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Iris isnt very well! Helppppp!

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I'm late to this thread. I really hope Iris shows some improvement for you soon.

I just want to pick up on a couple of things that have been said in this thread though:

It has been said that bacterial UTIs are not contagious. That's not actually true, as guinea pigs living in close proximity to each other can spread bacterial infections. My three girls are living proof of that, as one developed a nasty bacterial UTI two years ago, then the 2nd girl got it, then the 3rd. They all now carry the bacteria and struggle with it from time to time. No vet I've seen has ever been surprised by this, so this isn't extremely rare. As we all know, it's impossible to keep a piggy cage pristine clean, although I spot clean daily and do a full disinfect weekly.

I've had 2 years of guinea pigs battling UTIs to do a bit of research (although there seems to be little information out there really in terms of actual scientific evidence). Cranberry juice is helpful yes, but for E Coli infections, because of the way it dislodges the E Coli bacteria (that's not the correct term I know!). However, it doesn't appear to do much for any other bacteria.

I've put my experiences of probiotics, positive and negative, in the new thread, so won't repeat them here.

Personally, I'd recommend asking your vet for a laboratory analysis of the urine, so they can see what bacteria they are dealing with, or to switch to Septrin first to see if that improves things.

The best form of vitamin C I've found is in the Oxbow tablets - it has helped one of my girls noticeably with her UTI. You can buy it (along with Critical Care, good disinfectants etc) from www.sphsupplies.co.uk
 
Miss Magpie, Panacur is a sheep worming suspension. Most commonly given to guinea pigs alongside Ivomec every three months to treat intestinal parasites. Panacur alone can be given as a course of treatment for some intestinal problems e.g. parasites, fungal.
 
Hi all, sorry I just stumbled on this site and this was the first post I read and just had to join to wish Iris the best - I so hope she feels much better soon - poor little mite :(
 
Well i took her to the vet and as he picked her up to look at her belly we noticed she had blood on her bits and a little on her belly. I was mortified as it wasnt on her at all last night. He suggested an xray and that it could possibly be a stone. I cried my eyes out when we were talking about it and the prices. Its not that I cant afford it but I just felt so guilty that its all happening to her. Hes helped me out with some discount as I'm a student. Op with xray and everything £260 there abouts but I'm not supposed to tell anyone {:| I'm waiting to hear from them now for the results. Cross fingers everyone! I really really hope she pulls through it!

:)p
 
Fingers crossed!

Blood in the urine can be found without a stone, grit or slush in the bladder, so it's not all lost yet. But the waiting is so agonising!

Sending her my best vibes!
 
Bad news. She has a stone but its passed into her urethra which is operable but is a much bigger operation that just taking one from her bladder. I didnt know what to do so I rung the lady at the rescue where i got them from and asked her opinion and if it was her piggie what would she do. Both vet and the lady said considering her age, 6, it is a big operation to come through and even if she survives that the recovery would be another hurdle for her to overcome. She told me shes have her put to sleep.
So...how on earth I could say it i dont know...but I asked if they could try and flush it out and if thats not successful to put her to sleep.
I'm just in pieces. I just think myself horrible to consenting the death of an animal I love so much, but she would suffer so so much if i dont. I dont want her in pain and misery...I'm just going to miss her so so much. Shes so pretty and i'll miss her cuddles and her chubby little self begging for food.
 
Don't do anything yet.
I have had sows pass stones upto 1cm diameter, and have the stones here.
How big is the stone?
 
I have to ask how the hell the vet managed to miss this after so long. I briefly alluded to possiblity of stone, and A.pigs mentioned it very clearly.. But I'm guessing the vet did the usual "I can't feel a stone, so there can't be one" - I've been there too many times now :(

Her age isn't what may prevent surgery being successful, it's how healthy she is in general. And the quality of the vet involved.

