Asthma, heart condition or URI?

[Josie_lg]

Hello everyone.
One of my girls poppy has had an ongoing problem for a good few months now. It began with honking, she would honk and then cough and then wouldn’t make the noise again. This would occur once a month or every couple of weeks. The honking has recently turned crackly and has been more regular the last few days. I’ve seen at least three differant vets about this and no one has any answers. I am worried for a heart problem. Every time I have got her checked every vet has said her lungs are clear her heart is perfect and nothing is wrong. My most recent appointment has recommend an x ray to rule other things out.
but I wanted to come on here and see if anyone has had any Experinace with this. She has been fine in herself through all of this.
my initial thought when I heard the noise was URI but A vet would have picked up on this.
has anyone on here had a piggie with asthma/allergies that require an inhaler. Or anything similar. Thank You all in advance. I just want to do what’s best for my piggies but I feel like I just keep going round in circles xx

 

[Claire W]

Could it be allergies from dusty hay? What bedding do you use and do you have anything close by that could be affecting her airways such as scented candles, air fresheners etc? I’ve never heard of a piggie having asthma x

 

[Josie_lg]

I’ve found a thread on here where her piggie was diagnosed with asthma. But it was 5 years ago and I can’t get in contact. I have spoken with my vet who said asthma and allergies is a potential. They live on thick fleece liners. Dust free hay, no straw, don’t use any strong chemicals to clean or wash their bedding. We have a humidifier near their hutch to help circulate the air. It could potentially be the hay whixh will be sad if it is because I get mine from hay box and it is the greenest tastiest hay we’ve ever got
She didn’t do well at all on Baytril previously so I’m hesitant with that. Xx

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone.
One of my girls poppy has had an ongoing problem for a good few months now. It began with honking, she would honk and then cough and then wouldn’t make the noise again. This would occur once a month or every couple of weeks. The honking has recently turned crackly and has been more regular the last few days. I’ve seen at least three differant vets about this and no one has any answers. I am worried for a heart problem. Every time I have got her checked every vet has said her lungs are clear her heart is perfect and nothing is wrong. My most recent appointment has recommend an x ray to rule other things out.
but I wanted to come on here and see if anyone has had any Experinace with this. She has been fine in herself through all of this.
my initial thought when I heard the noise was URI but A vet would have picked up on this.
has anyone on here had a piggie with asthma/allergies that require an inhaler. Or anything similar. Thank You all in advance. I just want to do what’s best for my piggies but I feel like I just keep going round in circles xx

Hi!

It sounds more like a congestive issue with hay or bedding dust? Have you tried to switch the hay brand (the quality of dust extracted hay can vary)?
A Comprehensive Hay Guide for Guinea Pigs (incl. providers in several countries)

Have you also tried to see whether the very dry indoors air due to increased heating from the recent cold spell could play a role? Try and see whether a bowl of steaming placed next to the cage can ease the symptoms. If yes, I would recommend investing in a humidifier of some sort. It can make a difference with piggies with sensitivities.

Since three vets haven't found any sign of infection or heart issues, I would not worry about that.

 

[Wiebke]

Sorry, you posted at the time I was writing my last post. Please be aware that we have a large stream of one-off members who leave once they have had their problem solved or not found the answer they wanted. For this reason, we appreciate if you please don't post on old threads as that can cause confusion.

Unfortunately, we cannot help you with the diagnosis, just with the elimination process.

 

[Josie_lg]

Hello! Yes I do understand. I just came across the thread from 2016 and everything matched up. I didn’t post on it I just looked for a option to message the individual but didn’t realise that wasn’t possible ahah. Yes it’s deffinitley gotten worse since the cold weather has increased. My main worry atm is an enlarged heart. The last few days have been the coldest yet and this is when she’s been the worse. I’ve heard bisolvan is good? Is this something you’ve used with your piggies, as I’ve also seen on other threads I’ve read you had a piggie with lung disease? Xx

 

[Josie_lg]

Sorry my last message cut off. I’ve seen on some other threads you had a piggie with lung disease. How did you find this. Poppy is only 11 months so I’m hoping this is an unlikely option :/