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BLADDER STONES
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Home > Medical Reference > Bladder Stones
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Bladder Stones and Sludge
 Bladder stones are hard, stone-like structures which form in the bladder. Bladder sludge is a collection of gritty particles which form in the bladder. Stones can also form in the kidneys and ureters but this is less frequent and may not treatable.
Stones can become lodged in the urethra slowing or completely blocking urination. This is especially dangerous for boars, as their urethra is narrower than that of a sow.
Signs of Stones:
 Blood in urine
Squeaking while urinating
Squeaking while passing fecal pellets
Blood may be visible or the vet may spin down a urine sample to determine the presence of blood in urine. Blood in urine can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
Photo contributed by Trisha. Stone is about 3/4" wide (2cm). See also Mum's photo.
IF A GUINEA PIG IS UNABLE TO URINATE, THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.
Any guinea pig with stones should be treated promptly. An article on "Oxalate Bladder Stones In The Dog" at Marvistavet.com may answer other questions you have.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
An x-ray or ultrasound will identify stones. An experienced veterinarian can remove bladder stones surgically. Occasionally a guinea pig may be able to pass a stone before surgery so it may be a wise precaution to perform an X-ray immediately before any surgery to locate the stone.
Sometimes stones can be flushed or plucked from a sow's urethra. Several weeks of an antibiotic like bactrim will prevent infection while the bladder is healing. The article on post operative care lists tips to aid recovery. 
Prevention:
The cause of bladder stone formation is poorly understood. Because stones seem to run in families, it is likely there is a strong genetic component. Frequent urinary tract infections have also been implicated. A good quality diet is thought to help prevent the formation and reformation of bladder stones. For an explanation of the calcium:phosophorus ratio and diet and a discussion explaining how Polycitra can help prevent the reformation of some types of stones, see: Ca:P & Polycitra
Be sure to analyze the stone to help you and your vet develop a plan of action. Depending on the stone's makeup, changes in diet and increasing fluids by hand syringing fluids or administering subcutaneous injections of fluids twice a week can be extremely helpful. See the Nutrition Charts for information on calcium and phosphorus content and Ca:P ratios. Combine a variety of vegetables (and a few fruits) low in calcium, aiming at an overall ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1 (calcium to phosphorus). Use one of the two Excel Calculators on this site to make calculations a snap.
Read Dawn Hromanik's comments on stone formation and Ca:P ratios originally posted in the Reference Forum.
The rule of thumb that I use is that all vegetative parts of plants have a higher Ca:P ratio. This is ideal, you do *not* want the inverse where the phosphorus is higher than calcium. (this can [con]tribute to phosphate stones and bone demineralization) Phosphate crystals embed themselves in the bladder wall and are very irritating. Reproductive parts of plants (seeds and roots) have a higher Ph content. This includes all fruit (apples, bananas, grapes, raisins), seeds (treat mixes, sunflowers, oatmeal etc), and carrots. Just another reason not to feed the above food.
Multiple Stones:
Some pet owners report the recurrence of stones 2-3 weeks post surgery. AliceMcmallis had a guinea pig who had an x-ray one week with no stone and one week later another x-ray showed the presence of 3 stones. Nutz4pigs's Louie formed a second large stone only 3 weeks or so after his previous stone surgery. Other pet owners tell similar stories.
No Stones:
Sometimes no stones and no infection are found.
If the diagnosis is interstitial cystitis, it is generally treated using the same diet, increased fluids, and pain medication (like meloxicam).
See also: Tracis' Links - Interstitial Cystitis
Actigall®
Tracis has compiled a thread on the use of Actigall® (Ursodiol) for the treatment of stones.
See: Tracis' Links - Actigall® / Ursodiol
Shilintong:
A Chinese herb called "shilintong" has reportedly helped some guinea pigs manage the pain. GP Lover found this herb at www.fareastginseng.com. She dissolved 1 pill in about 2.0 cc water and syringed 1.0 cc to her guinea pig Angel twice/day. The pills reportedly are hard because they are coated. Let the pills sit in the water a while and then crush them.
Note: shilintong's Chinese name is Guang jin qian cao; it's scientific name is Desmodium Styracifolium (a half dozen online sources); it's pharmaceutical name is Desmodii Styracifolii (only one source); and common name is Snowbell-leaf Tickclover Herb (several sources).
See also this Pub Med article describing the effect of a drug (Desmodium styracifolium-triterpenoid [Ds-t]) extracted from Desmodium Styracifolium on stones in rats with induced calculi.
"The incidence of urinary stone formation was 81% in the control group, which received EG and 1 alpha D3, and 29% in the Ds-t group, which received EG and 1 alpha D3 supplemented by Ds-t."
Several other Pub Med articles discuss this drug, one refers to a Chinese article studying the anti-inflammatory effects of two species of Lysimachia christinae Hance and Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr.
Ca:P & Polycitra
Becky explains the Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio and how Polycitra works. Polycitra is a prescription medication.
Sample Diet
Becky records a typical day for her 5 guinea pigs.
Excel Calculator
This Excel chart displays the Ca:P ratio of each food to make raising and lowering the overall ratio easier. Includes vitamin C in mg. Enter the weight of foods in grams and automatically generate a calcium:phosphorus ratio for a day's worth of foods.
Guinea Pigs are for Life
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