*You* have done all you can given the advice and vet treatment received, so if things don't work out, it's not your fault at all. However, everything crossed here the vets manage to get that stone out! It is easier in girls than boys, but I weould never go so far as to say it's *all that* easy...
 
I have just read my post from last night at 10:20pm, I regret I was right in my possible diagnosis At least it is confirmed.
 
Get Iris back from the vet before you regret it, she will not die just yet if you do nothing for a little while longer, there is still hope. Phone Vedra for further advice she has possibily the most experience of this problem.
 
Also the vet is "St James" in swansea, south wales on walter or waltner street. They have a site so google it to check them out. They have quite good surgeons.
Shes quite dehydrated and lost a bit of weight. I really dont want her to suffer.
 
If it's far enough down the urethra (i.e. at the opening) then the vet should be able to apply a local anesthetic, make a small incision and manipulate it out that way. Definitely no need for PTS at this stage - please make sure you ring the vet ASAP and tell them that!
 
A stone 1cm should be out near the end of the Urethra, not the vagina.
If it is, a small incision can be made and the stone will pop out. I have done this a number of times. I only regret not being nearer to you.
 
alcesterpigs said:
A stone 1cm should be out near the end of the Urethra, not the vagina.
If it is, a small incision can be made and the stone will pop out. I have done this a number of times. I only regret not being nearer to you.
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They havent mentioned this to me. its in the middle of the urethra. Where would the incision have to be made?
 
Ring up now! She's your animal, you have the right to say what does and does not happen to her. I hope it's not too late. Really, it is so worth a try. If there is any chance you can get her back, no matter how "inconvenient" the vet may feel it is, it's your say. Tell the receptionist you need to talk urgently to the vet about Iris. x
 
CCC4 said:
Ring up now! She's your animal, you have the right to say what does and does not happen to her. I hope it's not too late. Really, it is so worth a try. If there is any chance you can get her back, no matter how "inconvenient" the vet may feel it is, it's your say. Tell the receptionist you need to talk urgently to the vet about Iris. x
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Right they are not going to put her down, i just rang. Ive discussed surgery with him and he said it'd invole breaking her pelvis etc and as she is so old and slightly ill it would be worse for her.
What can I tell the vet now when i go and have a chat with him? I dont really know what the procedure would involve etc.
 
Good for you, thank you for standing up for her! There is still hope, still more options to discuss and attempt before anything as drastic and irreversible as euthanasia is even considered. I am so glad you managed to catch the vet in time.

It is very rare that a stone is lodged in a position whereby the breaking of the pelvis is necessary, but it has happened. A pig would not survive this trauma, so that is out of the question. Flushing the bladder could be attempted, it may force the stone further down the urethra, when it can then be manipulated out of the urethral opening. Another idea is one I have only heard of for boys, but I don't see why it can't be done for girls - a catheter could be used to "prod" (or flush/pressure) the stone back up into the bladder and then removed via normal bladder surgery.

AP - or anyone else who knows - would Buscopan be of any use in this situation? I know it relaxes the muscles involving digestion (to a degree) but don't know if the effect would be as far reaching or useful in this case?
 
CCC4 said:
a catheter could be used to "prod" (or flush/pressure) the stone back up into the bladder and then removed via normal bladder surgery.
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They tried that and it wouldnt move. He said that she would have to break her pelvis to get at it so i'd imagine it is in an arkward place.

I dont mean to sound cruel but I cant afford much more at the vets. Do you think the pdsa would be able to help me as I'm a student?
 
Here's the page on PDSA eligibility:

http://www.pdsa.org.uk/eligibility.html

Could your vets work out a payment plan with you? Some vets are willing to wait a short while for payment, or will work out how much you could pay off each week - instead of paying the full amount upfront.

Also consider contacting Vedra at the CCT if you can - or even getting your vet to contact her. I know she is a distance from you but if she can advise your vet on various solutions, at least your vet has more knowledge on how to handle things.
 
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