Guinea Pig Glomerulonephritis (Kidney Inflammation): Vet Guide 2025 – Expert Vet Insights 🐹🩺

— Written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet —

Introduction

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney's filtration units (glomeruli). Though more recognized in dogs, cats, and gerbils, guinea pigs can also develop this condition—often as a result of infection, immune disorders, or sometimes cancer. Early recognition and treatment are key to preserving kidney health 🛡️.

🔍 1. What Is Glomerulonephritis?

This condition involves damage and inflammation of the glomeruli, which filter blood into urine. The damage causes protein and blood to leak into urine, reducing kidney function :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

⚠️ 2. Causes & Risk Factors

• **Immune complexes** lodging in kidneys via antibody-antigen reactions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• **Infections** (viral, bacterial) spreading via bloodstream :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• **Tumors** in kidney or urinary tract—benign or malignant :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• **Genetic susceptibility**—seen in gerbils but not documented definitively in guinea pigs :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🩺 3. Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms may develop slowly and subtly:

• Increased thirst and urination, sometimes cloudy or bloody urine :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Swelling of limbs, puffy eyelids, ascites (fluid buildup) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Lethargy, reduced appetite, dull coat, weight loss :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• High blood pressure or respiratory distress if condition worsens :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🔬 4. Diagnosis

• **Urinalysis:** Detects proteinuria, hematuria :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• **Blood chemistry:** Elevated BUN, creatinine indicate reduced filtration capacity :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• **Blood pressure:** High readings can be both cause and effect :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• **Ultrasound or x‑ray:** Detect masses, kidney enlargement :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• **Biopsy (rare):** Definitive diagnosis via renal tissue examination :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🏥 5. Treatment Strategies

Depending on cause:

• Immune-mediated: Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) to reduce inflammation :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Infections: Targeted antibiotics or antivirals after culture testing :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Fluid therapy: IV/SQ fluids to maintain hydration and flush kidneys :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Dietary management: Renal-friendly diets low in protein and phosphorus :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Blood pressure control: Antihypertensive medications if needed :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Mass removal: Surgery if tumor-related and safely operable :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

🛏 6. Home & Supportive Care

• Provide clean, quiet environment with easy access to water.
• Encourage fluid intake with palatable broths or wet food.
• Monitor daily weight, urine output, appetite, and hydration.
• Administer medications and supportive care exactly as prescribed.
• Schedule follow-up blood and urine monitoring every 2–3 weeks.

⏳ 7. Prognosis & Outlook

Prognosis depends on underlying cause and how early treatment begins:

• Immune- or infection-related cases often respond well if treated promptly.
• Tumor-related glomerulonephritis depends on feasibility of tumor removal.
• Chronic kidney disease is managed but often progressive—quality of life focus.

🛡️ 8. Prevention & Monitoring

• Background: kidney issues are common in older guinea pigs :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Annual wellness exams with blood and urine checks after age 3.
• Rapid treatment of systemic infections to protect renal health.
• Maintain healthy body weight, clean housing, and fresh water supply.

📌 9. When to Contact Your Vet Immediately

• Sudden increase in urination or thirst.
• Blood in urine, cloudy urine, or decreased output.
• Swelling of limbs, eyelids, or abdomen.
• Weakness, difficulty moving, reduced appetite.
• Medication side-effects: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.

📱 10. Role of Ask A Vet

• Remote symptom triage: Help evaluate urgency of issues like blood in urine or swelling.
• Care guidance: Support through fluid therapy, medication reminders, diet adjustments.
• Monitoring advice: Set up logs for weight, water intake, urine output.
• Referral support: Recommend local exotic vets and plan testing schedule.

Conclusion

Glomerulonephritis in guinea pigs is serious—but early detection and comprehensive veterinary care can preserve kidney function and quality of life. Attention to symptoms like increased thirst, urine changes, and swelling is crucial. Combine medical treatment with home support, monitoring, and Ask A Vet guidance for best outcomes. 🐾

Worried about your piggy’s kidneys? Contact your exotic vet promptly and use the Ask A Vet app for ongoing expert support from testing through recovery. 📱

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet