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Male GP - blood in urine and sore penis - help please.

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Little Pig

Hi all

My male guinea pig, Little Pig, stopped eating 17 July and ended up having dental surgery on 20 July. On 28 July I still wasn’t happy with his eating, so vet put him on a 5 day course of Baytril. Eating improved and went back to normal, but I noticed blood in his urine 13 August. He was then put on a 10 day course of Baytril (started 14 August), and after no real improvement, was examined by another vet on 18 August who looked at his penis and realised it was covered in cuts/lesions. He injected an anti-inflammatory and took swabs. The bleeding stopped within the next day or so, and test results showed that he had 2 different bacterial infections on his penis, one of which was immune to Baytril. Vet prescribed Septrim on 23 August (I stopped giving Bayril then and switched to Septrim) and after another check-up 26 August the sores on his penis seemed to be healing well. However, he has just started bleeding again tonight.

I told him that money wasn’t an issue and that I would pay for any tests needed (x-ray, blood test etc) but the most recent vet (seen since 18 August) does not think it is a UTI or stones as he does not squeak while peeing, or hunch over, does not bleed every time he pees (maybe only once or twice a day at most) and because of the sores on the outside of the penis.

Little Pig has been to the vets 12 times since 17 July and each time I think he is improving, something else goes seems to go wrong… So, what shall I do? He still has another 5 days of Septrim to take, but should I take him back to the vets and insist on x-rays etc? Or should I see how he gets on in the next few days? He is eating fine (off his veg a little, but still going crazy for hay – I gave him some Recovery this morning just to be on the safe side) and his weight has remained stable for the last week or so. He does, however, like to sit in his own urine – I clean his cage out daily and have just built him a very large C&C cage, but he is quite often damp around his back legs. I’m sure this can’t be helping with the infections, but not sure how to stop him from doing this? He has also been really itchy recently, but he had his Xeno spot on 2 weeks ago, so I can't give him any more of that for another few weeks.

I’d really appreciate any advice.
Thanks (and sorry for the long post)!
Rachel.
 
aww poor piggy, I hope he feels better. maybe line the cage with fleece or towels so when he pees it gets absorbed, so it's not like a puddle for him to sit in. Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
sorry i cant be any help but just to say hope little pig gets better soon.
 
Poor little Little Pig!

Welcome to the forum, Rachel.

First of all, I was just wondering whereabouts in Surrey you are, as I've used a brilliant vet in Ewell (Anne Taylor / aka Anne O'Meara at Goddard Vet Group). I've not been for a while so I'm not sure she's still there but she's known for her expertise with guinea pigs, so definitely worth a look if you're thinking of switching vets or getting another opinion. Anne can do conscious x-rays so if you do decide to get Little Pig an xray then she can perform them without anaesthetic wherever possible.

I'm afraid I don't really know enough to advise regarding the cause of the sores but obviously you want to make him as comfortable as possible until they've cleared. I definitely agree that fleece bedding would be great, if you've not already got that, as it's soft and absorbent and will minimise the risk of bits getting stuck to his body. Incontinence pads underneath the fleece work very well. If he has a favourite spot where he likes to lie then just make sure that this area is as clean and dry as possible. You could perhaps use a piece of fluffy vetbed in that part. Light coloured bedding is especially useful for monitoring blood in urine etc. Also I also find that beds or cosies which are 100% polyester fleece (with polyester wadding inside) will wick away urine much more effectively than those made with cotton or other material, although I guess any type is fine as long as they're changed frequently enough.

This might sound like a stupid question but, just to be clear, are you sure that the blood is coming from his actual urine, rather than just from the external lesions on his penis? Has the Vet tested his urine at all?

If the blood is coming from his bladder/urinary tract then you could perhaps try making him some homemade barley water to ease any internal inflammation and discomfort. This is recommended for easing the symptoms of cystitis/urinary tract infections. (Boil up some pearl barley with water and simmer for about 40 mins, then strain off the barley and give the gloopy mixture when cooled, either offer it on a saucer or administer it orally by syringe. You could add some unsweetened cranberry juice if he prefers the taste). I think it's worth a try, to soothe him.

