My poor piggie..

Question
Hello,
I'm sorry if this is long.. =/
Recently, about a week ago, my male guinea pig, Harry, started acting strangely. One afternoon while he was having fun outside his cage, I noticed that he started squealing, and when I picked him up he had peed blood. I took him to the vet and the vet tested his urine, told me he had a UTI and gave me pain meds and an antibiotic to clear it up.

Unfortunately, Harry didn't seem to be getting better, his urine was not clearing up and he stopped eating/drinking. I took him to a new vet, who gave him xrays. We found out that he has a large bladder stone. The only option to remove it is surgery, but seeing as he is six years old, the vet said he would probably not do well.

I hand fed him critical care, along with his medicines, and I am happy to say that he is now eating on his own and acting like his old spunky self. The problem is that his urine is still bloody, and he still cries whenever he goes. The second vet said he most likely had a UTI caused by the bladder stone and once it clears up he should feel better, but he may have to be on and off his medicines periodically.

My question is..is it fair to keep him alive like this? I mean, he seems happy whenever he is not going to the bathroom..He is eating and drinking and loves to play. But my heart breaks whenever I hear him cry. Should I continue caring for him like I am now, or should I put him down..? I don't know how much pain he is in and I wish somehow he could just tell me..I love him so much and only want what is best for him. Please help me out and thank you for listening to my rambling.

-Jill

Answer
Hello,
Sorry I took so long to reply, I think you should call your vet and ask for her help as to whether you should put him down or not and say you are worried about his health. He is eating and drinking and playing which shows he is healthy.
Did you have the bladder stone removed?
As the vet has said once the UTI has cleared up your guinea pig will be in less pain, make sure you keep feeding him his medications and give him alot of attention. Ask your vet if there is any way you can make it easier for him to go to the toilet or if this pain will just pass after a short while. If your guinea has been in pain passing urine for more than a week then i suggest you make another visit to the vet or a specialised small animal vet.
I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help and I hope everything goes ok