Bladder stones are a common health issue in guinea pigs and if left untreated, can cause your pet serious issues. So let’s look at what they are, and how we can help prevent and treat them.
Table of contents
What are bladder stones?
Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are accumulations of mineral components excreted in the urine which have solidified forming a mass, or stone, within the bladder.
Why do guinea pigs get bladder stones?
Guinea pigs commonly form bladder stones (uroliths) made of the mineral calcium, these can be calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Guinea pigs naturally excrete excess calcium in their urine, so when they have a diet high in calcium, the excess calcium accumulates in their urine.
This increased amount of calcium in the urine is thought to increase the risk of uroliths forming. However the exact mechanism for urolith formation in guinea pigs is still unknown. In addition there is still research ongoing as to why guinea pigs seem to develop bladder stones more frequently than other species. It is possible research in the future will give us more information on the underlying cause and mechanism of this condition.
What are the signs a guinea pig may have a bladder stone?
Signs of bladder stones in guinea pigs can vary depending on the location of the stone. Although stones are most commonly found in the bladder, it is possible to find stones in other parts of the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters and urethra.
Signs of a bladder stone in guinea pigs include:
- Blood in the urine
- Signs of pain including a hunched posture or teeth grinding
- Producing less urine or in extreme cases producing no urine – this is an emergency
- Reduced activity levels
- Signs of depression and behaviour changes
- Reduced appetite
If you notice any of the above changes it is important to take your guinea pig to your veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible as delays can severely affect your pets health. If you think your guinea pig has stopped urinating this is an emergency and your pet should be examined without delay.
In some cases, guinea pigs will show no signs they have a bladder stone, especially if the stone is not causing them any discomfort or affecting the normal function of the urinary tract. In these cases you may not know your pet has a bladder stone unless it is found incidentally as part of a health examination or on a diagnostic test such as an x-ray.
How are bladder stones treated?
In most cases, surgical removal of bladder stones is the treatment of choice in guinea pigs. Surgical removal of the stones is an invasive procedure which carries some risks and your veterinary surgeon will discuss this with you when you are making a treatment plan for your guinea pig. Medical treatment is unfortunately not possible for bladder stones in guinea pigs.
Can you prevent bladder stones in guinea pigs?
As discussed above, research is still ongoing on this condition but there are a few things that are advised to reduce the risk of your guinea pig developing bladder stones, these include:
Feeding a diet low in calcium
The current thinking suggests your guinea pig should be fed a low calcium diet to avoid excess calcium excretion in the urine. An important part of your guinea pigs diet is hay. And it has been identified that alfalfa hay contains high levels of calcium; so guinea pigs should never be fed this type of hay. Ensuring your guinea pig is fed appropriate vegetables and small amounts of guinea pig specific pellets will also help. You can read more about vegetables which are low and high in calcium here.
Encouraging increased water intake
Increased water intake dilutes your guinea pig’s urine which may reduce the risk of stones developing. Ways to do this include ensuring your guinea pig has constant access to ad lib water, ensuring your guinea pig likes their drinker and is able to drink from it and wetting foodstuffs such as vegetables, so they take in more water when they eat.
Ensuring your guinea pig gets enough exercise
Moving around ensures urine does not sit still in your guinea pigs bladder before its voided, which can increase the risk of stones forming, so it is important to make sure your guinea pig has access to a large enriched space to exercise and move around in
Summary:
- Guinea pigs are known to form bladder stones also known as uroliths
- Guinea pigs bladder stones are commonly made of calcium carbonate
- Feeding a low calcium diet is advised in guinea pigs to potentially reduce the risk of uroliths
- Signs of bladder stones in guinea pigs can include blood in the urine, changes in the amount of urine produced and signs of pain such as a hunched posture, grinding teeth and reduced appetite
- If you suspect your guinea pig may have a bladder stone it is important to get them examined by a vet ASAP
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