Not Eating Is this another bladder stone?

[Asisneros]

I really don?t know what to do,my guinea pig Pepe has recently had surgery that cost around $800 to get a bladder stone out. I had to go to another state to see a specialist. It hasn?t even been a week and he?s crying so much especially when he tries to pee and it seems like he can?t even pee so I thought maybe it might be a UTI? He?s also not drinking or eating much and it seems like he has a fishy odor to him and crusty eyes. I don?t know. Well I went to my local vet and he is really unfamiliar with guinea pigs but he took an x ray of PePe. He said it was dense so he wasn?t sure if it was a bladder stone or not and I just don?t know either. He told me to go to the vet I saw for the surgery but I?d have to wait unti Monday. Any thoughts or advice?

 

[bpatters]

I'd definitely see an experienced exotic vet as soon as I could. There's something in there, although it doesn't look like typical bladder stones.

Unfortunately, some pigs do develop stones again very quickly after surgery -- I know of one pig that showed five or six small stones less than 10 days after surgery to remove the others. If that's the case here, as hard as it may seem, euthanasia may be the kindest option. It's not a surgery than can be repeated frequently -- two, maybe three times is the upper limit, and it's also expensive for the owner.

Ignoring it also doesn't work, since a stone is not only painful, but it can block the urethra so that no urine passes, and that's a full-on, painful, expensive medical emergency requiring immediate care.

I'm sorry your pig is having this problem. Do keep us posted on how things are going.

 

[Asisneros]

Thank you so much for replying. This has been so hard and so depressing to see him like this hes so weak and skinny now and in so much pain its just incredibly hard for me. I started syringe feeding him and giving him water too so he can last till our appointment Monday and I never thought owning a guinea pig would be this hard. My other guinea pig Pancho has thankfully been fine and healthy but I feel so bad for Pepe. I will have to put him down if it does turn out to be another stone as Im just a college student, I cant afford another $800 dollar surgery and that probably depresses me the most but I know it is the best thing to do for him. I will keep you updated thank you

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

Wishing you, Pancho and especially Pepe the best. I truly hope it turns out ok.

Make him as comfortable as you can, and give him all the love you have.

 

[Asisneros]

Thank you so much that means a lot. I will be sure to do that

 

[sallyvh]

Hopefully you can get this resolved.

It's obviously not a typical stone here, I almost wonder if it's a collection of sludge trapped in the urethra. I've seen male dogs before with many small stones running along the baculum (penile bone) and this has a similar appearance, except it doesn't necessary look like a solid stone here.

Is he still able to pass urine? I'm thinking the sooner you see a vet, the better. If it is just sludge trapped, you may able to have him pass it with lots of fluids.

 

[Asisneros]

Yes but he is having a really really hard time passing urine. I did think maybe it could be sludge too from pics I have seen on the internet but I don’t know.
I am in Colorado and I’m going to drive to New Mexico tomorrow with Pepe and see the vet first thing in the morning on Monday. Hopefully he will be able to identify what this is and maybe give me antibiotics or anything that can help him.

 

[sallyvh]

I have a sow who has had chronic issues with sludge and stones her entire life. Of course it is different with boar, as their urethra is much longer and less flexible, but subQ fluids have always been what helps her pass stuff. The danger though is making sure they don't come completely blocked, which is then a dire emergency.

 

[Asisneros]

Well I woke up this morning and cheked on Pepe. He’s not even moving at all anymore doesn’t even seem like he can stand up I almost thought he was dead. Im about to drive to New Mexico in a few I just hope he can make it till tomorrow.

 

[bpatters]

There's not an emergency vet closer who could see him?

 

[Asisneros]

I’ve called everywhere there wasn’t any emergency vet who had an exotic vet there on the weekends. And unfortunately while I was driving it seemed as if he had a seizure it was so traumatic. I pulled over and he went on his side his eyes opened wide and he kept shaking I couldn’t believe it. I stayed there a long while and cried by his side I knew there was nothing I can do. He passed away and I am so shooken up right now. Thank you all for your replies and support they really helped me

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

I am so, so sorry. I know you did everything you could for Pepe. I can't imagine how traumatic it must have been for both of you.

Rest in peace, Pepe.

Myself, and my herd will keep you in our thoughts.

 

[wheekermommy]

I am so sorry for little Pepe and the traumatic experience you went through. Take comfort that he passed while being held and loved by you.

My piggies and I send healing thoughts to you and Pancho.

 

[Asisneros]

Thank you guys you’re all amazing

 

[bpatters]

I'm so very sorry you lost him.

 

[spy9doc]

It's so difficult to lose one of our furry friends. Fly free over the Rainbow Bridge, Pepe!