Guinea pig stone reoccurrence

[Triss and Yenn]

Hi all, we have a lovely, happy sow who developed bladder stones and needed an operation back in June. She successfully recovered but has since developed new stones. We have changed their hay to The Happy Hay Company Timothy Rabbit Hay, pellets to Supreme Petfoods Selective Naturals Grain Free Guinea Pig Food (both appear to be recommended for low calcium) and are wetting the low calcium veggies. She is on glucosamine and painkillers. Urine culture has not identified any bugs.
She has another operation planned for Thursday. I have read around the subject and would welcome your thoughts about the success of using citrate supplements (our vet has found reference to potassium citrate being used) and the use of diuretics (thiazide- our vet cannot find anything on the amounts given to Guinea pigs, the pitfalls and success)?
We would like to do all that we can to keep her healthy and happy - our vet is concerned that if they return as quick as these ones then we will have a welfare discussion on our hands
Any advice will be gratefully received! TIA

 

[Siikibam]

I’m so sorry that your girl has developed them again so quickly. Sometimes it can be a genetic predisposition and other times it can be diet.

May I ask how much you’re feeding them in terms of pellets? And also what veg do you feed and how often? And is their water filtered?

I hope the op goes well on Thursday and the stones stay away for a good while longer. Below I’ve linked to the feeding guide which has a section on piggies with urinary tract issues.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

 

[Triss and Yenn]

Thank you for your reply- it has been very helpful. Our girls will be disappointed with the reduction in fresh veg!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you for your reply- it has been very helpful. Our girls will be disappointed with the reduction in fresh veg!

How much veg are you currently feeding them - I’m just wondering why there will be a reduction?

There is a genetic element to bladder stones but obviously we can only control diet.
Keep the bladder flushing through is a good thing, so you don’t necessarily need to reduce the quantity of veg….
Do they get fresh grass at all?

 

[Triss and Yenn]

Thank you for your reply- it has been very helpful. Our girls will be disappointed with the reduction in fresh veg!

I’m so sorry that your girl has developed them again so quickly. Sometimes it can be a genetic predisposition and other times it can be diet.

May I ask how much you’re feeding them in terms of pellets? And also what veg do you feed and how often? And is their water filtered?

I hope the op goes well on Thursday and the stones stay away for a good while longer. Below I’ve linked to the feeding guide which has a section on piggies with urinary tract issues.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

We are reducing the amount of nuggets to the recommended 2 tablespoons. I have just read that low calcium bottled water may be the best way forward (TDS is a minefield along with finding the best water filter!). Veggies have been generous (compared to the pic you have shared).

 

[Triss and Yenn]

How much veg are you currently feeding them - I’m just wondering why there will be a reduction?

There is a genetic element to bladder stones but obviously we can only control diet.
Keep the bladder flushing through is a good thing, so you don’t necessarily need to reduce the quantity of veg….
Do they get fresh grass at all?

Yes- we put them out when the weather is good. They have been having two full Guinea pig bowls of veg- including peppers, lettuce, cucumber and celery.

 

[Piggies&buns]

We are reducing the amount of nuggets to the recommended 2 tablespoons. I have just read that low calcium bottled water may be the best way forward (TDS is a minefield along with finding the best water filter!). Veggies have been generous (compared to the pic you have shared).

Yes- we put them out when the weather is good. They have been having two full Guinea pig bowls of veg- including peppers, lettuce, cucumber and celery.

The recommended amount is one cup per pig per day, but I will be honest, mine get a bit more than that and they are out on grass all day every day in summer (although my lawn is more hay like than grass at the moment with how dry it’s been here!). Their hay intake has always been very good but mine don’t get pellets often (only three times a week and have dried forage instead).
Hay is obviously more important than veg but veg is also important in the diet, a wet diet can really help keep the bladder flushing through.

Reducing pellets and giving filtered water is a major way to reduce calcium intake - pellets containing more calcium than than kale (the highest calcium veg), so adjusting that will be very good. It will take several weeks for any change in the diet to filter its way through the body way.

A water filter - a normal brita filter jug, or even a supermarket own, will work perfectly well

 

[Triss and Yenn]

Hi all, just a quick update. Triss is doing well post op. Fingers crossed that the kind advice that you have given will mean that she will continue to have a happy healthy life. Thanks all

 

[Siikibam]

I’m glad to hear all went well. Hopefully she won’t get any more either.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Our vet has used the diuretic Bendroflumethiazide, to help avoid stone recurrence.

 

[Triss and Yenn]

Our vet has used the diuretic Bendroflumethiazide, to help avoid stone recurrence.

Hi furry friends, do you know what dosage was used? My vet couldn’t find any information about diuretics. What was recommended to maintain fluid intake?

 

[Bill & Ted]

Hope Triss makes a full recovery and develops no more stones

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Hi furry friends, do you know what dosage was used? My vet couldn’t find any information about diuretics. What was recommended to maintain fluid intake?

I don’t, as I’ve never used it. You could ask your vet to get in contact with our vet to discuss in more detail.

Simon Maddock
The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic

Telephone 01604 478888

 

[Snowflake]

My boy is on potassium citrate o.5 mls twice a day. Only a tiny amount. I got mine from my local chemist.

 

[Triss and Yenn]

Thank you.

 

[YvonneBlue]

Thank you.

Please don't medicate your piggy without consulting a vet as it may do more harm than good. You wouldn't know the correct dosage and it could interact with other medications or affect existing health issues. I am sure if your vet speaks to Simon or Kim Maddocks they will be able to advise.

 

[Triss and Yenn]

No worries. I was going to pass this information on to my vet for advice.