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Mites/UTI
- Thread starter Piggies&buns
- Start date
Thank you for your reply - that's good to knowHow long should I wait before applying the Xeno as I only applied a second dose of the Beaphar yesterday :/
What did the vet tell you?
Did you give you the xeno?
They can overdose on ivermectin so it might be best if you wait for the full two weeks to be safe (treatment with Xeno is three separate treatments with two weeks between each treatment - so six weeks to cure) and check with your vet
We actually took Brownie to the vets because she had a wet bottom and they found a mass on a scan that is cancer so the mites were a separate thing tbh. They said to treat with the xeno and didn't comment much else (they do sell it but it is cheaper to buy on Amazon as got 4 piggies). I wasn't sure I trusted the vet too much, I don't feel she was guinea pig savvy and said "ugh" when she picked her up and was wet so it wasn't the best visit. The more I think of it, the more sad I am how she was. But... I will give them a call and ask. Thanks so much for the advice, been great reading the forum too.
Free Ranger
Forum Donator 2023/24
There is a 'guinea-pig' vet on the recommended vet list on the green link above in Matlock - if you are anywhere near that. These vets have been mentioned before and only good things have been said. Website says consult currently £39 and pence. The website has a feature on growths which talks about some being cancers but some benign... I have no personal experience but here is the link Can guinea pigs get cancer?
Xeno is very effective but the dose is body-weight dependent and if piggy has other ailments there may be other considerations too. My pigs are all over the 1.2 kilo mark for using xeno-450 although in the past slightly smaller pigs have been treated with this strength but just not all has been applied. This is why you see ivermectin in over-the-counter products but the concentration is much lower. The xeno-450 and mini-50 can be bought online but only with a prescription... but tbh I just buy them from the vet if we get prescribed them.
A vet should never say 'ugh' to a poor little girl with a soggy bottom. That would make me very sad. Some vets seem to dismiss our small furries as being less worthwhile that a dog or cat. It took me a few goes to find a vet I was happy with. They're not specialists and they don't always crack things for us but there are quite a few and they will all conflab over a guinea issue to try and get to the bottom of it. If I had gone in with a unicorn they couldn't be more serious about it!
I'd be calling a different vet and getting some advice and a xeno prescription. They might tell you only to wait 48 or 72 hours. The stuff is supposed to wear off pretty quickly - the 2 week gap between doses is more to do with the life-cycle of the bugs. Xeno doesn't kill the eggs so treating a second time close to the first time would still mean any unhatched eggs would not be killed. If she is coming to her natural end or just struggling with an infection (even if there is a growth there might also be infection - it's not mutually exclusive) she can be helped to be more comfortable and happier.
Good luck x
Xeno is very effective but the dose is body-weight dependent and if piggy has other ailments there may be other considerations too. My pigs are all over the 1.2 kilo mark for using xeno-450 although in the past slightly smaller pigs have been treated with this strength but just not all has been applied. This is why you see ivermectin in over-the-counter products but the concentration is much lower. The xeno-450 and mini-50 can be bought online but only with a prescription... but tbh I just buy them from the vet if we get prescribed them.
A vet should never say 'ugh' to a poor little girl with a soggy bottom. That would make me very sad. Some vets seem to dismiss our small furries as being less worthwhile that a dog or cat. It took me a few goes to find a vet I was happy with. They're not specialists and they don't always crack things for us but there are quite a few and they will all conflab over a guinea issue to try and get to the bottom of it. If I had gone in with a unicorn they couldn't be more serious about it!
I'd be calling a different vet and getting some advice and a xeno prescription. They might tell you only to wait 48 or 72 hours. The stuff is supposed to wear off pretty quickly - the 2 week gap between doses is more to do with the life-cycle of the bugs. Xeno doesn't kill the eggs so treating a second time close to the first time would still mean any unhatched eggs would not be killed. If she is coming to her natural end or just struggling with an infection (even if there is a growth there might also be infection - it's not mutually exclusive) she can be helped to be more comfortable and happier.
