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Guinea pigs suffering from urinary tract infections are at serious risk of death or serious injury. Even though urinary tract infections are not a common problem in guinea pigs, you should be concerned if one of your animals becomes infected with one. It is possible to treat urinary tract infection in guinea pigs if it is detected at an early stage. Otherwise, it may result in a potentially life-threatening situation.The infection of the urinary tract can be treated with the appropriate antibiotic dosage, but it can re-infect your guinea pig. As a result, you should take precautionary measures such as increasing your water intake, changing your diet, and keeping a close eye out for any symptoms. When you have a urinary tract infection, you are more likely to get a bacterial infection called cystitis.Other urinary problems, such as sludge in the urine, kidney or bladder stones, or other kidney diseases, can occur in conjunction with an infection. The following section contains a thorough examination of urinary tract infections and related issues.

How do I know if my guinea pig has a UTI?

Guinea pigs suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs) will exhibit changes in their urine and behavior.

Urine that is sludgy and milky is the first sign of a urinal disorder in some people. That can be caused by UTI, whereas it can also be a contributing factor to UTI. You should see your veterinarian as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

Some of the other signs and symptoms include grunting while urinating, being lethargic, experiencing pain and swelling, etc. These are the warning signs of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Also read: How does normal guinea pig urine looks like?

Urinary diseases in guinea pigs related to UTI

In addition to UTI, there may be other urinary disorders that can affect your pet’s urinary tract.

Furthermore, information on such diseases is necessary because they may be associated with UTI or may even cause UTI. Other viruses that can infect guinea pigs’ urinary tracts include:

  1. Hypercalciuria – Thick and sludgy urine
  2. Urolithiasis – Bladder and Kidney Stones
  3. Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure

The diseases listed above are frequently found in conjunction with UTI or may be the cause of UTI. It has been observed that a guinea pig suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI) has sludgy urine, kidney stones, and stones in the bladder. Urinary tract infection (UTI) can be caused by sludgy urine or kidney stones in some cases.

UTI can be treated and prevented if you have a thorough understanding of the diseases. Bacterial cystitis is the most common type of UTI, and it can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

What causes bladder infections in guinea pigs?

It is a painful urinary infection caused by bacteria called bacterial cystitis (B cystitis). Escherichia coli is the bacterium that is responsible for the outbreak.

There are several reasons why guinea pigs are susceptible to bacterial cystitis.

  1. Urinary Tract disorder: UTIs are caused by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Guinea pigs that have suffered any type of urinal injury may develop an abnormal urinary tract. It is also possible that they were born with an abnormal urinary tract. The veterinarian will be able to assist you in determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the urinary tract.
  2. Dehydration: Low water intake can result in urine that is thick and sludgy. The urinary tract can also swell, which increases the likelihood of a urinary tract infection.
  3. Litter pan not clean: Because of their short stature, guinea pigs are more susceptible to bacterial infection while urinating. If their litter pan is not cleaned on a regular basis or if their cage is dirty, they are more susceptible to infection. Keep your pet’s environment as clean as possible.
  4. The water bowl is dirty: It is possible for guinea pigs to become infected with bacteria if their water bowl or bottle is not properly cleaned. They also do not like drinking water from a dirty container, which increases the likelihood of dehydration in the long run.
  5. Tumor: Female guinea pigs are extremely susceptible to uterine cancer, especially if they have not been neutered or spayed. Once they have been diagnosed with urinary cancer, they will experience problems with urination and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  6. Lack of physical activity: A high risk of urinary tract disease in guinea pigs suffering from obesity has been observed in the laboratory. They become sedentary and sit in their filth for longer periods of time, increasing the likelihood of contracting a bacterial infection. Obesity is linked to a variety of other urinary disorders as well. Overweight also results in hormonal imbalance, which can result in urinary tract infection (UTI).
  7. Hyperplasia: In the urinary tract, an overgrowth of cells is observed, which is a condition that precedes cancer. Guinea pigs are not particularly prone to this condition.

Guinea pigs are frequently infected with bacterial cystitis as a result of their sedentary lifestyle and short stature.

If your pet becomes infected with cystitis, you should take him or her to the veterinarian right away because it could lead to further complications.

Signs of bladder infection in guinea pigs

Guinea pigs suffering from a bladder infection or cystitis show a change in behavior. They show less physical activity and also loss in the diet.

It has been observed that they do not like physical contact too. The symptoms of bladder infection can be summarized, as mentioned below:

  1. Urine is excreted in large quantities.
  2. Guinea pig urinates after longer time duration than earlier
  3. Urine leakage.
  4. Cloudy or sludgy urine formation.
  5. The Color of the urine is brownish red (except when the guinea pig has eaten any red vegetable like beetroot, red cabbage, or strawberries).
  6. Painful urination and even crying out of pain.
  7. Applying force while urination, showing unusual behavior.
  8. Different body language like hunching while urinating due to illness.
  9. Observe the guinea pig’s tail end if any yellow fur and skin is turning red due to scalding.

