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Boris Has A Uri

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LydiaMinx

LydiaMinx

Teenage Guinea Pig
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Hey all, Boris has the dreaded URI.

Which is a minor relief as when I rushed him to the vets this morning the vet thought it could be heart failure.

He's been shallow breathing, no noises yet, and he has only just started having lots of sneezes. Thankfully he has already been seen and X-rayed so we know it isn't too bad yet and I noticed it early. He's on Baytil for 2 weeks now.

Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable? Thank you guys
 
Hey all, Boris has the dreaded URI.

Which is a minor relief as when I rushed him to the vets this morning the vet thought it could be heart failure.

He's been shallow breathing, no noises yet, and he has only just started having lots of sneezes. Thankfully he has already been seen and X-rayed so we know it isn't too bad yet and I noticed it early. He's on Baytil for 2 weeks now.

Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable? Thank you guys
 
If his nose is stuffy you could put a bowl of hot water next to the cage with 2 drops of Olbas oil in it. You can even use a steam inhaler, like this one

Boots Pharmaceuticals Easy Breathing Steam Inhaler - Boots

Hold over the nose in 5 second bursts. just make sure it is not too hot (I test on myself).

Bisolvon is also good for clearing mucous in the nasal passages but you would need to get that from a vet.
 
Lots of fluids so keep water fresh. Make sure your piggy is eating, if he's too puffed up and won't eat you may need to go ask for some pain meds and supplemental critical food. Keep him warm and give lots of cuddles.....good luck!
 
Thanks everyone :) I am beginning to think this is heart problems, as am remembering him getting hiccups on a number of occasions (while Badger has never had them) and making some noise whilst breathing on other occasions. Not quite like the hooting of heart pigs, but like he had some hay in his nose.

The vet also mentioned that the x-ray showed that his lungs looked 'fluffy' and that his heart wasn't so enlarged that it was a concern for heart problems...so it was enlarged?

She said if there's no improvement by today to call her back and she'll refer him to a specialist (the same one Badger is currently being seen by).

He's no better or worse this morning, no sneezing that I've heard and he was sneezing a fair bit yesterday
 
Poor guy, I hope you can get him to someone to provide him some relief and you some peace of mind. I see so many ppl at work that come in with terrible congestive heart failure (work in the ER) and wonder how on earth they gone without medication for so long, but the heart is an amazing muscle and capable of incredible things! I'll keep Boris in my prayers!
 
Sorry to hear Boris is ill! With regards to a URI, its good he is on antibiotics promptly. Keep him warm, away from any drafts and a bowl of boiling water with albas oil in next to his cage (out of piggies reach) should help clear his nose. Weigh him daily at the same time in the feeding cycle, any 50g + drop in a day or a slow steady decline in weight, top him up with syringe feed. Give little and often, as piggies with heavy breathing are at a higher risk of aspiration. Try giving his veg torn up in a deep plate with water poured on, as well as offering extra cucumber throughout the day. This will keep his hydration up, without the need to syringe water as, again, this can be dangerous when a piggy has laboured breathing.

Heart issues can be difficult to diagnose. If your vet (or the specialist) cant see any fluid in his lungs then its less likely to be a heart issue. Heart problems dont always create fluid, but since your piggy is presenting with URI issues, any potential heart issues would likely have fluid in the chest to be able to mimic his symptoms.

If you arent happy or he doesnt improve in the expected time, pushing for further investigations for a heart issue would make sense. Keep in mind that sedation or anaesthetic should be avoided if a heart issue is a possibility. Scans and xrays can be done consciously (none of my girls have ever been knocked out for any of those procedures).

Baytril can be hard on the guts good bacteria, so it is usually advised to offer a probiotic 1-2 hours after each antibiotic dose. Examples include fibreplex, dosed at 1 unit per kg of bodyweight, pro-c and avipro plus which are dosed at around a 1/3-1/2 scoop on damp veggies or syringed in water (avoid this route if u can in his condition).

@helen105281 and i both have heart piggies that are still going strong, if you need any advice on that front just tag us and we will help best we can.

