my guinea pig is a female of about 3 years of age. I just noticed today that her pee is bright red. Other than that she does not appear to be in any significant discomfort and is eating/drinking. I'm freaking out but my mom doesn't want to take her to a vet just yet (we've had awful experiences at the vet before). What is the likeliest thing that's the matter with her and what can I do to help?
Guinea pig do not pass period blood, so if there is blood there is something very wrong with your guinea pig and it needs to see an exotic vet asap. Bladder infections are very painful for a guinea pig and can take their life quite quickly with out vet intervention. Guinea pig are prey animals so they will hide the fact they will hide they are ill until it reaches the acute stage and can be impossible to treat.With this in mind you really need to get the guinea pig to the vet asap.
Bladder infection --- you can't cure her unless she goes to the vet and gets a non penicillin type antibiotic.
Penicillin will kill the guinea pig Find a different vet, experienced in taking care of guinea pigs
Id take it to a vet as oon as possible, their urine can sometimes be an off orangey colour but if youre sure its blood I wouldnt wait ..... My guinea died a few weeks after it started that ...
A few possibilities but I bet it is a UTI or Bladder stone/infection. Seek veterinary care immediately!!
she might be having her period-i would take her to a vet just incase
sounds like she has a uti and will need antibiotics.
Uti here is some info
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com WHAT YOUR VET WILL DO
Your vet will examine your guinea pig and palpate the lower abdomen.
An x-ray (two views) may be taken to rule out bladder stones.
Your vet will collect urine or drawn it directly from the bladder using a needle.
If there is no visible blood, the urine can be tested for the presence of blood.
A urine culture can help determine which antibiotics are most effective.
TREATMENT
UTIs are generally treated with a safe and effective antibiotic like Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) for two or more weeks. Many guinea pigs require longer treatment to clear up the infection and allow the bladder walls time to heal. Call your vet immediately if bleeding recurs after antibiotics are stopped. If your vet did not take an x-ray and the original signs you observed are still present while on antibiotics, be sure to have an x-ray taken immediately. CRANBERRY JUICE
If your guinea pig has recurrent UTIs, try offering plain unsweetened diluted cranberry juice. Antibiotics are required to cure a UTI but cranberry juice may interfere with its development, cutting the incidence of UTIs in half.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Use only unsweetened, natural cranberry juice. Syringe feed or place in water bottle. Change bottle containing juice at least daily and preferably twice a day. Plain unsweetened cranberry juice is quite strong and bitter in taste. Dilute with water. Do not use human cranberry drinks sweetened with sugar, apple juice, or other juices.
Check your local health food stores for this product.
Blood in urine:
Urine sometimes changes to an orange color on standing (this may be the oxidation of porphyrins in the urine). When your guinea pig has blood in its urine, it will appear red or pinkish (if diluted). Blood dries a brownish color.
