Possible urine in blood

[dops]

I noticed today one of my degus (Mowgli) seemed to be passing blood in his urine. I am fairly sure it is not the discolouration from his food, as haven't changed anything in the past few days and also when it is discolouration it seems to lighten with drying whereas this is v clearly blood. I am also sure it started today as they spend a lot of time in my bed (and of course peeing on my sheets) and it is only today that I noticed it immediately, as red streaks.
I held him to examine him and he doesn't seem to have any injuries down there, his cone seems all normal and there are just some smears of blood on the fur around from the peeing (I think). Otherwise he is all bright, eats plenty, haven't noticed any abnormal drinking habits but will be keeping a closer eye from today, coat and eyes are clear. He also doesn't fight with his cage mate, and as they are in my bedroom I would most likely hear if they had during the night.
The only thing that has changed is that I was away for 3 weeks and my sister was looking after them. Although not a degu owner, she is always very good with them, not handling them much but letting them have some free running and feeding and watering them. She didn't notice anythng abnormal, and I have been back for 3 days and they seem all normal. The only difference is Mowgli gained some weight while I was away (whether because of less exercise or more liberal treats I am not sure).

I intend to keep monitoring him today, I have replaced all their nest box tissue with clean ones so I can keep an eye if it is continuing and I am around at home all day so will keep an eye on him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[bouncy]

Assuming it is blood, it could be an indication of an infection, a cut, or a number of other things.

The first thing to ascertain is whether it is. See what happens next time Mowgli wees. Give your vet a call if there is still a clear presence.

Given Mowgli has a new playmate, is it possible that Lemmie is selectively eating, so Mowgli is now eating a concentration of orange bits?

Also, remember, when blood dries, it goes darker because of the oxidisation, not lighter

[dops]

oh yes you're right! I have been examining the little stains and am very unsure which it is. In the past when they have had beetroot treats they urine was quite red but not as red as this, and there isn't anything particular in their food that might be causing it. I will keep a close eye and if there is more tomorrow I will call the vet! He seems very well otherwise.

And yes, you're right with Lemmi in that Mowgli is definitely the greedier one and grabs what he wants first... As they have got a little fat since I was away, I have decided to switch them back to their Pets at Home nuggets. They are plainer and Mowgli enjoys them less than the guinea pig mix they have at the moment, but I am hoping it will make him eat a little less! And as Lemmi actually hasn't gotten that fat I am sneaking him bits of the guine pig pellets in secret, so he still gets the nutrition.

[yasmin]

Blood in the urine – could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Two of my degus had blood in their pee. (The first was a female – she was treated with Baytril but she was actually pregnant and miscarried soon after.) When one of my males showed signs of blood in his urine, I made an appointment with the vet and then collected a sample of his urine by lining the cage and the carrier with wax paper, and collecting the drops in a small glass vile. The vet then was able to look at it under a microscope and confirm that it was a blood. He was treated with Baytril, and recovered fully.

[deguconvert]

Excellent advice, Yasmin!

[dops]

thank you for the advice! have been checking the cage/bedding/my sheets like a hawk and so far nothing today so will hold out on calling the vet but will keep watching them.
And I have been holding him and feeling for heat and he seems normal so fingers crossed it was just a bright bit of pee!