Satin syndrome/osteodystrophy

[effyastrid]

Today I took my two girls to the rescue for a health check and the lady noticed that one of my girls (over a year old) has a slight satin sheen on her nose and a little on her long fur. She mentioned how she could have osteodystrophy which is something I didn't know about before and now I'm really worried. Although she hasn't shown any symptoms of OD would an x-ray at the vet determine that? Also I had just recently added a mini loft to the cage (similar to the Kavee Cages one) and now I'm not sure if she should still use the ramp as it might be bad for her legs (although my girls really love the loft ). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Engel]

Saskia from the LA guinea pig rescue did a video on it on YouTube which may be worth a watch. I know in some countries satins are banner but don't think Australia is one of them.

Please don't confuse the shine on a normal healthy piggy for satin shine. There's a difference. All my pigs are shiny...really shiny but I know it's down to care and diet because when they first came they weren't shiny at all.

Your vet can look at the hair under a microscope. If I remember rightly satins hair is hollow.(?)

While it's typically satins that develop OD aka 'Satins syndrome' it doesn't mean all satins will develop it. I'm not clued up on it all but it's believed to do with a faulty gene. Plus piggies who don't present with a satin shiny coat can develop it too.

OD is a metabolic bone disease so can be seen on x-ray. It does more than affect the skeleton though, and to be honest is a poorly understood disease.

I have found a article on it but may need to run it by mods first as I don't know if I'm allowed to share it; potential misinformation ect. It's a few years old. I'll link it below but if anyone deems it unsuitable feel free to remove.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...0QFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2CX5We7kQ8_yNeaCsXn9Mp

Here's a case study that's slightly more up to date: Case Report of a Satin Guinea Pig with Fibrous Osteodystrophy That Resembles Human Pseudohypoparathyroidism

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes the hairs on satins are hollow.

@Eriathwen may be able to help you further

 

[Wiebke]

Today I took my two girls to the rescue for a health check and the lady noticed that one of my girls (over a year old) has a slight satin sheen on her nose and a little on her long fur. She mentioned how she could have osteodystrophy which is something I didn't know about before and now I'm really worried. Although she hasn't shown any symptoms of OD would an x-ray at the vet determine that? Also I had just recently added a mini loft to the cage (similar to the Kavee Cages one) and now I'm not sure if she should still use the ramp as it might be bad for her legs (although my girls really love the loft ). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi

You can find our various information links on Guinea Pig Satin Syndrome/Fibrous osteodystrophy in the chapter on satin guinea pigs in thise guide link here (towards the end): What-breed-are-my-guinea-pigs? Picture-guide-to-common-pet-breeds

Please keep in mind that not every satin will actually develop the syndrome. If they have it, it usually makes an appearance around 18 months (before they are 2 years old).

Satin guinea pig hairs are hollow, which is where the sheen comes from; the difference is clearly visible under a miscroscope and the best way of determining whether yours is really a satin or not.

Fingers very firmly crossed that yours is one of the lucky ones!

 

[Eriathwen]

I would absolutely have her checked by a vet when you can, piggies are masters of hiding their pain and it's easier to get pain under control when caught early. I have had 4 pigs now with osteodystrophy, 2 satins and 2 satin carriers. All of which have since passed away, I do have a young satin male now but he is currently not showing any signs of issues. That being said, recent studies show that all satins are effected, necropsies on asymptomatic 'healthy' satins show they still had diseased kidneys, which just furthers the opinion that no satins should be bred, the disease can not be removed from the breeds genes by breeding 'healthy' animals together.

That being said, healthy piggies, especially ones with darker coats, can seem extremely shiny but not be a satin, hopefully thats the case for your piggy.

 

[effyastrid]

Thanks guys for the helpful tips. I took them outside today and I can definitely see a satin sheen to her coat under sunlight I've booked a vet appt this Wednesday and hopefully all goes well. I will keep you guys updated.