You said that he was given an anti-inflammatory injection a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure how long the effects would last but I'd ask the Vet about having Metacam or Rimadyl drops to give at home when required. Both are anti-inflammatories normally given to cats/dogs but in smaller doses are also used effectively for guinea pigs.

Just wondering...Has the Vet suggested bathing the affected area or given you any cream/ointment for it?

Sounds like you're really doing a great job. Fingers crossed that Little Pig's problem clears up soon x
 
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Hi - thanks everyone!

No more blood since last night and Little Pig seems quite cheerful today.

I'm in Leatherhead, so close to Ewell. I think I'll call Goddard's and see what they say. I have already switched vets recently as I was very unhappy with the way the first vet handled his treatment. I have just started going to a vet in Hersham and feel much more confident with them. However, they have not tested his urine. I think the vet assumes that the blood is coming from the lesions on the penis, rather than from his actual urine. I think I will ask for his urine to be tested though to be on the safe side. I'll ask about metacam at the same time too.

I already provide Little Pig with lots of newspaper and fleece bedding, but incontinence pads are a brilliant idea - thank you so much for suggesting this - I don't know why I didn't think of it!

The vet showed me how to examine his penis, but told me not to clean it unless debris etc were caught, he didn't give me any cream either - is there one someone would recommend?

Rachel
 
Oh you're very close to Ewell - lucky you! I travel from Bucks to see Anne and highly recommend her. Her Vet Nurse also has specialist knowledge of guineas too. They're not cheap but very much worth it and lovely too. I just wish I'd found her sooner!

According to their website, she still works there.
http://www.goddardvetgroup.co.uk/index.php?id=41

Very glad to hear that Little Pig is doing well today.

I'm no expert but am a bit surprised that they haven't tested his urine. Perhaps they thought there was no point as there were obvious sores and it'd be difficult to know for sure whether any blood was coming from inside him (i.e. bladder etc) or from the external sores? Anyway, I always think that a urine test is very useful for all kinds of reasons, not just to indicate the presence of blood.

With regard to cleaning him, I'm not even sure that it'd be the right thing to do, so check with the Vet first. I'd be tempted to bathe his penis with a saline solution or simply (cooled) boiled water and perhaps use something like a tiny dab of Sudocrem but wouldn't want to do more harm than good in case it's one of those wounds which is better off left alone to heal on its own, so definitely go with what the Vet says!

With his bedding, if he's only got newspapers under the fleece then I'd put some old towels underneath as well, for extra absorbency. If you can afford it, inco pads are fab - this type of thing (check the reviews!):
[ame]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Washable-Absorbent-Bed-Pad-90cms/dp/B000MES1W8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1281980429&sr=8-1[/ame]

Let us know how you get on. Hope his improvement continues x
 
Ann is most definitely still there but has been away for two weeks, she is back on Tuesday. I advise you to ring ASAP after 8.30am Tuesday morning as she only works Mon/Tues/Weds and as she has been away for two weeks everyone will rush to see her...me included...!

If you can't get to see Ann see Sam, he is not as good as her but is very enthusiastic and knows a fair bit about guineas, more than your average small animal vet, I have seen him on several emergency occasions and he has always been good - and is happy to give Septrin instead of baytril if you ask for it.

Wanda is ok but my 'last resort' nothing against her at all but she will admit she knows cats, not guineas, she is still very good in an emergency though.

The best thing you could do would be to take a urine sample in with you, have you any sterile syringes and containers? The first thing Ann will want is a sample and she will dip test there and then. As Missy said she will also do an x-ray without a GA, Sam won't tho bless him as in his words 'I would quite like to have kids one day and don't want 'anything' exposed to x-rays' haha!

