6. sticks and stones: an unhappy guinea pig SDL

Question 1

urolithiasis commonly affects which demographic of guinea pigs

lol

Answer 1

middle aged to older

Question 2

what to urinary caliculi form from in guinea pigs

Answer 2

formed from minerals that precipitate out ftom the urine and join together. the alkine pH of the urine and the high mineral content, especially calcium, are through to favour crystal formation and precipitation

Question 3

what husbandry factors predispose guinea pigs to urolithiasis

Answer 3

• decreased water intake (given water in unfamiliar vessel)
• reduction in amount iof fruit and veg (water)
• obesity
• lack of exericse
• diet high in calcium and oxalate (alfalfa pellets/hay, spinach, kale, celery, parsley, strawberries)

Question 4

what are the most common types of urilith in guinea pigs

Answer 4

• calcium oxalate
• calcium carbonate

Question 5

signs of uroliths in guinea pigs

Answer 5

• haematuria
• stranguria
• dysuria
• abdominal pain (hunched posture, teeth grinding)
• anorexia
• lethargy
• weight loss

Question 6

how should you approach diagnosing suspected urolithiasis in guinea pigs

Answer 6

• detailed hx and clinical exam
• radiography (often conscious)
• urinalysis (sediment exam for crystals)

Question 7

what is the treatment of choice for urolitiasis in guinea pigs

Answer 7

• surgical removal
• medical tx (dietary mod) rarely effective
• post op dietary mod to prevent recurrence important
• increase water intake
• restrict foods high in calcium (not too much, dont want to get metabolic bone disease)
• look at Ca:P ratio