 

[effyastrid]

Update: Effy is all good and healthy after a few Xrays and a health check. I would still need to keep monitoring her in case her symptoms show later on but thank goodness all is well right now! Hopefully breeding Satins can be banned in more countries, because it's truly such an unfair curse for these piggies

 

[Wiebke]

Update: Effy is all good and healthy after a few Xrays and a health check. I would still need to keep monitoring her in case her symptoms show later on but thank goodness all is well right now! Hopefully breeding Satins can be banned in more countries, because it's truly such an unfair curse for these piggies

So glad for you! Fingers very firmly crossed that Effy remains one of those that are only comparatively lightly affected.

Sadly by now the sydrome has jumped into the wider population in some countries (like Australia or Germany) because of backyard breeding practices but a ban on satin breeding would really help.

 

[Teacake]

I would absolutely have her checked by a vet when you can, piggies are masters of hiding their pain and it's easier to get pain under control when caught early. I have had 4 pigs now with osteodystrophy, 2 satins and 2 satin carriers. All of which have since passed away, I do have a young satin male now but he is currently not showing any signs of issues. That being said, recent studies show that all satins are effected, necropsies on asymptomatic 'healthy' satins show they still had diseased kidneys, which just furthers the opinion that no satins should be bred, the disease can not be removed from the breeds genes by breeding 'healthy' animals together.

That being said, healthy piggies, especially ones with darker coats, can seem extremely shiny but not be a satin, hopefully thats the case for your piggy.

hi, i know this is from a while ago, but i would be really interested in seeing these studies so if you still can find them i would really appreciate it (:
thank you!

 

[Eriathwen]

hi, i know this is from a while ago, but i would be really interested in seeing these studies so if you still can find them i would really appreciate it (:
thank you!

They might be on my pc but I've not set it up since I moved, I'll try to have a look when I do get round to it.

There was a video on YouTube (I think) of one of the authors discussing the results but I cant seem to find that either now. But I might not be searching the right terms for it.

 

[stardustpig]

Has anyone heard of experimental treatment being used for satin syndrome? My guinea pig was recently diagnosed and has been placed on pain meds (gabapentin), but my vet is doing research into something possibly more experimental. These were her notes, please let me know if any of you have knowledge or experience with something like this.

"Another option we discussed is attempting treatment with bipshosphonates (brand name Boniva), which is used in treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis in humans. This medication works by inhibiting osteoclast cells, which cause bone resorption, and ultimately leads to a net gain in bone mass. Stardust's bloodwork today was normal aside from changes consistent with breakdown of bone in the body, so we can use today's panel as a baseline for monitoring for medication side effects if we do pursue this option. After I am able to research this further, I will give you a call so we can discuss this option further."

 

[Wiebke]

Has anyone heard of experimental treatment being used for satin syndrome? My guinea pig was recently diagnosed and has been placed on pain meds (gabapentin), but my vet is doing research into something possibly more experimental. These were her notes, please let me know if any of you have knowledge or experience with something like this.

"Another option we discussed is attempting treatment with bipshosphonates (brand name Boniva), which is used in treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis in humans. This medication works by inhibiting osteoclast cells, which cause bone resorption, and ultimately leads to a net gain in bone mass. Stardust's bloodwork today was normal aside from changes consistent with breakdown of bone in the body, so we can use today's panel as a baseline for monitoring for medication side effects if we do pursue this option. After I am able to research this further, I will give you a call so we can discuss this option further."

Hi

Unfortunately for you since we are a pet owners' forum and not a breeder forum, we see too few cases of Satin Guinea Pig Syndrome on here to get feedback whether there have been any new developments since the last case on standard treatment.

 

[Eriathwen]

Has anyone heard of experimental treatment being used for satin syndrome? My guinea pig was recently diagnosed and has been placed on pain meds (gabapentin), but my vet is doing research into something possibly more experimental. These were her notes, please let me know if any of you have knowledge or experience with something like this.

"Another option we discussed is attempting treatment with bipshosphonates (brand name Boniva), which is used in treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis in humans. This medication works by inhibiting osteoclast cells, which cause bone resorption, and ultimately leads to a net gain in bone mass. Stardust's bloodwork today was normal aside from changes consistent with breakdown of bone in the body, so we can use today's panel as a baseline for monitoring for medication side effects if we do pursue this option. After I am able to research this further, I will give you a call so we can discuss this option further."

