. Eating drinking as normal. No sign of illness whatsoever. I just don't know what to do anymore. Its not so much the wee now, but the little squeaks. & my anxiety is going up because I only have enough money to treat 1 pig a month. Feel very stressed

 

[Piggies&buns]

I was told by my vet to keep Squeak on 1 capsule of cystease long term, since his infection, & was told by a rescue manager to give my other my piggie a capsule as a prevention. Last night wasn't great. Quite a bit of squeaking when weeing, but urine is fine. They were very active, doing zoomies etc. Eating drinking as normal. No sign of illness whatsoever. I just don't know what to do anymore. Its not so much the wee now, but the little squeaks. & my anxiety is going up because I only have enough money to treat 1 pig a month. Feel very stressed

Ah I see.
Is it just one piggy squeaking when peeing then?
If so, then I would not worry about giving it the other as a prevention if you can’t afford to do so and instead focus on the one actually having issues.
I would go back to the vet and see if IC is now a possibility and then pain relief may be needed.

 

[Mclayton]

In all honesty, I don’t know. Taking some/certain supplements above and beyond needs can be detrimental but I’m not sure about glucosamine specifically.

What I do think though is preventatives aren’t always the right way to go but it depends on the situation. My thinking is that if you are using a preventative for no real need, what happens if there is an actual need - you may have much less leeway to deal with the issue given the body is already used to an amount of something.

Creamy coloured urine is normal or affected by diet (calcium intake), taking glucosamine isn’t going to change that.
Glucosamine would help if your piggy has a painful bladder, and diagnosed IC. (Or joint issues)

You would do better to speak to your vet about it - ie does the vet know you are still giving the cytease (if they recommended it during the infection, did they anticipate you would stop giving it when the infection was cured), do they think it is helping, do you think it is helping etc
Even in diagnosed IC cases it’s about finding the maintenance dose to keep a piggy comfortable and thus having the ability to increase temporarily during a flare.

Thing is,, Squeak has been absolutely fine for about 6 weeks, & was given the all clear a month ago, & my other piggie never

Ah I see.
Is it just one piggy squeaking when peeing then?
If so, then I would not worry about giving it the other as a prevention if you can’t afford to do so and instead focus on the one actually having issues.
I would go back to the vet and see if IC is now a possibility and then pain relief may be needed.

It was only one, but he's been fine for about 6 weeks, & was given the all clear about a month ago. My other piggie has been fine throughout, until past week. & during the past week, both of them are at it now, but wee is fine. The cost of vets is worrying me so much

 

[Piggies&buns]

So, to clarify -
Squeaks had a UTI a few months ago. It was treated and cured with antibiotics, but the vet told you to give cytease long term. He had no further issues.
The other piggy had no issues but you were told to give a preventative of cytease anyway.
Neither piggy had any sign of issues a month ago but both have started squeaking while peeing a week ago.

A UTI is caused when bacteria from faeces gets into the urinary tract. Antibiotics (and painkillers) are given and the issue will be dealt with. No long term treatment should be needed.
IC affects the glucosamine layer in the bladder. It is a long term condition which can’t be cured but instead managed with glucosamine, painkillers and keeping a stable diet. It is thought to be caused by stress, and piggies born to stressed mothers tend to carry high levels of stress throughout their lives (nothing can be done about that).
Both cause pain when peeing and blood in the urine (although clear urine can test positive for blood).

If no bacteria is found and no other treatable condition is found but symptoms persist, then IC can be considered, diagnosed and treated accordingly. It is a long term battle with peaks and troughs, not something you can deal with quickly.

Perhaps you could try catching their painful pees on video (I know, won’t be easy), so you can show the vet how they are squeaking when peeing.

 

[Mclayton]

So, to clarify -
Squeaks had a UTI a few months ago. It was treated and cured with antibiotics, but the vet told you to give cytease long term. He had no further issues.
The other piggy had no issues but you were told to give a preventative of cytease anyway.
Neither piggy had any sign of issues a month ago but both have started squeaking while peeing a week ago.

A UTI is caused when bacteria from faeces gets into the urinary tract. Antibiotics (and painkillers) are given and the issue will be dealt with. No long term treatment should be needed.
IC affects the glucosamine layer in the bladder. It is a long term condition which can’t be cured but instead managed with glucosamine, painkillers and diet. It is thought to be caused by stress, and piggies born to stressed mothers tend to carry high levels of stress throughout their lives (nothing can be done about that).
Both cause pain when peeing and blood in the urine (although clear urine can test positive for blood).

If no bacteria is found and no other treatable condition is found but symptoms persist, then IC can be considered, diagnosed and treated accordingly. It is a long term battle with peaks and troughs, not something you can deal with quickly.

Perhaps you could try catching their painful pees on video (I know, won’t be easy), so you can show the vet how they are squeaking when peeing.

I know about all you have said. I learned about it. Yes, Squeak was all clear, & Bubble no issues at all, until both of them now. Never any blood, & its intermittent squeak when peeing. Seems to happen more when they are in their pen, & me watching them. They are in my living room.

 

[Mclayton]

So, to clarify -
Squeaks had a UTI a few months ago. It was treated and cured with antibiotics, but the vet told you to give cytease long term. He had no further issues.
The other piggy had no issues but you were told to give a preventative of cytease anyway.
Neither piggy had any sign of issues a month ago but both have started squeaking while peeing a week ago.

A UTI is caused when bacteria from faeces gets into the urinary tract. Antibiotics (and painkillers) are given and the issue will be dealt with. No long term treatment should be needed.
IC affects the glucosamine layer in the bladder. It is a long term condition which can’t be cured but instead managed with glucosamine, painkillers and keeping a stable diet. It is thought to be caused by stress, and piggies born to stressed mothers tend to carry high levels of stress throughout their lives (nothing can be done about that).
Both cause pain when peeing and blood in the urine (although clear urine can test positive for blood).

If no bacteria is found and no other treatable condition is found but symptoms persist, then IC can be considered, diagnosed and treated accordingly. It is a long term battle with peaks and troughs, not something you can deal with quickly.

Perhaps you could try catching their painful pees on video (I know, won’t be easy), so you can show the vet how they are squeaking when peeing.

I rescued these from a red hot, noisy, stressful care home when they were 7 months old, & a month after owning them, I've had issues. I've already paid out over £500. I owe people. I've never been given the chance to save up for vets fees properly, & that's the major issue. I hope I don't have to remove them because of my finances

 

[Mclayton]

So, to clarify -
Squeaks had a UTI a few months ago. It was treated and cured with antibiotics, but the vet told you to give cytease long term. He had no further issues.
The other piggy had no issues but you were told to give a preventative of cytease anyway.
Neither piggy had any sign of issues a month ago but both have started squeaking while peeing a week ago.

A UTI is caused when bacteria from faeces gets into the urinary tract. Antibiotics (and painkillers) are given and the issue will be dealt with. No long term treatment should be needed.
IC affects the glucosamine layer in the bladder. It is a long term condition which can’t be cured but instead managed with glucosamine, painkillers and keeping a stable diet. It is thought to be caused by stress, and piggies born to stressed mothers tend to carry high levels of stress throughout their lives (nothing can be done about that).
Both cause pain when peeing and blood in the urine (although clear urine can test positive for blood).

If no bacteria is found and no other treatable condition is found but symptoms persist, then IC can be considered, diagnosed and treated accordingly. It is a long term battle with peaks and troughs, not something you can deal with quickly.

Perhaps you could try catching their painful pees on video (I know, won’t be easy), so you can show the vet how they are squeaking when peeing.