Sending healing vibes to lovely boris xx
 
Cookies&Glitter said:
Poor guy, I hope you can get him to someone to provide him some relief and you some peace of mind. I see so many ppl at work that come in with terrible congestive heart failure (work in the ER) and wonder how on earth they gone without medication for so long, but the heart is an amazing muscle and capable of incredible things! I'll keep Boris in my prayers!
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Thank you! His regular vet is being very alert about it due to the fact it could be heart related, it's nice to know they're taking it seriously. He still quite happy and eating, so fingers crossed it is a URI instead.

Adelle said:
Sorry to hear Boris is ill! With regards to a URI, its good he is on antibiotics promptly. Keep him warm, away from any drafts and a bowl of boiling water with albas oil in next to his cage (out of piggies reach) should help clear his nose. Weigh him daily at the same time in the feeding cycle, any 50g + drop in a day or a slow steady decline in weight, top him up with syringe feed. Give little and often, as piggies with heavy breathing are at a higher risk of aspiration. Try giving his veg torn up in a deep plate with water poured on, as well as offering extra cucumber throughout the day. This will keep his hydration up, without the need to syringe water as, again, this can be dangerous when a piggy has laboured breathing.

Heart issues can be difficult to diagnose. If your vet (or the specialist) cant see any fluid in his lungs then its less likely to be a heart issue. Heart problems dont always create fluid, but since your piggy is presenting with URI issues, any potential heart issues would likely have fluid in the chest to be able to mimic his symptoms.

If you arent happy or he doesnt improve in the expected time, pushing for further investigations for a heart issue would make sense. Keep in mind that sedation or anaesthetic should be avoided if a heart issue is a possibility. Scans and xrays can be done consciously (none of my girls have ever been knocked out for any of those procedures).

Baytril can be hard on the guts good bacteria, so it is usually advised to offer a probiotic 1-2 hours after each antibiotic dose. Examples include fibreplex, dosed at 1 unit per kg of bodyweight, pro-c and avipro plus which are dosed at around a 1/3-1/2 scoop on damp veggies or syringed in water (avoid this route if you can in his condition).

@helen105281 and i both have heart piggies that are still going strong, if you need any advice on that front just tag us and we will help best we can.

Sending healing vibes to lovely boris xx
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Thank you for this, it really helps! The vet said there wasn't any fluid and there isn't any noise to his breathing, it just seems slightly labored. He still has his appetite, perhaps not fully but he's grazing on hay and nuggets (he's a bit off of his veg). I've decided that if he is the same, or worse, on Monday I will take him to the specialist - his normal vet agrees that's the best thing to do.
He has a pro-biotic in his water as Badger is on an abundance of AB's at the moment, so I've got plenty in stock!

Thank you, it's comforting to know that even if it's worst case and he is a heart pig, he can still live a full life when diagnosed (it's just waiting for the diagnoses that I hate!)
 
LydiaMinx said:
Thank you! His regular vet is being very alert about it due to the fact it could be heart related, it's nice to know they're taking it seriously. He still quite happy and eating, so fingers crossed it is a URI instead.



Thank you for this, it really helps! The vet said there wasn't any fluid and there isn't any noise to his breathing, it just seems slightly labored. He still has his appetite, perhaps not fully but he's grazing on hay and nuggets (he's a bit off of his veg). I've decided that if he is the same, or worse, on Monday I will take him to the specialist - his normal vet agrees that's the best thing to do.
He has a pro-biotic in his water as Badger is on an abundance of AB's at the moment, so I've got plenty in stock!

Thank you, it's comforting to know that even if it's worst case and he is a heart pig, he can still live a full life when diagnosed (it's just waiting for the diagnoses that I hate!)
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Thats great hes still eating but is bound to feel a bit out of sorts with a URI. The specialist will be best to advise you on the next steps if he isnt picking up. If he is a heart piggy, no fluid in the chest is good as it means it wont be as advanced as some cases, and could hopefully be managed solely with heart meds such as fortekor. My fudge presented with a chest full of fluid and needed max dose diuretics to help her breathe.. And shes never been able to come off them, even had a different type off diuretic added in too.. And shes still here nearly a year later. Shes 7, arthritic and going a little bald but shes extremely bright everyday, lively, happy and eats ANYTHING i put infront of her, literally!