I havent heard of it but it does make sense! Do let us know what research your vet comes back with. Having had to watch multiple times now, piggies slowly declining on high doses of pain medication I would be very willing to give something experimental a try should my current satin show signs of osteodystrophy.

 

[stardustpig]

So my vet just got back to me today, let me share her response! There are some potential side effects reported in people that could be concerning on a Guinea pig level, but there’s no way to know if they will occur with her.

“I am writing to summarize our phone call today regarding trial treatment with Boniva for Stardust's satin syndrome. Treatment would be given daily on an empty stomach to allow for best absorption of the drug, so we would take away food 30 mins prior to administering the medication and provide food again 30 mins after treatment. In trial studies on rats, there were no skeletal side effects at 1000x and 5000x the optimal antiresorptive dose. The most major side effects were seen in pregnant rodents, which had a high rate of fatalities, so it would be very important to keep her securely separated from the male guinea pigs in the home. There were some uncommon gastrointestinal and respiratory side effects in people during the trial studies, but if we observe side effects in her within the first few days of starting treatment we would discontinue the trial. It is also recommended to supplement calcium and vitamin D at the same time. The cost of Boniva would be about $40 per month - this does not include the calcium/vitamin D. After starting treatment, we should recheck bloodwork in 14 days and recheck bloodwork and x-rays in 28 days.”

I’m taking some time to think it over. I’d love if we were able to find something that could help more than just pain medication, I just worry about the side effects.

 

[Wiebke]

So my vet just got back to me today, let me share her response! There are some potential side effects reported in people that could be concerning on a Guinea pig level, but there’s no way to know if they will occur with her.

“I am writing to summarize our phone call today regarding trial treatment with Boniva for Stardust's satin syndrome. Treatment would be given daily on an empty stomach to allow for best absorption of the drug, so we would take away food 30 mins prior to administering the medication and provide food again 30 mins after treatment. In trial studies on rats, there were no skeletal side effects at 1000x and 5000x the optimal antiresorptive dose. The most major side effects were seen in pregnant rodents, which had a high rate of fatalities, so it would be very important to keep her securely separated from the male guinea pigs in the home. There were some uncommon gastrointestinal and respiratory side effects in people during the trial studies, but if we observe side effects in her within the first few days of starting treatment we would discontinue the trial. It is also recommended to supplement calcium and vitamin D at the same time. The cost of Boniva would be about $40 per month - this does not include the calcium/vitamin D. After starting treatment, we should recheck bloodwork in 14 days and recheck bloodwork and x-rays in 28 days.”

I’m taking some time to think it over. I’d love if we were able to find something that could help more than just pain medication, I just worry about the side effects.

All the best! As with any experimental treatment, it is very much a leap of faith.

 

[stardustpig]

Hi

Unfortunately for you since we are a pet owners' forum and not a breeder forum, we see too few cases of Satin Guinea Pig Syndrome on here to get feedback whether there have been any new developments since the last case on standard treatment.

All the best! As with any experimental treatment, it is very much a leap of faith.

Thank you! I appreciate it. If I decide to give it a shot I’ll share updates here for those interested.

 

[GroovFlowr]

Thank you! I appreciate it. If I decide to give it a shot I’ll share updates here for those interested.

I wish Stardust all the best! I'm definitely interested in hearing about her results if you try the Boniva.

I just took my guy Baby in last week because he was favouring his rear left leg. Turns out he has marked bone density loss with a spongy/mottled appearance in the x-rays. He was a shelter adoptee and I'd never really been interested in what to label his coat type but, in looking into some of the concerns following his appointment, I came across Satin Syndrome and he does seem to fit the satin coat description after comparing him with other pictures and videos online.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Please open your own thread in our Health/Illness section for personalised support. This thread is historic and has not had any feedback and further posts for 3 months. Reviving it with a different case will cause confusion and can quickly lead to misunderstandings for other posters.
Unlike social media, we provide ongoing personalised support for every case but in order to do this we have a 1 case = 1 thread rule on here so we can fully focus on the poster and their piggy.

