Oxbow's suggestions for supportive care

[Sef]

I thought I'd share this. I have been writing back and forth to Oxbow this week, expressing my concern about the calcium carbonate in Cavy Cuisine pellets, and discussing supportive care of guinea pigs with stones.

Here is what their Micah Kohles, DVM (Oxbow's Director of Technical Services) has suggested in the way of dietary changes for stone pigs:

1) Feed cavy cuisine but at a smaller amount than normal (roughly ½ normal amount)
2) Unlimited hay in what variety is favored
3) Increased amount of greens, up to 15 -20% of their diet "...but these should be low calcium greens and organic if possible"
4) Limited treats (high in fiber, low in protein, no sugar)
5) Stimulate water intake as much as possible -- add additional bottle(s), a water bowl, or anything else that will stimulate the pig to drink
6) Supplement with "really soupy mix" of Critical Care, for increased hydration


Has anyone here tried the fine ground Critical Care yet?

[nancyo]

Hi Sandy,

Have not tried it, but none of my pigs ever liked critical care. You know Guinea still takes potassium citrate as I mentioned in the other thread. He drinks a ton of water. I was beginning to think he was having kidney problems and when I asked the vet he said it's because of the potassium citrate - it's part of it's job to make them drink more water. I have a 16oz water bottle in the cage and it is nearly empty every morning. I see Guinea at the water bottle ALL the time. That's a good thing.

Nancy

[brendab]

My pigs give the fruit flavored fine grind formula 2 thumbs up!

[Sef]

NancyO, can you tell me more about the type of potassium citrate you're using? Maybe start a separate thread on that? I'm definitely interested.