If you need sterile syringes then I can give you some if you can get to me, I am in Redhill, if you need a container go into Boots, tell them you have a kidney infection and need a pot...have done this myself, I think my local chemist think I am an alcoholic with 'my' recurrent kidney infections...if you need help getting a sample, the best way is to get a plastic guinea carrier, really give it a clean with pet friendly disinfectant/hibiscrub solution, place guinea pig in carrier, and wait...then when he has been syringe it up and squirt into the pot. If you can do it the same day it's ideal but if you have an appointment say straight after work, do it the night before (some pigs are very stubborn and take ages to pee) and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just don't let anyone confuse it for apple juice
 
Thanks Doeylicious - I'm very glad to hear that Anne is still there. I've thankfully not needed a Vet for a while and am always worried that she'll retire while my back is turned!

I agree that visiting the Vet pre-armed with a fresh urine sample is a great idea. You can buy (needleless) disposable plastic syringes from most chemists (and online - ebay etc if not in a hurry) and chemists also sell plastic sample pots - it's all very cheap to buy and you shouldn't need to give an elaborate explanation! :)
 
missy said:
Thanks Doeylicious - I'm very glad to hear that Anne is still there. I've thankfully not needed a Vet for a while and am always worried that she'll retire while my back is turned!

I agree that visiting the Vet pre-armed with a fresh urine sample is a great idea. You can buy (needleless) disposable plastic syringes from most chemists (and online - ebay etc if not in a hurry) and chemists also sell plastic sample pots - it's all very cheap to buy and you shouldn't need to give an elaborate explanation! :)
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You mean I could have saved all that embarrassment...ah well I have moved from the area now, hahaha!
 
Thank you so much for the advice - I will be calling Anne first thing on Tuesday morning and will defiantly take a urine sample with me if she can fit me in. I have loads of syringes left from when he wasn't eating (pre and post dental) so that bit should be fine. The only thing I'm worried about is that I am flying out to America for 4 days on Tuesday afternoon (it is for work so I can't cancel it), but I'm sure a family member will take him back to the vets for me. I can't believe I live so close to a guinea pig expert and didn't know about her - my experience of some other local vets has not been great... Thanks again everyone and I'll keep you updated.
Rachel.
 
Little Pig said:
Thank you so much for the advice - I will be calling Anne first thing on Tuesday morning and will defiantly take a urine sample with me if she can fit me in. I have loads of syringes left from when he wasn't eating (pre and post dental) so that bit should be fine. The only thing I'm worried about is that I am flying out to America for 4 days on Tuesday afternoon (it is for work so I can't cancel it), but I'm sure a family member will take him back to the vets for me. I can't believe I live so close to a guinea pig expert and didn't know about her - my experience of some other local vets has not been great... Thanks again everyone and I'll keep you updated.
Rachel.
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Ummm, I will definitely, not defiantly!
 
Fingers crossed Anne can see him quickly and turn things around for the little fella. Obviously just make sure that she has as much of his medical history as possible, if you're not able to take him along yourself. Good luck x
 
Poor little pig - I have nothing to add just wanted to wish your pig luck. My Milo didn't squeak or hunch when urinating but when we tested his urine both blood and infection where present.

I think it depends on the pigs pain threshold - so he could have an infection. I would ask for an xray - at this point I would expect the ABS to clear up his infection.
 
I'm so upset. Little Pig hadn't bled again since Saturday and I was thinking maybe the antibiotics had started to work, but just checked on him and he has bled again. Now I have no idea where it is coming from - there is a fair amount of blood on the floor, around his back legs, but also around his face. Now I'm worried he has been bleeding from his mouth the whole time...? Or perhaps it just got there as he was trying to clean himself? His eating has also deteriorated today, so he is back on Recovery again tonight (which he loves). I'm going to take him back to the vet first thing in the morning, and just wish I didn't have to go to America tomorrow afternoon. I hate leaving him when he is not well, but I know my family will take care of him.
 
