Tiggy's hairloss/skin issues
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
Got Tiggy's results back and though quite frustrating in some ways it's good in others!
The results are pretty much clear and normal for everything. They didn't do any additional testing specifically for kidney function as they thought these results didn't give enough indication there was a problem. Since the specific gravity was bang on in the middle of the range they said the kidney is functioning normally in concentrating the urine. There are no white or red cells or bacteria present, nothing for any of the 'globins', nitrates etc and nothing even to consider regarding protein.
The only thing that did come up was a minor trace of blood which they said was 'physical' and possibly caused by some calcium carbonate crystals they found. They don't believe diet will have any effect on these.
Type/Colour/Appearance - Plain/Yellow/slightly cloudy
Specific gravity - mid range - normal
pH - normal
Protein - negligible
Glucose, Ketones, Bilirubin - negative
Haemoglobin - none but trace blood
Microscopy
White cells, Red cells, Epithelial cells, Casts - none seen
Crystals - small amount of calcium carbonate
Urine culture - no bacterial growth
The lab did say the only thing to cancel out these crystals is potassium citrate (Cymalon) but said caution should be used with this due to the effects of potassium on the heart. There are also concerns over its use related to kidney function. I have given Tigs some of this in the last few weeks and it did seem to help but hasn't cleared it completely though I'm now concerned about its use at all. I was concerned with its use in Chilli as it says on the pack about using with ACE inhibitors of which Fortekor is one.
Maybe I have to just make sure Tiggy gets enough fluids to help flush everything out and make sure she moves about so it doesn't sit in her bladder causing irritation. She has lost 50g in weight in the last 10 days too and she is losing hair as the fleece and pet beds show lots of loose hair everywhere.
The results are pretty much clear and normal for everything. They didn't do any additional testing specifically for kidney function as they thought these results didn't give enough indication there was a problem. Since the specific gravity was bang on in the middle of the range they said the kidney is functioning normally in concentrating the urine. There are no white or red cells or bacteria present, nothing for any of the 'globins', nitrates etc and nothing even to consider regarding protein.
The only thing that did come up was a minor trace of blood which they said was 'physical' and possibly caused by some calcium carbonate crystals they found. They don't believe diet will have any effect on these.
Type/Colour/Appearance - Plain/Yellow/slightly cloudy
Specific gravity - mid range - normal
pH - normal
Protein - negligible
Glucose, Ketones, Bilirubin - negative
Haemoglobin - none but trace blood
Microscopy
White cells, Red cells, Epithelial cells, Casts - none seen
Crystals - small amount of calcium carbonate
Urine culture - no bacterial growth
The lab did say the only thing to cancel out these crystals is potassium citrate (Cymalon) but said caution should be used with this due to the effects of potassium on the heart. There are also concerns over its use related to kidney function. I have given Tigs some of this in the last few weeks and it did seem to help but hasn't cleared it completely though I'm now concerned about its use at all. I was concerned with its use in Chilli as it says on the pack about using with ACE inhibitors of which Fortekor is one.
Maybe I have to just make sure Tiggy gets enough fluids to help flush everything out and make sure she moves about so it doesn't sit in her bladder causing irritation. She has lost 50g in weight in the last 10 days too and she is losing hair as the fleece and pet beds show lots of loose hair everywhere.
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
Yes, encouraging but nothing that really helps you get to the bottom of this.
By the way, I always thought the specific gravity of urine measurement was shady. It seems to me if you drink lots and lots of water, it is going to show that the urine is mostly water and perhaps mislead someone into thinking the kidneys are not working properly.
I could certainly be wrong (no veterinary background).
By the way, I always thought the specific gravity of urine measurement was shady. It seems to me if you drink lots and lots of water, it is going to show that the urine is mostly water and perhaps mislead someone into thinking the kidneys are not working properly.
I could certainly be wrong (no veterinary background).
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
I agree on the SG, from what I can find out too, you really need to do several tests over a period of time, giving water and withholding water for a short while. If the kidneys are functioning correctly they should make the urine more dilute or concentrated accordingly.
