Urolithiasis, commonly known as urinary stones or bladder stones, refers to the formation of stones, or uroliths, within a guinea pig’s urinary system. These stones can develop in various parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). This is a painful condition for your guinea pig and one that needs prompt medical attention.
Symptoms of bladder stones
- Urine that appears creamy and opaque, resulting from calcium crystals.
- High-pitched squeaking sounds during urination.
- Guinea pigs seemingly straining when trying to urinate.
How bladder stones are formed
Excess calcium is excreted through a guinea pig’s kidneys. However, when there is too much of certain minerals in their urine, these can crystallise. These tiny crystal seeds can attract more minerals, causing them to grow and form stones in the urinary system.
These stones can be made of various compounds, with calcium oxalate being the most common.
What is bladder sludge?
A related issue, bladder sludge, involves a sandy accumulation of calcium crystals in the bladder, making urination uncomfortable for the guinea pig.
Stone formation in male vs female guinea pigs
Both male and female guinea pigs can develop bladder stones, but when boars get a urinary stone, it poses a more serious problem.
Female guinea pigs might pass smaller stones through the urethra, though some get trapped at the urinary opening (where you see the pee come out). These trapped stones are often visible and can sometimes be expelled gently by using two fingers. However, larger stones might require surgery.
Males, on the other hand, have a longer and narrower urethra. Stones frequently get stuck where the urethra overlaps the penile bone, making their removal difficult and sometimes impossible.
Risks and dangers of bladder stones
Bladder stones can partially or entirely obstruct the urinary tract for both male and female guinea pigs. A partial blockage might allow urine to pass but with visible strain. A total blockage, however, is both extremely painful and life-threatening. It leads to bladder swelling, kidney malfunction, and the build-up of toxic waste in the blood.
If this obstruction in the urinary system is left untreated for more than a day or two, the situation can turn fatal.
Additionally, bladder stones can cause blood in the urine and lead to infections like cystitis. If cystitis comes back again after treatment, it’s often because there is a bladder stone present. In this case, a vet might suggest an X-ray, followed by manual removal or surgery.
How to prevent bladder stones
Historically, guinea pigs suffering from bladder stones were advised to have limited calcium intake. Yet, calcium is crucial for ensuring strong bones and healthy teeth in guinea pigs.
The National Kidney Foundation offers information on kidney stone prevention in humans. Some of these insights, especially those concerning stone formation, may also apply to guinea pigs, given that both species form urinary stones in similar ways.
The foundation highlights the necessity of calcium intake: it’s not something to avoid but to embrace. In the digestive system, calcium binds with oxalates, preventing them from forming stones.
A research study on calcium oxalate stones from the University of Alabama’s Department of Urology, focused on the connection between dietary oxalate and kidney stone formation in humans, found that maintaining regular calcium intake while limiting high-oxalate foods can help decrease the risk of stone formation.
Guinea pigs must get calcium from a well-balanced diet. At the same time, limiting foods rich in oxalates is critical. While guinea pigs might love spinach and beetroot, these foods, along with Swiss chard and kiwi fruit, are high in oxalates.
Some pellet food that is made for guinea pigs can also be high in oxalates due to the grain content. It is worth considering a grain-free pellet and making sure you are keeping within the quantity guidelines per piggy.
Your guinea pig needs access to water at all times. Staying hydrated helps flush the kidneys, which can aid in preventing stone formation. Plenty of exercise also helps with the prevention of stones.
Treatment for bladder stones
Guinea pigs with urinary stones require prompt medical attention as these stones don’t dissolve but grow larger over time.
If you suspect your guinea pig has a bladder stone, consult a veterinarian experienced with small animals. The vet will typically perform an X-ray or ultrasound to confirm the presence and size of the stone.
Small stones might pass on their own with increased hydration, but larger ones often require surgical removal. Post-surgery, guinea pigs usually receive pain relief and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Learn how to conduct weekly at-home health checks for your guinea pig