Good luck x
Thanks, I've just been cleaning her underneath and tuppence with some cotton wool and it looks so swollen and sore. I feel like they kind of brushed off anything additional that might be going on. I asked about antibiotics as I thought she might have a UTI but they said they dont really give antibiotics for UTI's. I'll have a look at the Matlock vet so thank you for all the help x
Definitely try another vet. Antibiotics and pain relief are essential for a UTI and I’d be wary if a vet told me they wouldnt treat a bacterial infection such as a UTI!
Free Ranger
Forum Donator 2023/24
A vet had never refused us antibiotics for infection in 10 years - if anything they've been prescribed sometimes on the off-chance of a suspected infection! And they've always given us metacam pain relief too. Maybe sometimes a fresh young vet has offered a dose lower than expected but always something.My little sow with a UTI was ulcerated round the bits and the vet said to clean gently with warm water, pat dry and dab on a thin coating of Sudocreme (the baby nappy cream) to protect the tender skin. I did it morning and evening. She healed up within days and the antibiotics they gave sorted her UTI. I also used this method on her back feet which were pink with urine scald from dripping pee. Use of this long-term is warned against as it can apparently cause the skin to thin but we've never needed it for longer than a week.
Thank you so much for the replies. I've phoned the Matlock vet but they dont have an appointment until Friday even for an emergency but they were lovely and going call me back when the vet gets in. I've phoned my vets back, PDSA in Derby, and they are adamant that she does not need antibiotics and that is it due to the tumour but her wee is red and she is arching her back when she wees. This has got to be a UTI, right? Even if caused by her tumour. Oh and sorry for hijacking this thread, shall I start another?
Btw, the vet gave me Metacam (I had to ask though, she wasn't going to) at 0.2ml once a day but I'm reading on here that they might need it twice daily due to their metabolism so shall I give it her twice? She is 750g, so skinny now. I have an appointment with another vet at 3.45 but they aren't exotic experts or anything so would be good to go a bit prepared with an idea of what she might need.
Ive popped your post into a new thread. (Although as I’ve moved it, it hasn’t brought your very first post)
Let us know how you get on seeing the vet.
As I said, for the vet to say they don’t prescribe antibiotics for a UTI is very odd.
Where is the tumour?
Thanks and I will do, I've managed to get an appointment at the Matlock vets. They've squeezed me in so will let you know what they say.
They did a scan and said her tumour was in her abdomen near her intestines and was advanced so they couldn't really do anything for her. She is eating ok though so that's good.
Another vet phoned today from the PDSA and was lovely and offered to test her wee if I get a sample but I will see what Ellie at the Guinea Vets says first. Hopefully she can give her something to help her wee with less pain
They did a scan and said her tumour was in her abdomen near her intestines and was advanced so they couldn't really do anything for her. She is eating ok though so that's good.
Another vet phoned today from the PDSA and was lovely and offered to test her wee if I get a sample but I will see what Ellie at the Guinea Vets says first. Hopefully she can give her something to help her wee with less pain
Free Ranger
Forum Donator 2023/24
I hope the Matlock vets can shed some light on things
There are various causes of red pee - it usually means blood in it whether a bit or a lot. Infection is a common one, stones/sludge another. Then there are the various unpleasant growths and also something more unusual called Sterile Interstitial Cystitis (SIC) which is a flare-up triggered by nothing you can put your finger on - it might be a type of food, or stress or something unknown. Cats get it too, and people, Here there are no infections or stones but still a tint to the pee and pain when peeing like with all the other causes that makes them hunch and squeal. It is so painful to see a poor piggy with bladder trouble. With the girls there is also the chance that the problem is actually in the reproductive tract and the blood is from there. A good vet knows what to look for. We've had experience with infection and with stones but we've always been given antibiotics - stones make them more likely to pick up an infection anyway.
Thinking of you and your piggy x
There are various causes of red pee - it usually means blood in it whether a bit or a lot. Infection is a common one, stones/sludge another. Then there are the various unpleasant growths and also something more unusual called Sterile Interstitial Cystitis (SIC) which is a flare-up triggered by nothing you can put your finger on - it might be a type of food, or stress or something unknown. Cats get it too, and people, Here there are no infections or stones but still a tint to the pee and pain when peeing like with all the other causes that makes them hunch and squeal. It is so painful to see a poor piggy with bladder trouble. With the girls there is also the chance that the problem is actually in the reproductive tract and the blood is from there. A good vet knows what to look for. We've had experience with infection and with stones but we've always been given antibiotics - stones make them more likely to pick up an infection anyway.
