[Gpdd] health - wet bottom piggie?

milton.the_bold at virgin.net milton.the_bold at virgin.net
Wed Jul 13 12:31:03 EDT 2005


Dear Patricia,
 
Does Midnight tend to sit in the same place as she wees?  Perhaps she just doesn't move after she's been to the loo.  I have had this problem where pigs spend a lot of their time in a small box in their hutch, sleeping and weeing there without coming out except for food :)  I would try checking the hutch regularly to see where she is peeing.
 
I think I read somewhere that wet bottoms could be a sign of cystitis and even bladder stones, but perhaps I am wrong on that.  Cranberry juice is supposed to be good for this.  Also Barley Water - for the recipe see Peter Gurney's website on http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/cystitis.htm
 
If she has never had problems before and this has started suddenly, are you happy that she is mobile and able to move around the hutch easily?  When she is out, does she run around or does she avoid exercising?  If there is a mobility problem this needs checking out by a vet as it could be arthritis or vitamin C deficiency.  However I think the bladder stone potential also should be checked out.  Does she seem to have any difficulty when she is peeing (eg squealing when she does it?)
 
Peter Gurney's cystitis page also recommends two antibiotics which can be tried, in case you need to go to your vet armed with suggestions.
 
At any rate I would try to clean her bottom regularly with a damp flannel, maybe tactfully by placing the wet flannel on your lap and then placing her on top of it for a few moments.  She needs to be kept clean to avoid infections.  I had a guinea pig who had arthritis and this was the only way to wash him regularly without causing a lot of fuss, but it worked well.
 
Milton and the Lads
Captain Noodle, Wigwam and Big Rumble
RIP Fraulein Flopsy (deceased recently)


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