Kidney Cyst

[PiggyRupert]

Following a reasonably long period of gradual weight loss, my 2 year 9 month old guinea pig Alvin has been diagnosed with arthritis plus a 1.2cm cyst in his right kidney.
Just wondering if anyone has experience with kidney cysts in Guinea pigs and what was the management / outcome?
Alvin is on tramadol and gabapentin for pain management of the arthritis with hopes of regaining condition and weight.

Thanks, Lisa

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

Kidneys and livers in guinea pigs are unfortunately one of the areas where veterinary medicine is still coming up against its old limits. Diagnostics have massively improved but medical and operative treatment have not significantly. Vets are usually mainly trying to manage the pain. I am very sorry about the bad news in that respect.

Has your vet mentioned glucosamine as the other part of arthritis treatment?
For the UK we recommend Johnson's 4joints dog liquid as the easiest way to administer. Glucosamine is classed as a food supplement and not as a medication so vets will not prescribe it and you have to either get it from a pet shop or online.
It will build up on the joints and coat them over the course of several weeks but make a real difference in terms of comfort and mobility. See that Alvin is so young, there is likely a strong genetic disposition in play.

 

[PiggyRupert]

Thanks, the vet did recommend Oxbow Joint Support which contains glucosamine. I am giving little Alvin one cookie per day.
It will be interesting to see if his weight loss stabilises with pain relief, or if the kidney disease is causing it.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks, the vet did recommend Oxbow Joint Support which contains glucosamine. I am giving little Alvin one cookie per day.
It will be interesting to see if his weight loss stabilises with pain relief, or if the kidney disease is causing it.

Oxbow joint is less strong, so 4joints would be your next upgrade, seeing that he is on very strong painkillers.