Also read: Red Urine In Guinea pigs

Guinea pig urine sludge

It is believed that hypercalciuria is present in guinea pigs who urinate in cloudy, sandy, or sludgy conditions. This is caused by an accumulation of calcium deposits in the bladder.

The question of what causes these calcium deposits in the bladder is an obvious one to ask. Guinea pigs require only a small amount of calcium in their diet to maintain healthy bones and constantly growing teeth.

Young guinea pigs have a higher calcium requirement than adult guinea pigs. When the excess calcium absorbed from food is filtered out by the kidneys, the excess calcium is excreted through the urine.

Calcium is excreted into the bladder after it has been filtered by the kidneys. The accumulation of calcium in the bladder results in the accumulation of calcium on the bladder walls, which results in the production of sludgy or milky urine.

When the sludge that has formed moves through the urethra, the guinea pig experiences excruciating pain and the urethra swells up.

UTIs are caused by sludgy urine and inflammation in the bladder. The following actions must be taken in order to avoid such a situation:

  1. Provide plenty of water to drink.
  2. Urinate completely to empty the bladder so that calcium is excreted out.

Guinea pig not peeing

Guinea pig is not peeing or urinating in small quantities. That can be due to various reasons which are:

  1. Pain in the joints: Guinea pigs who are suffering from joint pain are unable to get into a comfortable position to urinate comfortably. This results in them being incapable of eliminating the urine in full at one time. Any other type of pain can also result in inefficient urination.
  2. Litter pan is dirty: Guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable to unsanitary conditions. It is likely that if the litter pan is not clean, they will be reluctant to pee in it, or if they do pee, they will do so quickly. As a result, they will not be emptying their bladder.
  3. Fear: Guinea pigs that are stressed or anxious as a result of something else have a tendency to hold back their urine in the bladder. When one of the two guinea pigs who are staying together is more aggressive than the other, it is possible that one of them will be afraid to pee in the litter pan. You must take care to ensure that the submissive guinea pig is behaving normally at all times.

The healthy functioning of the urinary system is essential for the overall good health of all organisms, including humans. Consequently, if you notice any problems with your urination, try to resolve them as soon as possible.

Bladder and kidney stone in guinea pig

Urolithiasis, also known as kidney stone formation, is caused by the buildup of calcium in the kidney. Excess calcium in the body is deposited in the kidneys and bladder, where it eventually hardens and forms kidney and bladder stones.

Once kidney and bladder stones have formed, they can obstruct the passage of urine through the urethra, causing it to become ineffective. When the guinea pig is urinating, the experience is extremely painful for him. Secondary bacterial infection of the urinary tract can result as a result of this.

Low urination, a lack of physical activity, an improper diet, and other factors similar to those associated with cystitis all contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney and bladder stones can also be caused by a lack of clean drinking water.

Guinea pig bladder stones treatment

Guinea pigs with urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequently found to be suffering from sludgy urine and kidney stones. Your veterinarian will assist you in determining whether or not you have kidney or bladder stones. When a guinea pig is diagnosed with UTI, radiology is used to examine him.

Your veterinarian will recommend medication based on the severity of the kidney stones and blockage in the urethra in your dog.. It may be possible to flush out the obstruction in the urethra with intravenous fluids if the obstruction is minor. Pain medication is provided in order to alleviate the discomfort.

In some cases, when crystallization has caused a blockage in the urethra, your veterinarian may perform surgery to clear the obstruction. If it is possible, a veterinarian may opt to use a catheter to clear the blockage and stones rather than performing surgery.

Kidney failure in guinea pigs

Guinea pigs suffer greatly from kidney diseases, which are extremely painful and debilitating. This is more common in older guinea pigs and female guinea pigs, according to the data. Young guinea pigs are less susceptible to kidney disease than their older counterparts.

The kidneys are critical in the body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance of water and other substances in the bloodstream. It removes waste and unwanted materials from the body and excretes them through the urine system.

Any disorder affecting the kidney will result in an accumulation of toxic wastes in the bloodstream and body. The Guinea pig will become ill as a result of kidney failure.

Kidney disease can be caused by a number of different factors. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis are two of the most common causes of kidney failure. Infections with E. Coli, for example, can cause chronic kidney failure in a small percentage of people.

Other factors, such as diabetes, cancer, or any type of injury, can cause kidney disorders, which can then lead to the development of UTIs.

The ability of the kidney to function properly is critical in preventing any UTI. It is necessary to monitor the health of the kidneys.

Signs of kidney disease in guinea pigs

Kidney disease is observed with the following symptoms:

  1. Grinding of teeth
  2. Foul breath
  3. Dehydration and frequent request for drinking water
  4. Abdominal bloating
  5. Watery bowels

The symptoms of kidney disease are different from those of UTI.

Guinea pig kidney failure treatment

A guinea pig suffering from kidney disease is in danger of losing its life and requires immediate medical attention.