Hope he picks up soon and if not, that you get some answers soon!
 
Adelle said:
Thats great hes still eating but is bound to feel a bit out of sorts with a URI. The specialist will be best to advise you on the next steps if he isnt picking up. If he is a heart piggy, no fluid in the chest is good as it means it wont be as advanced as some cases, and could hopefully be managed solely with heart meds such as fortekor. My fudge presented with a chest full of fluid and needed max dose diuretics to help her breathe.. And shes never been able to come off them, even had a different type off diuretic added in too.. And shes still here nearly a year later. Shes 7, arthritic and going a little bald but shes extremely bright everyday, lively, happy and eats ANYTHING i put infront of her, literally!

Hope he picks up soon and if not, that you get some answers soon!
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Thank you! Hopefully, as you said, if it is heart problems we've caught it early :) I'm wondering what the vet meant by 'fluffy' looking lungs though, perhaps inflammation from infection? She said she got all of the other vets to look also and none were overly concerned about the heart, but I'll 100% be consulting the specialist if there isn't improvement for Monday
 
So there seems to be improvement today, he's still not breathing entirely normally but it's less forced looking. He's very very grumpy and is keeping himself to himself, not eating much so I'm going to start syringe feeding this afternoon
 
LydiaMinx said:
So there seems to be improvement today, he's still not breathing entirely normally but it's less forced looking. He's very very grumpy and is keeping himself to himself, not eating much so I'm going to start syringe feeding this afternoon
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Glad his breathing has improved, it could well be the antibiotics thats dampening his appetite. As long as his chest is improving thats the most important thing as you can help him
On the eating front.

Please be careful only to syringe a little amount into his mouth as a time due to his breathing, as he is at higher risk of aspiration. Usually its no more than 0.5ml at a time but i stick to 0.25ml at a time with fudge (for meds) as she is a heart piggy with laboured breathing, and we have never had any aspiration issues that way.

Good luck xx
 
Can't give you any advice, but you already got some really useful from other members! Just wanted to wish Boris the best recovery. And cross my fingers for it to be "just" an URI :hug:
 
Adelle said:
Glad his breathing has improved, it could well be the antibiotics thats dampening his appetite. As long as his chest is improving thats the most important thing as you can help him
On the eating front.

Please be careful only to syringe a little amount into his mouth as a time due to his breathing, as he is at higher risk of aspiration. Usually its no more than 0.5ml at a time but i stick to 0.25ml at a time with fudge (for meds) as she is a heart piggy with laboured breathing, and we have never had any aspiration issues that way.

Good luck xx
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I think it's improving, but it's really hard for me to tell because he's constantly moving or chewing and it's throwing me off! He certainly isn't getting worse, let's put it that way at least :)

Do pigs with heart problems tend to have veiny, red, hot ears? His ears do get red when he's hot but they seem especially vascular at the moment.

Teddybear22 said:
Can't give you any advice, but you already got some really useful from other members! Just wanted to wish Boris the best recovery. And cross my fingers for it to be "just" an URI :hug:
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Thank you! Either option seems daunting at the moment, but he is stable at least :)
 
LydiaMinx said:
I think it's improving, but it's really hard for me to tell because he's constantly moving or chewing and it's throwing me off! He certainly isn't getting worse, let's put it that way at least :)

Do pigs with heart problems tend to have veiny, red, hot ears? His ears do get red when he's hot but they seem especially vascular at the moment.
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They can do if they have high blood pressure, but the veins do rise nearer the surface and skin becomes hot when an animal is trying to cool down- this would fit if he has an infection. Xx
 
Adelle said:
They can do if they have high blood pressure, but the veins do rise nearer the surface and skin becomes hot when an animal is trying to cool down- this would fit if he has an infection. Xx
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Adelle, thank you so much for your help so far! Boris is much the same today, no better or worse I don't think. His breathing seems sporadic, sometimes it looks almost normal and other times it is extremely shallow/deep on exhale (that seems to be what he is struggling with). His vet is sending his X-rays off to the specialist we see for Badger, as we're both concerned that the 2+ hour train journey will stress him too much with his breathing, and potentially his heart.

