How to Identify & Treat Bladder Stones in Guinea Pigs
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What is a Bladder Stone?
A bladder stone is a small and hard structure, similar to a stone, that is formed in the bladder. These stones sometimes become stuck in the bladder of a guinea pig, partially or fully stopping urination and causing extreme discomfort for a piggy.
How does it occur?
Bladder stones are caused by excess calcium in the diet, suffering frequently from urinary tract infections, insufficient water intake and/or obesity.
How can you identify it?
Symptoms of bladder stones include blood in the urine, pain when urinating, no urination at all and pain whilst passing faeces.
How do you treat it?
Most guinea pigs cannot pass bladder stones on their own and generally require surgery to remove the stones. A vet will be able to do an x-ray to determine if your piggy has a UTI or a bladder stone and then prescribe antibiotics and/or surgery.
When should you see a Vet?
If your guinea pig is displaying any of the symptoms for a bladder stone its important to go to a vet to determine if your piggy has a bladder stone or a UTI and seek appropriate treatment.
In loving memory of Phoenix.
A bladder stone is a small and hard structure, similar to a stone, that is formed in the bladder. These stones sometimes become stuck in the bladder of a guinea pig, partially or fully stopping urination and causing extreme discomfort for a piggy.
How does it occur?
Bladder stones are caused by excess calcium in the diet, suffering frequently from urinary tract infections, insufficient water intake and/or obesity.
How can you identify it?
Symptoms of bladder stones include blood in the urine, pain when urinating, no urination at all and pain whilst passing faeces.
How do you treat it?
Most guinea pigs cannot pass bladder stones on their own and generally require surgery to remove the stones. A vet will be able to do an x-ray to determine if your piggy has a UTI or a bladder stone and then prescribe antibiotics and/or surgery.
When should you see a Vet?
If your guinea pig is displaying any of the symptoms for a bladder stone its important to go to a vet to determine if your piggy has a bladder stone or a UTI and seek appropriate treatment.
In loving memory of Phoenix.
