[Stones] Stones Digest, Vol 38, Issue 1

[texg at cavyinfo.com]

Hi Patti,

Prednisone is a steriod, and some guinea pigs don't react well to it  
(I had a piggie that was allergic to it, and another person I know  
also has a piggie that did not react well). A more common - and safer  
- analgesic which most vets use is metacam.

It's possible that Spike may have a digestive slowdown (it can be  
induced by many things, including stress). Usually continued  
hand/syringe feeding (Critical care) helps, and in some cases vets use  
a motility drug such as cisapride (Propulcid) or metacloprimide  
(Reglan).

If he has crystals in his kidneys/ureters, it can be quite painful.

As Judi said, an x-ray is critical to determine the extent of the  
formations. Are crystals forming in both kidneys, or just one?

Getting extra water/fluids into Spike can help as well. Not only will  
it help flush the crystals/sludge from his system, but it will also  
help remove any build-up of toxins that may have happened during this  
time. In some cases subcutaneous fluids can help, but be certain to  
use the smallest/finest needle possible, and warm the Ringers to near  
body temperature.

Tex