Kidney disease caused by bacterial cystitis that recurs can be treated with an alternative antibiotic that is not as effective as the standard antibiotic.

After conducting a thorough examination, your veterinarian will prescribe medication and preventative measures for your pet.

It is possible to reduce the severity of kidney disease with an increase in water consumption and dietary control. Because kidney disease cannot be cured in older guinea pigs, they are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

How to treat a urinary tract infection in guinea pigs

The proper diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is the first step in treating the infection. If you notice any of the UTI symptoms in your guinea pig, you should take it to your veterinarian for further evaluation.

The presence of bacteria in the urine of a guinea pig is determined by testing the urine.

The examination of urine under a microscope aids in the detection of blood or protein present in the urine.

Antibiotic treatment is recommended following the confirmation of UTI in order to control bacterial growth.

In addition, the urine sample is sent for culture testing in order to determine the specific trait of the bacteria present.

Despite the fact that the bacteria may die shortly after extraction, the culture testing can provide useful information in a few instances. This facilitates the administration of a specific antibiotic to the guinea pig.

How long do urinary tract infection last in guinea pigs

The length of time required for UTI treatment is determined by the severity of the infection.

Secondary urinary tract infection lasts longer than primary urinary tract infection because the underlying cause of sludgy urine and kidney stones is more severe.

Nonetheless, the minimum amount of time required for treatment with antibiotics may range from 7 to 10 days.

Following the determination of the specific bacterial trait, the appropriate dosage of medications is prescribed.

How to prevent UTI in guinea pigs?

We are all aware that prevention is preferable to cure. The guinea pig should not be exposed to urinary tract infections (UTIs) on a regular basis.

Preventing this can be accomplished by adopting appropriate precautionary measures and altering one’s way of life.

There are many different causes of UTI, all of which can be reduced by following the guidelines outlined below:

Encourage to drink more water

It is beneficial to drink more water to assist in flushing calcium deposits from the kidneys and bladder.

Water also helps to ensure that the urethra and ureter are functioning properly. As a result, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water to avoid UTI.

You must complete your homework in order to ensure that the guinea pigs drink plenty of water.

Guinea pigs are not fond of drinking dirty water that has been sitting around for a few days. As a result, you should change the water on a daily basis.

Water can be served in a variety of containers, such as bowls or bottles. Drinking water becomes more enjoyable for guinea pigs as a result of this. They are not particularly interested in consuming water from water bottles.

The consumption of vegetables with green leaves helps to increase the amount of water in the body.

A balanced and healthy diet

Diet is also important in the management of urinary-related diseases and infections, as previously stated. Timothy hay is the most frequently recommended by veterinarians.

To supplement the timothy hay, fresh green leafy vegetables can be given to the animal. Fruits can also be included in the diet on an as-needed basis as a treat.

Pellets and a calcium-rich diet should be avoided at all costs. Pellets are typically derived from alfalfa hay, which contains a high concentration of the calcium-rich mineral calcium. This will increase the likelihood of kidney stones forming as well as the formation of sludgy urine.

Green vegetables may also contain calcium, but they also contain a significant amount of water.

Exercise

Obesity and a lack of physical activity will only serve to exacerbate the current situation. The management of many diseases, including urinary tract infections (UTI), can be made simple by maintaining a healthy weight.

Guinea pigs should be allowed to run around outside and have a good time. The necessary physical activity will be provided as a result of these activities. Additionally, look for some activity toys for them to run around on.

Also read: 25 Boredom buster ideas for guinea pigs

Well maintained enclosure

Various bacteria that cause disease in guinea pigs can be found in their dirty cage. A clean environment makes it less likely that UTI will occur in guinea pigs.

Every couple of hours, the litter pan should be cleaned out. It is possible to clean the cage on an as-needed basis or once a week if necessary.

Remove the hay from the area around the litter pan, and change the hay on a daily basis after it has been removed. When the litter pan is dirty, guinea pigs are reluctant to relieve themselves.

What color should a guinea pig urine be

Guinea pigs exhibit a wide range of changes in the color of their urine over time. There is nothing to be concerned about if you notice any changes, unless they are both regular and abnormal in nature.

Guinea pig pee can be a variety of colors, including yellow, beige, orange, brown, red, and pink. The change in color is due to a change in diet, which is observed.

Only if the urine is sludgy, sandy, or milky should you be concerned about it being a sign of a urinary disorder or other health problem.

It is possible that there are traces of blood in the urine, resulting in a pinkish-red color, in which case you should take your pet to the veterinarian right away.

Many people believe that the red color of their urine indicates the presence of blood, but this is not always the case. It is possible that a guinea pig served with beetroot or any other red vegetable will produce red pee.

Urinary tract infections in guinea pigs can be fatal, and any delay in treatment will only make the situation worse for the animals. Antibiotics can be used to treat urinary tract infections, but the underlying cause of the infection must be addressed.

It is always preferable to take preventative measures against UTI by improving the diet, increasing water intake, and cleaning the cage and litter pan regularly.