sick Piggy?

Question
We have 2 peruvian guinea pigs.  Lately their cage needs to be changed every day because it is soaked.  The water bottle isn't leaking.  I am assuming it is urine.  I noticed tonight that a bunch of the soaked bedding was clumped onto our females butt.  I called the vet that neutered our male and he said that he couldn't help me.  I phoned at least 20 vets and none had any idea about guinea pigs.  They are both one and a half year olds.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Sabrina,

    First let me tell you that I can relate when it comes to having trouble finding a reliable veterinarian for guinea pig advice.  So many of them consider guinea pigs exotic animals and refuse to see them.

    There are a few things you can do to identify the problem, even if it will take a while.  Every time I have had a wet cage problem it had been because of the water bottle without my realizing it.  Double check, and try changing water bottles and see if the problem persists.

    If the cage continues to be soaked every day, separate the guinea pigs for a couple days and see which one is causing the excessive dampness.  Also, it take a few whiffs of the damp bedding and see if it smells like urine.

    Constantly being in wet bedding is not healthy for a guinea pig, as it can cause problems such as urinary tract infections.  However, I am very sorry to say that no problems of the urinary tract or known diseases of any system will cause severely excessive urination, and I have no guesses as to what the problem may be.
    I will continue to reasearch and think about it, but try my suggestions of changing the water bottles, and then separating the guinea pigs.

    Thank you for your question, I hope I have been of some help to you.  Please write to me again if you figure out the problem or have tried either of my suggestions, and I will try to further help you.  Good luck with your guinea pigs (=

                                                - Nicole