Emergency Bordetella Infection

[mhaye26]

Hey everyone, just looking for some input/experience with bordetella treatments in guinea pigs. Our dog unfortunately came down with kennel cough after being boarded. We did keep her separate from the pigs, but it seems they’d already been exposed. We have seven total, three boars and four sows. Our oldest boar, Guinea, is at least 4.5 years. He was the first to show symptoms (weight loss, lethargy, some sniffles) and was quarantined then started on bactrim on 06/27. The younger pigs (three one year old, three 11 months old) have since all begun to show symptoms in the form of weight loss and a few with sniffles. We’ve started them all on bactrim, combined with probiotics, vitamin c, and critical care for nutrition supplementation. We’ve let them all stay together at this point since they’re all being treated. They have fleece bedding with a very large c&c cage (8x2 with a 2x2 loft for girls, 5x2 with a 2x2 loft for younger boys, Guinea alone but next to the boys in a 3x3). All seem relatively unaffected so far, good appetite/activity/etc. The weight loss has been minor, less than 50 grams in each pig. The vet recommended a one week course of bactrim. I’m wondering if this sounds like the right med and long enough treatment, if anyone has experience with multiple pigs with bordetella, if there is anything I should be doing otherwise to help? My husband is a human physician and can order antibiotics as needed so we aren’t carting every single sick pig an hour’s drive to the exotic vet. Internet searches sound so grim and I’m very very nervous for our piglets. I appreciate any input!

 

[Merab]

A vet trip is really recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

If your exotic vet has seen your piggies already would they be prepared to discuss the matter with with a general vet who is closer?

I have never heard of Bordetella but hope you can get all your pets treated and well again.

Welcome to the forum

 

[Wiebke]

Hey everyone, just looking for some input/experience with bordetella treatments in guinea pigs. Our dog unfortunately came down with kennel cough after being boarded. We did keep her separate from the pigs, but it seems they’d already been exposed. We have seven total, three boars and four sows. Our oldest boar, Guinea, is at least 4.5 years. He was the first to show symptoms (weight loss, lethargy, some sniffles) and was quarantined then started on bactrim on 06/27. The younger pigs (three one year old, three 11 months old) have since all begun to show symptoms in the form of weight loss and a few with sniffles. We’ve started them all on bactrim, combined with probiotics, vitamin c, and critical care for nutrition supplementation. We’ve let them all stay together at this point since they’re all being treated. They have fleece bedding with a very large c&c cage (8x2 with a 2x2 loft for girls, 5x2 with a 2x2 loft for younger boys, Guinea alone but next to the boys in a 3x3). All seem relatively unaffected so far, good appetite/activity/etc. The weight loss has been minor, less than 50 grams in each pig. The vet recommended a one week course of bactrim. I’m wondering if this sounds like the right med and long enough treatment, if anyone has experience with multiple pigs with bordetella, if there is anything I should be doing otherwise to help? My husband is a human physician and can order antibiotics as needed so we aren’t carting every single sick pig an hour’s drive to the exotic vet. Internet searches sound so grim and I’m very very nervous for our piglets. I appreciate any input!

I am very sorry, but bordetella is unfortunately one of the real nasties that piggies can come down with. The antibiotic use can be prolonged if necessary.

Here are our support care tips: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

I am linking in some of our medically more experienced members in.
@Jaycey @helen105281 @Abi_nurse

 

[mhaye26]

Our oldest, Guinea, was taken to the exotics vet initially. He was suspicious the infection was caused by Bordetella (kennel cough) as the symptoms appeared shortly after our dog was diagnosed. He recommended beginning antibiotic therapy for the other pigs at the first sign of any symptoms, but couldn’t legally order medications for any other pig without first seeing them. He said in the event another pig became ill, give the same dose as he ordered for Guinea.

 

[Abi_nurse]

Sadly I have seen a lot of bordatella. If treated aggressively with a long course of antibiotics (the drug theya re on is appropriate) then they can do alright but can have flare ups in the future. The key is to keep them eating, well hydrated and warm through any bad spell. It may take a bit of time (a few weeks) for the infections to run the course and them to begin to feel better.

If you want any specific help then feel free to ask. Sadly many pets at home guinea pigs have this these days now.
Abi

 

[Bill & Ted]

Can’t offer any help but just want you to know we are all rooting for your piggies to make a full recovery x

 

[mhaye26]

Okay thank you, I’ll keep on with what we’ve been doing. Every piggie has gained weight from yesterday and they all seem to be doing well so far.