[Gpdd] Health George

Sandra Oliver-Poore warmbreath at comcast.net
Mon Nov 28 07:00:05 EST 2011


Sorry this was in my spam filter, never happens, well I guess not never!  In 
addition to all the other advice you have received, which is all good. You 
may want to test his urine for blood sugar the same as any diabetic will do. 
Report high sugar. If you have access to a blood sugar monitor, just clip 
his toenail a tiny bit too much. Sometime older pigs ability to handle blood 
sugar changes as they age and use up their insulin producing cells, same as 
humans. If this is the case he will have to have a diet devoid of sugars. 
You may wish to post his complete diet here  for us to look at. Diabetes 
could account for his weight loss but not blood in his urine Even tell us 
the brand and contents of his pellets and if he gets fresh hay and what type 
as well as all veggies and greens etc. and if there are any , umm, treats.

If he has a stone they sometimes injure tissues and cause bleeding. Thus may 
be transient esp. if he passes the stone. This is why Julie urges you to get 
a x-ray. This is done by keeping him in a very George sized box to keep him 
still while the film is taken, no need or want to anesthetize him esp. at 
his age. But don’t just accept "well he's getting old"  there's still a 
reason! And be sure to try to assess how savvy the vet is with guinea pigs, 
If they aren't piggy specialists ask them who in your area is or where the 
closest expert is.

If his urine chemistry shows an infection he should have proper antibiotics 
and an NSAIDs to control inflammation and pain, we often use Rimadyl less 
preferable is the ibuprofen you were advised. Be sure to write us what the 
vet says,  Keep in touch
remember we are experienced piggy parents but not professionals, esp me. 
Sandy and Shipwreck Sam









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