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Alice has a chest infection :( advice needed

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RudderlessHippy

RudderlessHippy

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My piggy Alice suddenly developed a terrible wheeze. I have taken her to the vets he said she has a chest infection, she is on baytril now, he gave her an injection and then I have to give her a dose twice a day for a week. We are very worried about her, her breathing sounds laboured.

She is not eating very much. The vet also gave me some stuff I can syringe feed to her, but I don't know how often to do it, as she is eating a little. I have given her some grass which she hasn't touched, but I think she's eating hay.

I have her inside at the moment in a quiet room away from the others. I'm so worried about her :( any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
What you can do:
- get hold of some probiotic to keep the guts going despite the antibiotic; alternatively, mush up some fresh poos of from your healthy piggies in some water and syringe that - it contains all the good bacteria needed.
- hand feed little but as often as you can, about 120ml over a 24 period of your piggy is not eating or barely eating; it is usually quite a struggle with an ill piggy that is off food, so brace yourself. If syringing is difficult, cut the tip off. Make sure that you stick the syringe in sideways, behind the front teeth. Please also syringe water to keep her hydrated. http://www.guinealynx.info/handfeeding.html
- weigh a sick piggy daily to control the food intake. Seeing a piggy nibble on a bit food can be very deceptive as to the real amounts! Your good care can make all the difference in the outcome!

here is more information on URIs: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html
 
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Sorry to hear Alice is poorly.

Here is a link to The Guinea pig Helpline ran by a former member on here Laura, it's a guide to how to syringe feed a piggie if they are not eating http://www.guineapighelpline.com/SyringeFeedingFactsheet.pdf It will give you tips. Is it Critical Care that the vet has gave you.

If Alcie is still poorly in a few days or goes downhill please go back to the vet and ask about a diuretic called Frusemide that may help clear any fluid in the lungs.

Hope see gets well soon x
 
I left her with some grass and carrot, and now thats all gone which is a good sign I hope! I can hear her chewing now.
 
If your piggie is getting no better i would suggest going back to the vets for either more/different antibiotics and maybe a diuretic and possibly an xray of her chest (consciously)

x.
 
She is much better now! her breathing has almost returned to normal and shes eating normally.

How long should I give it before I put her back in with the others?
 
Great News, unsure on when to re-introduce. Hope fully someone will be along soon. really pleased for you and Alice
 
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