The main question mark is whether we take guinea pigs to be based on the dog range of readings (more usual) or human readings that have more accurate test results done on them. Or are guinea pigs totally different?
The main question mark is whether we take guinea pigs to be based on the dog range of readings (more usual) or human readings that have more accurate test results done on them. Or are guinea pigs totally different?
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
From researched info and GL and Google med pages on Specific Gravity -
Normal dogs and cats is a MINIMUM of 1.030.
Normal human values are between 1.003 and 1.035 (g·cm−3) but usually between 1.020 to 1.028 (or 1.010 to 1.035 g/ml depending on source).
A fixed low specific gravity is an indication of chronic renal disease. If fluid intake is stopped for 24 hours, a normal (human) kidney will secrete urine with a specific gravity of at least 1.025.
One vet said 1.012 - 1.018 would be more of a range for a pig in kidney failure, which makes sense given the info above.
Note: Normal value ranges may also vary slightly among different laboratories.
So, are we any wiser about Tiggy's result being 'bang in the middle'?!
I need to see if they have an actual figure as given for Chilli.
Either way it seems her remaining kidney is doing its job. If only the other organs would follow. ;·)
Normal dogs and cats is a MINIMUM of 1.030.
Normal human values are between 1.003 and 1.035 (g·cm−3) but usually between 1.020 to 1.028 (or 1.010 to 1.035 g/ml depending on source).
A fixed low specific gravity is an indication of chronic renal disease. If fluid intake is stopped for 24 hours, a normal (human) kidney will secrete urine with a specific gravity of at least 1.025.
One vet said 1.012 - 1.018 would be more of a range for a pig in kidney failure, which makes sense given the info above.
Note: Normal value ranges may also vary slightly among different laboratories.
So, are we any wiser about Tiggy's result being 'bang in the middle'?!
I need to see if they have an actual figure as given for Chilli.
Either way it seems her remaining kidney is doing its job. If only the other organs would follow. ;·)
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
Well, haven't really felt the need to update here in a while even though Tiggy has been prone to getting blood in her urine on occasion, a dose of Baytril and much probiotics usually fixed it.
The last episode was quite hard on Tiggy however, it took about 3 weeks of Baytril to fix and she needed much probiotics and something to get her bowels moving again. Some months later we are down this road again but this time it may be the last.
For the first time Tiggy is off her food completely. Being hand fed and on metacam spray as well as Baytril she has shown no improvement this week. Today she was back at the vet who thinks there is something else going on this time. Tiggy has had vetergesic too for pain and olive oil to keep the bowels moving to no avail. She goes in for an X-ray on Monday to see what the problem is. I'm just not sure she'll hang on that long. There's not really enough food or water that she actually swallows to help keep things going. She sits most of the time looking uncomfortable but spaced out, probably due to the pain meds. :-(
The last episode was quite hard on Tiggy however, it took about 3 weeks of Baytril to fix and she needed much probiotics and something to get her bowels moving again. Some months later we are down this road again but this time it may be the last.
For the first time Tiggy is off her food completely. Being hand fed and on metacam spray as well as Baytril she has shown no improvement this week. Today she was back at the vet who thinks there is something else going on this time. Tiggy has had vetergesic too for pain and olive oil to keep the bowels moving to no avail. She goes in for an X-ray on Monday to see what the problem is. I'm just not sure she'll hang on that long. There's not really enough food or water that she actually swallows to help keep things going. She sits most of the time looking uncomfortable but spaced out, probably due to the pain meds. :-(
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
X-ray shows Tiggy has bladder stones. One quite big but not passable or flushable. Vet not willing to operate but says if it was in the next day or two before she goes too downhill, there's a chance for her.
Tiggy has an appointment with Thistle Cavies good vet tomorrow to see what he says. I know everything is stacked against her but I think I owe her one last chance, the alternative is to have her PTS this week, it's not fair to keep her going the way she is. She's a fighter but been through so much already.
Tiggy has an appointment with Thistle Cavies good vet tomorrow to see what he says. I know everything is stacked against her but I think I owe her one last chance, the alternative is to have her PTS this week, it's not fair to keep her going the way she is. She's a fighter but been through so much already.