bleeding

Question
I came home tonight to find that our guinea pig was bleeding a bit.  I think its during urination. She backed into a corner and then moved and there was a red spot. I noticed another red spot in the cage as well.  She seems fine, eating and drinking.  I did buy a stone for her to chew on earlier today, could that be the reason?  She didn't make any noise during urination or look uncomfortable.
I have never had a pig before so I am not sure what to do.
Thanks,
Any help would be appreciated
Sincerely
Christine

Answer
Guinea pigs are prone to bladder stones and that could be the cause of the bleeding. Usually when they do this they're in pain and will make some indication of it such as squealing or crying out.  I don't think the stone you purchased from a store should do this, but I have to ask you why you thought she needed the stone to chew on?

If you feel she needs something to chew on to keep her teeth properly worn try some alfalfa cubes.  They're very dense, about 1 to 1 inches square and won't hurt her if she chews and eats them.  Most pet stores carry them in small packages and one cube lasts for quite awhile. Hay is also one of the best things to give your pig to chew on.  And if all else fails get a piece of wood like a chunk of 2x4 and put it in the cage. Be sure it's pine.  They love to chew on hard things like that but I'm not comfortable with a stone of any kind for that purpose.

Another good chew thing is an oatmeal box. Take the colored paper off if you can and open up the bottom so she can run through it.  They have a great time lounging in the box, then chewing on it. The cardboard won't hurt her and it gives her something to do.

In the meantime watch for signs of any further bleeding or trouble urinating. If you see it then you need to think about a trip to the vet.  She could have just a bladder infection, but whatever it is it's not supposed to be there.