Hi,
My 3.5 guinea pig may have a bladder stone and I am trying to determine if she can handle another surgery. Or do her symptoms indicate a different issue?
SYMPTOMS:
HISTORY:
Ovarian cysts and uterine tumor were removed from a female guinea pig when she was ~2 years old. According to the surgeon, it was a complicated surgery and her heart stopped during the surgery. It was an exceedingly difficult recovery (bloat/stopped pooping!) with numerous vet visits, but she survived. But can she handle another surgery?
~ JANUARY 2020:
A spot was seen on her x-ray. An ultrasound was recommended. Given her symptoms, I suspected a bladder stone.
MAY 2020:
Guinea pig was first treated for pink eye with Ciprofloxacin. She has been treated for pink eye 3 times since ...
DECEMBER 2020:
JANUARY 2021:
She is currently being treated for a urinary tract infection with Trim Sulfa. For pain and inflammation, she gets Tramadol and Meloxicam.
QUESTIONS:
1. Do bladder stones move? I was surprised that the spot on her x-ray didn’t change at all. Also hoping that indicates something although I don’t know what …
2. Can a guinea pig who easily gets bloated handle surgery?
3. Can a guinea pig who has an infection handle surgery?
4. Is anemia a common symptom of UTI/bladder stone?
5. Is anemia more often seen with stones, cancer or another issue?
I read that anemia is a result of inflammation, so it could be connected to any medical issue. However, I’ve never read about a guinea pig with anemia…
ALARMING ISSUE: She barely eats hay. How can she handle surgery if she isn’t eating hay? I can’t syringe feed her hay …
Thanks for any feedback & stay safe,
Wendy
My 3.5 guinea pig may have a bladder stone and I am trying to determine if she can handle another surgery. Or do her symptoms indicate a different issue?
SYMPTOMS:
- Wet bum (Yuck!)
- Wheeking while peeing & pooping (Ouch!)
- Pink eye
- Anemia (Strange - )
- Bacteria found in urine sample
HISTORY:
Ovarian cysts and uterine tumor were removed from a female guinea pig when she was ~2 years old. According to the surgeon, it was a complicated surgery and her heart stopped during the surgery. It was an exceedingly difficult recovery (bloat/stopped pooping!) with numerous vet visits, but she survived. But can she handle another surgery?
~ JANUARY 2020:
A spot was seen on her x-ray. An ultrasound was recommended. Given her symptoms, I suspected a bladder stone.
MAY 2020:
Guinea pig was first treated for pink eye with Ciprofloxacin. She has been treated for pink eye 3 times since ...
DECEMBER 2020:
- Vet visit because guinea pig stopped eating hay and pellets!
- All tests and treatment cost a total of ~$700
- Blood test showed anemia.
- According to her blood test, her liver, kidneys etc. were ok!
- Issue was some white blood cells. Vet suspected parasites, but a urinalysis and fecal sample didn't show any parasites.
- Tons of bacteria were found in her urine. Aha! An Infection!
- Another x-ray showed no significant change to the spot on her x-ray, but an ultrasound was recommended again since all of her other tests weren’t all that helpful!
JANUARY 2021:
She is currently being treated for a urinary tract infection with Trim Sulfa. For pain and inflammation, she gets Tramadol and Meloxicam.
QUESTIONS:
1. Do bladder stones move? I was surprised that the spot on her x-ray didn’t change at all. Also hoping that indicates something although I don’t know what …
2. Can a guinea pig who easily gets bloated handle surgery?
3. Can a guinea pig who has an infection handle surgery?
4. Is anemia a common symptom of UTI/bladder stone?
5. Is anemia more often seen with stones, cancer or another issue?
I read that anemia is a result of inflammation, so it could be connected to any medical issue. However, I’ve never read about a guinea pig with anemia…
ALARMING ISSUE: She barely eats hay. How can she handle surgery if she isn’t eating hay? I can’t syringe feed her hay …
Thanks for any feedback & stay safe,
Wendy