Thinking of you and your piggy x
A little, well big update... so the "tumour" is actually 2 ovarian cysts and the reason she was struggling so much to wee is that she has 2 bladder stones, one of which had worked its was almost out of her tuppence but was stuck as it was really big and really sharp so agnony every time she weed or we bathed her. Ellie, the vet at Matlock was AMAZING... she narrowed it down straight away and gave her a scan and X-ray and then a mini op to remove the big stone straight away. She also gave us painkillers, antibiotics, cream for her sore skin and Brownie is doing amazing! She is back in 2 weeks for a follow up and check on the other stone then maybe look at the cysts when she is in better shape. She is soooooo much happier. Thank you all so much for the help, this forum literally saved her as I wouldn't have known where to start and defo wouldn't have found such a fab vets 
What a lovely update. It’s so reassuring that she hasn’t got cancer. Ovarian cysts are quite common in older sows. Poor little girl having bladder stones. I’ll bet she feels much better for getting rid of the one in her urethra. That must have been so sore. Sounds like you are in very safe hands with the new vet.
Finding a good vet can make a real difference - that is why we have a list of recommended vets on the top bar. Ellie is one of the few true piggy specialists in this country, which is why it is hard to get an appointment with her; but if you can wait, then it is well worth it!
Good for getting the urethral stone out. With sows, they usually fetch up right before the narrowed opening, which is controlled by a ring of muscles and they are therefore generally a lot easier to get out compared to those of boars where they aren't good news. They can on occasion fatally block the urethra so require prompt removal.
Please review your diet. More calcium comes via the water and pellets than veg, but these need to also be reviewed. Diet changes are not a quick fix as it takes several weeks for them to be fully worked through the body but they are crucial for the long term and can make all the difference in terms of stones in the longer term. Diet is our best handle for minimising the risk of stones.
Please have a look at both our general diet recommendations as well as the specific urinary tract problem related ones. Our practical experience over the last decade has shown that they really make a big difference both in the frequency of stones as well as in terms of life expectancy. We do update the guide at need whenever more information/backfeed comes in.
Here is the link: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Large ovarian cysts are not at all uncommon, especially in older sows.
Here is more information on them: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Good for getting the urethral stone out. With sows, they usually fetch up right before the narrowed opening, which is controlled by a ring of muscles and they are therefore generally a lot easier to get out compared to those of boars where they aren't good news. They can on occasion fatally block the urethra so require prompt removal.
Please review your diet. More calcium comes via the water and pellets than veg, but these need to also be reviewed. Diet changes are not a quick fix as it takes several weeks for them to be fully worked through the body but they are crucial for the long term and can make all the difference in terms of stones in the longer term. Diet is our best handle for minimising the risk of stones.
Please have a look at both our general diet recommendations as well as the specific urinary tract problem related ones. Our practical experience over the last decade has shown that they really make a big difference both in the frequency of stones as well as in terms of life expectancy. We do update the guide at need whenever more information/backfeed comes in.
Here is the link: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Large ovarian cysts are not at all uncommon, especially in older sows.
Here is more information on them: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Free Ranger
Forum Donator 2023/24
Oh what a relief for Brownie and for you! One of may past piggies had a stone stuck and I couldn't believe it when I saw what they'd removed... it was all points like a ninja death star. Snowflake was a bit traumatised when she came home but was her old self again by the next day... being able to pee without pain and struggling must have been such a relief. I hope she can manage with the other stone - girls can sometimes pass them on their own. What a relief to find a vet who you don't have to argue with. Personally I'd be giving some 'constructive' feedback to that other practice!
The 2 big things to look at as the above guides will tell you are limiting pellets and filtering water to reduce calcium. You don't have to suddenly drop everything... I took a couple of weeks reducing pellets bit by bit and changing habits. For example, when mine wheek "for veggies" at random points during the day I give another fresh handful of hay instead which they are very happy with. They get their pellet portion at tea time and only my big fat girl goes straight for the bowl... the others are presumably stuffed with hay by then! Unlike people, piggies absorb all the calcium they eat and pee out the excess so it's our job to limit that excess.
