Kidney problems

Like others mammals, guinea pigs have two kidneys; these are essential in filtering out toxins from the body and excreting them via the urinary system. There are some problems which can affect guinea pig kidneys (termed ‘renal disease’), with varying degrees of severity.

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Some renal problems can seem to develop suddenly (acutely) or more slowly (chronically). As guinea pigs are a prey species, they will try and conceal signs of pain and illness for as long as possible, so it could be that the problem has been going on for a while, but the guinea pig has hidden the signs.

As guinea pigs age they may be affected by Interstitial nephritis, and can develop this as a result of staphylococcal pododermatitis. It has also been reported in animals with diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Often the guinea pig doesn’t show any signs until the renal failure is advanced. At this point they may lose weight, drink and urinate more and generally lose condition.

Guinea pigs can also suffer from the parasite, Klossiella cobayae, which lives in the kidney – however this is rarely thought to be a cause of kidney disease.

Ingesting specific toxins, such as ethylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze and used in cars is a common toxicity in cats. In guinea pigs who may live in a garage or shed, this could also prove a problem if it isn’t stored correctly. Acute renal failure develops within a matter of hours of ingestion of even the smallest amount. Treatment is often futile as the damage done to the kidneys is irreversible, and either the guinea pig will require euthanasia or will pass away.

Renal tumours have been reported, but often carry a poor prognosis.

Commonly, guinea pigs will show one or more of the following signs when affected by kidney disease:

• Depression and lethargy.
• Increased drinking and urination.
• Weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Weakness.
• Difficult or painful urination if an obstruction, eg a kidney stone, is present.
• Dehydration.
• Scalding of urine around the back end.

In acute conditions, such as a toxicity, the signs occur suddenly. In chronic kidney disease, the onset is slow and the signs non-specific.

Your vet will perform a thorough clinical examination. They may want to run urine and/or blood tests to determine how well the kidneys are working.

Following on from these they may recommend further diagnostic tests such as x-rays and/or ultrasound to view the kidneys and bladder.

Depending upon the cause, the general treatment is aimed at supporting the guinea pig. Treatment includes fluid therapy (either oral, subcutaneous or intravenous), nutritional support if the guinea pig is losing weight or eating less, and ensuring they remain comfortable. Oral or subcutaneous fluids can be continued for weeks or months, with the owner being shown how to administer these at home.

Your vet may suggest taking blood samples periodically to assess the response to treatment. However, this can prove stressful to guinea pigs, so the pros and cons need to be weighed up first.

If a bacterial infection is diagnosed then your vet may prescribe antibiotics.

Uroliths (stones) within the ureters, bladder or urethra will require surgical removal. This is a big operation in a guinea pig. Uroiths within the kidney would require a nephrectomy. This is the surgical name given for the removal of a kidney. If one of the guinea pigs kidneys is diseased to the point whereby it is causing them pain or problems, then it is possible to remove the diseased kidney. The surgery is a major undertaking and serious consideration should be given to the guinea pigs welfare and long-term prognosis before proceeding.

Often dietary and husbandry changes are suggested.

Renal tumours, toxicity and uroliths all carry a guarded to poor prognosis.

Bacterial infections may respond to treatment and chronic renal disease may be possible to manage with supportive treatment to enable the guinea pig to live a good quality of life for as long as possible.