Excessive drinking and urination

Excessive drinking and urination, or drinking and urinating more than normal, is medically called polyuria (poly = many; uria = urine) and polydipsia (poly = many; dipsia = drinking).

Thirst and urine production are a delicate balance controlled by interactions between the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and the kidneys. Increased urination stimulates thirst as the body’s overall hydration decreases and stimulates thirst mechanisms in the brain. Sometimes the opposite can be true when excess thirst triggers urination as can be seen with diseases like diabetes when the body tries to dilute toxins by drinking more and the diluted blood then stimulates increased urination. Keeping an eye on how much water your guinea pig drinks is an important part of monitoring their general health and well-being.

A guinea pig with polyuria and polydipsia will have increased water intake and increased urine output.

The water bowl might become empty more frequently and there might be more instances of urine production; the urine might appear lighter in colour and less concentrated, or the guinea pig may be partially incontinent.

On average guinea pigs will drink 10-15 ml/100 g/day, so a large 1 kg guinea pig will normally drink up to 150 ml each day, so anything over that could be abnormal. Similarly, normal urine production is roughly 3.5-4.5 ml/100 g/day, so a large 1 kg guinea pig will urinate as much as 45 ml per day, so anything over that may be abnormal.

The causes of polyuria and polydipsia vary, but can include:

• Diabetes or insulinoma (a tumor of the pancreas).
• Renal (kidney) disease.
• Hepatic (liver) disease.
• Drugs, large quantities of sodium chloride.
• Behavioral problems.

Other conditions like dehydration can stimulate thirst, but if the guinea pig is dehydrated it will usually have decreased urine production. Similarly, guinea pigs can have incontinence from things such as bladder stones or bacterial infections, or it might spray in territorial/behavioral display, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the guinea pig is producing more urine.

Psychogenic polydipsia may lead to polyuria. The condition may be behavioral or due to a physical problem and can only be deemed a cause of polydipsia and polyuria once other causes have been ruled out.

Guinea pigs with dental disease may try to fill themselves up on water, if eating is too painful; the guinea pig will drink excessively in an attempt to feel full, which in turn will lead to increased urination. These guinea pigs will lose weight, condition and appear miserable.

As there are many different causes for polyuria and polydipsia, your veterinarian will need to thoroughly evaluate the clinical signs and carry out some diagnostic tests to narrow down the root of the problem.

Blood tests and urinalysis are the most common and will assess kidney function, liver function and the presence of excess blood glucose, as is frequently seen in diabetes. This can usually be done quickly with a day stay in hospital and results are usually back within a few days if samples are sent to an external laboratory.

If bladder or kidney stones are suspected, radiographs or ultrasonography might also be required. This usually requires sedation and a day stay in hospital.

Treatment of polyuria and polydipsia depends on the cause.

For diabetes, it’s important to treat the underlying cause which may include weight loss.

For bladder stones, surgery and a change of diet may be needed.

For kidney and liver disease, the guinea pig may need to be admitted to hospital for fluid therapy and supportive care as well as further investigations to determine if the condition is reversible.

The living environment of guinea pigs suffering from psychogenic polydipsia and polyuria will need a thorough review, a physical examination should also be performed to determine the cause and best course of treatment. Each problem will need to be addressed individually.

To help prevent the incidence of disease that can lead to polyuria and polydipsia, ensure that the guinea pig is happy and healthy. The environment should be safe, secure and non-stressful. Ensure the housing offers shelter as well as space where the guinea pig can exercise and exhibit normal behavior.

The guinea pig’s water bowl should be large enough to provide at least the daily water requirement, and water should always be clean and fresh.

Food should be suitable and not contribute to obesity or bladder/kidney stones.

Provide environmental enrichment, such as places to hide, nesting material, toys to play with, wood for chewing, and herbs to browse.

Prevent overcrowded housing that can be stressful and promote unnecessary spread of disease. This includes reducing the likelihood of territorial aggression by avoiding housing the guinea pig in close quarters with others that are un-neutered or of the same sex.

Ensure prevention of disease by having your guinea pig seen at least once a year by your veterinarian for an all over check-up and dental examination.

Provide rapid treatment of disease by consulting your veterinarian at the first sign of any abnormal signs such as lack of appetite, changes in drinking or urination, changes in activity level, hair loss, scratching, excessive grooming, drooling, teeth grinding, changes in hair coat, fecal soiling, fly strike, limping, among others.