For more information on satin disease please see the further information links in the satin chapter of our common pet breeds guide: What-breed-are-my-guinea-pigs? Picture-guide-to-common-pet-breeds

For a diagnosis re. SGPS (satin guinea pig syndrome), you will have to see a vet and usually will need an x-ray.

 

[GroovFlowr]

Hi and welcome

Please open your own thread in our Health/Illness section for personalised support. This thread is historic and has not had any feedback and further posts for 3 months. Reviving it with a different case will cause confusion and can quickly lead to misunderstandings for other posters.
Unlike social media, we provide ongoing personalised support for every case but in order to do this we have a 1 case = 1 thread rule on here so we can fully focus on the poster and their piggy.

For more information on satin disease please see the further information links in the satin chapter of our common pet breeds guide: What-breed-are-my-guinea-pigs? Picture-guide-to-common-pet-breeds

For a diagnosis re. SGPS (satin guinea pig syndrome), you will have to see a vet and usually will need an x-ray.

I replied to this thread, which already had a couple of cases with a few months in between, because I was curious whether @stardustpig had any updates on the mentioned treatment they were considering. I merely then introduced my Baby, but wasn't looking for any commentary to his case specifically. As I mentioned above, Baby has had x-rays. I am communicating with his vet about looking further into the possibility of this condition, but as they are not familiar with it themselves I'm also researching it to share with them.

Best!

 

[stardustpig]

I replied to this thread, which already had a couple of cases with a few months in between, because I was curious whether @stardustpig had any updates on the mentioned treatment they were considering. I merely then introduced my Baby, but wasn't looking for any commentary to his case specifically. As I mentioned above, Baby has had x-rays. I am communicating with his vet about looking further into the possibility of this condition, but as they are not familiar with it themselves I'm also researching it to share with them.

Best!

Hi! Here with some updates. Stardust has been on the Boniva treatment for about 2 months. She has had no negative side effects, is eating and pooping fine. Long term can't be sure but short term no issues with the medication. Within the first two weeks of the medication, the vet did notice a slight increase in her bone density and some improvement then. However, since then over the past few months there have been no more improvements.

But it also hasn't gotten worse. It's hard to say if Stardust is at a standstill with the progression of the disease because of the medication or because individually she is just progressing very slowly. She takes 0.02 of the medication once a day, with 30 min fasting before and after. A liquid calcium supplement once a day at the opposite time from the Boniva, and gabapentin twice a day. She cannot take meloxicam with the Boniva.

The one thing you could go ahead and implement is a UVB lamp. I would talk to your vet but they can have benefits for vitamin d3 which can help piggies absorb more calcium, which is beneficial for those w satin syndrome.

Hope this helps!

 

[stardustpig]

Here with another update on Stardust for those interested. She has now developed jaw issues and is having trouble eating solids. Her jaw bone has deteriorated significantly and right now her diet consists mainly of as much critical care as I can get her to eat. The Boniva medication did end up slightly improving the strength of her hind leg bones, but her jaw is the main issue right now. I've attached an x-ray of what it looks like, and the vet and I will be having a quality-of-life discussion soon due to her inability to really consume the amount of food she needs.

 

[Wiebke]

Here with another update on Stardust for those interested. She has now developed jaw issues and is having trouble eating solids. Her jaw bone has deteriorated significantly and right now her diet consists mainly of as much critical care as I can get her to eat. The Boniva medication did end up slightly improving the strength of her hind leg bones, but her jaw is the main issue right now. I've attached an x-ray of what it looks like, and the vet and I will be having a quality-of-life discussion soon due to her inability to really consume the amount of food she needs.
View attachment 216192

HUGS

Satin disease is such a horrible illness that affects the whole body in so many unexpected ways.

My thoughts are with you and Stardust.

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry. Sending you and Stardust my very best wishes.

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry. Big hugs to you and to Stardust.

 

[Swissgreys]

I wanted to say how sorry I am about Stardust, but also offer a huge thank you to both you and her.

It is people like you - committed and caring owners - who are prepared to try new things and share the results that will increase awareness of this horrible disease, as well as helping to develop new treatments to improve the quality of life for others.
Well done to you for being so determined to explore every option, and to Stardust for being such a trail blazing pig