My 2.5 year old male pig, Vincent, has just been diagnosed with a bladder stone. Two years ago, his cage mate also had a bladder stone. We attempted surgery, but he did not fair well post-op and we decided to put him to sleep. I didn't even think to ask for the composition of the stone. After that, I adjusted Vincent's diet to try to prevent him from forming his own stone. Sadly it did not work.
I wanted to post his diet here and seek the advice of those whom have dealt with stone pigs before. He is scheduled for surgery on Monday, and I would like to do my best to prevent another stone and also minimize the chance of stone formation in my other pigs. I understand that bladder stones can run in certain bloodlines/breeds, but I want to do everything I can to help my pigs.
If there is something I can add, remove, or alter in the diet to improve my pigs chances of avoiding stone formation, I am certainly open to any advice.
Hay: Unlimited Oxbow Orchard Grass. Occasionally give Oxbow Timothy, but they tend to favor the Orchard grass.
Pellets: KMS Hayloft Timothy Pellets, 1/8 cup per day
Vegetables: Morning: 2-3 leaves of Endive, Green Leaf, or Red Leaf Lettuce
5-6 sprigs of Cilantro
1 slice of Cucumber
Evening: 2-3 leaves of Endive, Green Leaf, or Red Leaf Lettuce
5-6 sprigs of Cilantro
1/8 of a Green Pepper
Water: Sink Water, changed every 1-2 days, Calcium is 30 mg/L (< 60 mg/L is considered soft water)
Thank you for any suggestions, I really appreciate it.
I wanted to post his diet here and seek the advice of those whom have dealt with stone pigs before. He is scheduled for surgery on Monday, and I would like to do my best to prevent another stone and also minimize the chance of stone formation in my other pigs. I understand that bladder stones can run in certain bloodlines/breeds, but I want to do everything I can to help my pigs.
If there is something I can add, remove, or alter in the diet to improve my pigs chances of avoiding stone formation, I am certainly open to any advice.
Hay: Unlimited Oxbow Orchard Grass. Occasionally give Oxbow Timothy, but they tend to favor the Orchard grass.
Pellets: KMS Hayloft Timothy Pellets, 1/8 cup per day
Vegetables: Morning: 2-3 leaves of Endive, Green Leaf, or Red Leaf Lettuce
5-6 sprigs of Cilantro
1 slice of Cucumber
Evening: 2-3 leaves of Endive, Green Leaf, or Red Leaf Lettuce
5-6 sprigs of Cilantro
1/8 of a Green Pepper
Water: Sink Water, changed every 1-2 days, Calcium is 30 mg/L (< 60 mg/L is considered soft water)
Thank you for any suggestions, I really appreciate it.