Did she say anything about mites or are you leaving that until next time..?
The 2 big things to look at as the above guides will tell you are limiting pellets and filtering water to reduce calcium. You don't have to suddenly drop everything... I took a couple of weeks reducing pellets bit by bit and changing habits. For example, when mine wheek "for veggies" at random points during the day I give another fresh handful of hay instead which they are very happy with. They get their pellet portion at tea time and only my big fat girl goes straight for the bowl... the others are presumably stuffed with hay by then! Unlike people, piggies absorb all the calcium they eat and pee out the excess so it's our job to limit that excess.
Did she say anything about mites or are you leaving that until next time..?
I will definitely look into her diet and already started filtering her water after reading the above info 
Poor snowflake, glad she was feeling better by the next day. This stone looked like a tooth, it was crazy to see the size of it, was not expecting that! Brownie is a totally different piggy today and feels like she's put weight on already, she's defo got a rounder tum at least. I'll try that with the pellets, I give them all sorts throughout the day... they sit waiting for it at set times throughout the day and get look very disgruntled if the offerings aren't to an acceptable standard haha.
I bought the Xeno for the mites and Ellie said to giver her 2 weeks and then I can treat them all with that then so hopefully it will sort it out for them. Brownie is the only one with sparse fur though, her sisters don't seem effected really. Will have a read of the diet info now, thank you
Poor snowflake, glad she was feeling better by the next day. This stone looked like a tooth, it was crazy to see the size of it, was not expecting that! Brownie is a totally different piggy today and feels like she's put weight on already, she's defo got a rounder tum at least. I'll try that with the pellets, I give them all sorts throughout the day... they sit waiting for it at set times throughout the day and get look very disgruntled if the offerings aren't to an acceptable standard haha. I bought the Xeno for the mites and Ellie said to giver her 2 weeks and then I can treat them all with that then so hopefully it will sort it out for them. Brownie is the only one with sparse fur though, her sisters don't seem effected really. Will have a read of the diet info now, thank you
Free Ranger
Forum Donator 2023/24
I didn't drop my pellets off suddenly but reduced them over time. Mine are used to getting veggies first thing and also in the pm when I start cooking dinner as there's some chopping going on... but they will haunt the fridge during the day if they think there's action to be had! Flora sits neatly under a step-stool quietly eyeballing me, daffy Louise will come right round the corner and stare up. Gentle George waits patiently in his hidey but he hears everything, and if he hears the girls scampering back he knows there's a prize to be had and he won't be missed out. His head emerges like a turtle to politely take his treat 
Just a note - in case I didn't mention it before (can't see all the past bits of this thread!) but when you apply the xeno the mites will spasm as they die so if it's a heavy infestation burrowed into the skin it can sometimes trigger a frenzy of scratching. This will pass within a couple of hours (sometimes quicker) but it can be upsetting to see and of course piggy doesn't realise it's temporary... so don't apply it at night when everyone is tired and emotional anyway! My vet warned me about this once when one of mine was shedding a lot - I think she foresaw a problem and wanted us to be prepared - but actually that girl didn't scratch much more than she had been with the active mites and wasn't bothered by it. Most of the time the pigs here have been treated there's been no reaction at all, apart from when Louise's hair was too long and she ended up looking like a spiky pineapple!
Just a note - in case I didn't mention it before (can't see all the past bits of this thread!) but when you apply the xeno the mites will spasm as they die so if it's a heavy infestation burrowed into the skin it can sometimes trigger a frenzy of scratching. This will pass within a couple of hours (sometimes quicker) but it can be upsetting to see and of course piggy doesn't realise it's temporary... so don't apply it at night when everyone is tired and emotional anyway! My vet warned me about this once when one of mine was shedding a lot - I think she foresaw a problem and wanted us to be prepared - but actually that girl didn't scratch much more than she had been with the active mites and wasn't bothered by it. Most of the time the pigs here have been treated there's been no reaction at all, apart from when Louise's hair was too long and she ended up looking like a spiky pineapple!