Infection/Stones

Question
QUESTION: Ok, the first time my guinea pig had pink urine we did some research and knew that they do not have muenstral periods, so it had to be an infection or stones. We fed her lots of cucumbers and cranberry juice mixed with water. Two days later, her urine color was back to normal. We stopped treatment. About two weeks later, I noticed this again. We repeated the treatment, and two days later, it was fine again, so we stopped as we had done before. Two weeks after that, it came back. I'm getting scared now. Every time I give her the treatment, it stops but it always comes back. Should I continue treatment? Is veterinary assistance required for sure? I love my guinea pig with all my heart and if I have to continue the treatment all her life, you'll be sure I will. Is surgery my only option? Surgery costs so much! I need to know if there is any other way. Please answer as quickly as possible. I need to act quickly.

ANSWER: Dear Sabrina
if she is not squeaking when passing urine I doubt it would be stones.
If it was red urine I would be worried but it could be just the normal colour of her pee.
Keep up with the cranberry juice and add dandelion, celery,and parsley to her diet as these will help flush out the kidneys if there is a slight infection.
If she is not in any obvious pain when peeing I would not take her to the vet. If she IS in pain then a trip to the vets is a must and will only be for some antibiotic such as Baytril which will not cost a lot.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My mother is a pharmacist, so she can get the Baytril. In fact she was about to bring it, but she did not know how much to give to her, or how to give it to her. We thought of putting it in her water, but we were not sure, so we didn't. She is not in obvious pain. That would mean she'd be screaming in a high pitched tone, if I'm correct. She eats lots of celery, but I'll add parsely and dandelion, although, where do I get dandelions? The urine is not red, it is a light pinkish color. I don't know if I'm over-worried. I've just done so much research before I got her that I have been paranoid over every little thing ever since. One last thing. If she is not in obvious pain, could I still give her Baytril? If I can, how much and how do I give it to her? Thank you, so much. You have been extremely helpful.

Answer
Hi
you can get dandelions almost anywhere but make sure they are not from the side of the road where cars travel, or where dogs have peed or pooped on them.
As for the Baytril,I would give 0.2ml via syringe twice a day for 5 days. Place the syringe sideways on into the mouth and not straight in as you will choke her.
Baytril will reduce her appetite and it kills the gut flora so only use it if necessary.
If she seems to lose her appetite,reduce the Baytril to 0.2ml once a day and offer her fave foods to make sure she is still eating normally.
Hope all goes well for you both :)