1181. Urine collection from guinea pigs for the vet - blood in the urine

PROCEDURES FROM TOA PAYOH VETS
BLOOD IN THE URINE

URINE COLLECTION BY THE OWNER/VET

1. Put guinea pig in a clean plastic box without chemicals. Syringe him or her 10 ml of water slowly.
2. Tilt the box slightly so urine will flow away from the faecal pellets.
3. Use a sterile syringe to collect the urine and give it to the vet. At least 0.5 ml of the urine or up to 5 ml.




URINE ANALYSIS
Urine dipstick test for blood etc.
Urine analysis by the lab
Urine cultures


X-RAY
5. X-ray of the bladder by the vet advised
Urinary sediments - amorphous urates (acidic urine) or amorphous phosphates (alkaline urine). In this case, urine analysis detected amorphous phosphates ++, the pH was 9.0 and bacteria was present in the urine.


CLINICAL SIGNS TO CO-RELATE WITH LAB FINDINGS
Loss of appetite
Difficulty in urination
Blood in the urine - red urine due to plant pigments or blood due to infection/trauma or urinary tract
Drinks a lot or little

ADVICES
It is difficult to use diet to acidify the urine. I advised a course of antibitoics,  cutting down on too much wheat grass and hay and more water to drink as well as pesticide-free vegetables.Will need to follow up on another urine analysis.  As at Nov 19, 2012, no complaint of haematuria.