Hey, my guinea pigs are currently having some respiratory problems like coughing, sneezing, and a bit of labored breathing. It's primarily the coughing that concerns me. I'm assuming they have an upper respiratory infection. The vet isn't in until tomorrow morning. Is there anything I could do until then to help them?
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Anything I Can Do Before Taking Guinea Pigs To The Vet?
- Thread starter Nickw
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Stewybus
Adult Guinea Pig
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Do you know if their's something that could of caused this. Possibly some contaminated hay. If there's laboured breathing I think they may need urgent attention. Check to see if they're cold & try to keep them warm until you can get to a vet. It's really essential that they see a vet quickly.
I really have no clue. The hay we have is running a bit low, and getting a bit dusty. He had a bit of laboured breathing last night, but I checked and he seems to be breathing fine today. The coughing happens every few hours and it sounds bad. It can't be the bedding, because we switched to fleece recently.
helen105281
Senior Guinea Pig
It does sound like it could be a URI so they need to see a vet. Ask about antibiotics (you would need probiotics too), Bisolvon if they have mucous in their nasal passages and diuretic if they have fluid on their chests. The coughing can be linked to a heart issue but if more than one is doing it then it is most likely not that. I can post more when home and not typing on my phone.
helen105281
Senior Guinea Pig
It could be fluid that is causing the coughing so only a vet can deal with that. Do they seem snotty or bunged up? If so, do you have a steam inhaler? You can put 2 drops of Olbas oil in boiling water and then hold the inhaler over their noses in 5 second bursts. If not, try putting a bowl of hot water with the Olbas oil in next to their cage.
Are they eating and pooing ok?
Are they eating and pooing ok?
@helen105281 It doesn't seem like they're snotty. They're just sneezing.
And no, we don't have a steam inhaler, but thank you for the tip!
@Stewybus We'll try the tissues with Vick, hopefully it'll help a bit! Thank you!
And no, we don't have a steam inhaler, but thank you for the tip!
@Stewybus We'll try the tissues with Vick, hopefully it'll help a bit! Thank you!
Goth Mummy
Adult Guinea Pig
Are they indoor pigs? I would keep them warm and bring them inside if they are outdoor pigs.
Goth Mummy
Adult Guinea Pig
I hope it goes well with the vet. When you have a poorly pig thats not poorly enough to justify taking to the emergency vet I dont think theres a great deal you can actually do other than keep them comfortable.
Hey guys! The vet appointment went well, and they were having some upper respiratory problems. We received some antibiotics from the vet and we're going to be treating them for the next few days. Thank you again for your help!
helen105281
Senior Guinea Pig
If they are on antibiotics you will need to give probiotics too, did the vet mention this? Is it Baytril you have been given?
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