Blood spots on Lacey’s bedding

Post Reply
User avatar
Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Sat Nov 30, 2019 2:46 pm


You're so wicked!
;-)

User avatar
Sef
I dissent.

Post   » Sat Nov 30, 2019 5:12 pm


My guys have generally liked thicker CC vs. thinner. Glad you have it fine-tuned to a consistency that she likes!

User avatar
ItsaZoo
Supporter in 2023

Post   » Fri Dec 20, 2019 12:30 am


Darn it, anyway, tonight I noticed blood spots on Lacey's bedding again. It's exactly 1 month from the last time we went through this. I checked for an injury or hay poke but I think it's coming from her privates. It looked like there was a little dried blood there. Later on she had a blood spot on her nose and on her tummy so she must have been grooming or reaching under herself.

She's been feeling so good and eating well, weight has been stable, wheeking for food, and tonight she had zoomies and was hilarious running through her hideys. Now I'm worried again, and of course we're coming into the holiday so vet availability will be a challenge. At least this time I know which vet clinic I'll be contacting.

User avatar
Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Fri Dec 20, 2019 8:43 am


I mentioned earlier:
It is possible the spotting was related to her menstrual cycle. I recall one of my guinea pigs passing a few drops of blood for two or three days or so very intermittently. I think this intermittent spotting has happened to a handful of other guinea pigs too.
If she is otherwise doing excellently, this may not be something to worry about. I know you will keep a close eye on this though.

I imagine you keep notes on this. If it seems cyclical, the probability it is reproductive increases.

User avatar
ItsaZoo
Supporter in 2023

Post   » Fri Dec 20, 2019 10:17 am


I was thinking the same thing that it’s hormonal. She’s peeing normally, no sign of blood, and no indication of pain or straining so I doubt it’s a UTI or stones. I’ve been keeping notes and watching eating habits and behavior in addition to weight. She is feeling good and eating well. If I wasn’t using white bedding, I would never know there was an issue.

So I think at this point I'll wait and see and if there are changes I’ll contact the vet. Just 3 weeks ago the vet did a really thorough abdominal exam plus an ultrasound of her abdomen, bladder, and uterus - everything looked okay.

bpatters
And got the T-shirt

Post   » Fri Dec 20, 2019 10:31 am


Ditto Lynx. Guinea pig heat cycles are every 14-16 days, so anything that happens on that timeline is very apt to be related to it. A few guinea pig sows do spot a bit when in heat.

User avatar
ItsaZoo
Supporter in 2023

Post   » Fri Dec 20, 2019 1:18 pm


Thanks for the info - you have so much more experience with this than I do. It seemed like a lot of blood to me - about the diameter of a pea or little fingerprint. But she was sleeping in her hidey for a few hours so it probably was just a few drops.

User avatar
ItsaZoo
Supporter in 2023

Post   » Sat Oct 24, 2020 12:53 am


Lacey had a vet visit yesterday. She tore a toenail and I had a tough time stopping the bleeding. She somehow got her toenail caught between the base of her cage and the cage itself. I found the nail, poor thing. The vet said it's better to have the whole nail go than cracked or torn, and he expects it to grow back a little thicker. So he recommended a drop of hydrogen peroxide on the tip of the toe, and then a dot of Polysporin using a cotton swab.

Her foot looks good today, no redness or swelling, but she must have some pain because her activity level is less. She's eating and anxious for food. I'm just concerned because feet are so delicate.

User avatar
Sef
I dissent.

Post   » Sat Oct 24, 2020 12:55 am


Oh, poor sweetie! Do you have any Metacam?

User avatar
ItsaZoo
Supporter in 2023

Post   » Sat Oct 24, 2020 1:00 am


No, I don't have any pain meds. She's on fleece so a soft surface, and I took the shelf out of her overnight cage so she can't jump up on anything. Tonight she was standing up on the bars waiting for vitamin C, so it must be feeling better. I thought a cool pack would feel good, but I don't want to freeze her toes.

User avatar
Sef
I dissent.

Post   » Sat Oct 24, 2020 10:44 am


Does sound like she is feeling better! Waiting for her vitamin C. What a good little patient she is. ;)

User avatar
Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Sat Oct 24, 2020 10:52 am


Sorry about the lost toenail!

I wonder if a topical anesthetic like those used for babies that are teething might help.

Post Reply