I'm doubting more and more that this is an infection, as surely it would have started to improve greatly by now? The vet says to give it time but I'm worried about him :(
 
LydiaMinx said:
Adelle, thank you so much for your help so far! Boris is much the same today, no better or worse I don't think. His breathing seems sporadic, sometimes it looks almost normal and other times it is extremely shallow/deep on exhale (that seems to be what he is struggling with). His vet is sending his X-rays off to the specialist we see for Badger, as we're both concerned that the 2+ hour train journey will stress him too much with his breathing, and potentially his heart.

I'm doubting more and more that this is an infection, as surely it would have started to improve greatly by now? The vet says to give it time but I'm worried about him :(
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Bless him. I know waiting is hard, i went through all this too. You have to treat for the more common problems first until you can rule it our, or until something jumps out at you which changes the treatment plan. The fact he is no worse is something. Hopefuly the specialist will be able to tell you more, and less stress for boris without that travelling!xx
 
Adelle said:
Bless him. I know waiting is hard, i went through all this too. You have to treat for the more common problems first until you can rule it our, or until something jumps out at you which changes the treatment plan. The fact he is no worse is something. Hopefuly the specialist will be able to tell you more, and less stress for boris without that travelling!xx
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Something has just jumped out...he's sloshing like a hot water bottle when I pick him up :( I've read a few things on this online and none of it good, I just rang the emergency vet and they want him in first thing tomorrow morning (they on call vet is useless with pigs he said, would be no help.) but I start work at 6am and finish at 2pm. He's ceased eating and drinking, and pooing and weeing.

I've been syringe feeding him as much as he will take. The sloshing started this afternoon as far as I know...I don't know what the hell I'm supposed to do now. :(
 
It could be water bloat @Wiebke @helen105281 @Abi_nurse ? He'll need to see a vet tonight I'm afraid. Call round other emergency vets to ask for anyone experienced with piggies. Any vet is better than no vet
 
Adelle said:
It could be water bloat @Wiebke @helen105281 @Abi_nurse ? He'll need to see a vet tonight I'm afraid. Call round other emergency vets to ask for anyone experienced with piggies. Any vet is better than no vet
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The only vet that is on call at the moment in my entire region is the one I just spoke to, and he seemed outwardly against me bringing him in tonight :( I've just tried to ring all of them and it's all directing me to the same guy. Boris has decided to start eating mixed salad from the bag though, so there's a minor plus...
 
LydiaMinx said:
The only vet that is on call at the moment in my entire region is the one I just spoke to, and he seemed outwardly against me bringing him in tonight :( I've just tried to ring all of them and it's all directing me to the same guy. Boris has decided to start eating mixed salad from the bag though, so there's a minor plus...
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If its bloat its best to stick to syringe feeds to avoid making it worse. Does he sound hollow on his sides when tapped? If its water bloat he may need a diuretic but not 100% sure on that. Hopefully someone will be along soon too better advise.
 
Adelle said:
If its bloat its best to stick to syringe feeds to avoid making it worse. Does he sound hollow on his sides when tapped? If its water bloat he may need a diuretic but not 100% sure on that. Hopefully someone will be along soon too better advise.
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Thank you, his stomach isn't firm at all, very soft actually. He was really dehydrated earlier (eyes sunk right in when I got back from work) so I syringed a lot of water, then very watery syringe feed...I'm hoping this is that sloshing in his belly and not liquid bloat. He devoured most of what was left of that salad and is having a little walk around his cage at the moment, chatting to himself. Hopefully that's a sign he isn't feeling too bad and will be ok to hold on until tomorrow afternoon :(
 
I was once advised to treat fluid bloat with diuretics, but then someone on here disagreed with that. I have seen a pig with fluid bloat respond well to diuretic treatment though. Hopefully the vet will be able to advise.
 
helen105281 said:
I was once advised to treat fluid bloat with diuretics, but then someone on here disagreed with that. I have seen a pig with fluid bloat respond well to diuretic treatment though. Hopefully the vet will be able to advise.
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Thank you, I'm ringing the vet as soon as they open for an appointment for when I finish work. He's ok this morning, still sloshing a bit but not as bad I don't think.
 
Hope you get some answers today xx
 
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