Little Pig said:
I'm so upset. Little Pig hadn't bled again since Saturday and I was thinking maybe the antibiotics had started to work, but just checked on him and he has bled again. Now I have no idea where it is coming from - there is a fair amount of blood on the floor, around his back legs, but also around his face. Now I'm worried he has been bleeding from his mouth the whole time...? Or perhaps it just got there as he was trying to clean himself? His eating has also deteriorated today, so he is back on Recovery again tonight (which he loves). I'm going to take him back to the vet first thing in the morning, and just wish I didn't have to go to America tomorrow afternoon. I hate leaving him when he is not well, but I know my family will take care of him.
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Do you want the emergency number for Goddards?

If you ring them first thing and explain they may ask you to bring him straight in, they are very good with emergencies xx
 
Doeylicious said:
Do you want the emergency number for Goddards?

If you ring them first thing and explain they may ask you to bring him straight in, they are very good with emergencies xx
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I will google the emergency number - thanks for the tip. Do you think I should call them now? I feel guilty already that I have left him over the weekend and that he has got worse.
 
Little Pig said:
I will google the emergency number - thanks for the tip. Do you think I should call them now? I feel guilty already that I have left him over the weekend and that he has got worse.
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I would call them now yes and go see them - the fact there is alot of blood says something is not right sooner they see him the better!

Good Luck! xx
 
Little Pig said:
I will google the emergency number - thanks for the tip. Do you think I should call them now? I feel guilty already that I have left him over the weekend and that he has got worse.
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The emergency vet on call may be able to give phone advice, it can be any vet from the group though so not sure who you will get but any advice may help. If they have to come out it will cost you a fair bit tho, just to warn you.

The Ewell surgery will be on ansaphone til the morning but as I say are open at 8.30am sharp.
 
I just spoke to my regular vet and they think he will be okay until the morning. I have booked him in there as a backup, but will be calling Goddard first thing to see if I can get an appointment with Anne. Thanks all. I'm off to give more Recovery now.
 
I couldn't get an appointment to see Anne this morning, so he has gone to the regular vets. They are doing an x-ray this morning and depending on what they find, will operate later today. I'm so nervous for him.
 
Little Pig said:
I couldn't get an appointment to see Anne this morning, so he has gone to the regular vets. They are doing an x-ray this morning and depending on what they find, will operate later today. I'm so nervous for him.
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Sending good luck vibes!
 
Thanks... just heard back from the vet. They did x-rays and an ultrasound and didn't find anything. I guess it is good that they don't have to operate on him today, but not good as it means we still don't know what is wrong with him. They are keeping him at the vets today, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
 
Just catching up with this thread. Very sorry to hear that Little Pig has been poorly again - I can imagine how worried you must be but at least you don't have the added worry of an op today, especially when you're setting off on a business trip.

You obviously did exactly the right thing in getting him seen straight away. Are you still thinking about taking him to see Anne at a later date though? If I were you I definitely definitely would. Her specialist knowledge may help her find something which a Vet with less piggy experience may overlook.

Obviously you have lots on your plate but please keep us updated as soon as you're able to. Fingers-crossed for the little one. You clearly care a great deal about him and he sounds like a special piggy x
 
I arrived back from America this morning and Little Pig seems to be doing much better. My wonderful mum has been taking care of him for me (despite the fact that she is allergic) and he hasn't bled all week! He is still on Septrim and now also a painkiller and is generally eating well. I'm going to see if I can get a check-up with Goddard vets early next week just to be on the safe side though. I bought him lots of new presents today (including a house made out of grass/hay that he can sit in and eat from an online shop called the hay experts - he loves it) so he has been fairly cheerful today. Thank you everyone for your helpful advice and thoughtfulness. I would also recommend the Hay Experts - http://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/ - they are not very cheap but have a really good selection of hay and guinea pig accessories. You can also buy Critical Care from this site.
Rachel
 
Thanks and yes I did (aside from worrying about the piggy) - clothes shopping in America is so much fun (oh yes, and I did some work too)!
 
So pleased to hear that Little Pig's had a better week. Does he still have the external sores? Hope you can get to see Anne soon...either way, please keep us updated.

Btw If that's Little Pig in your avatar pic he's a very handsome piggy! x
 
The external sores are healing well. Yes, the picture is him - he says thank you for the compliment! I think he is lovely, but am biased!
 
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