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Burt Keeps Losing His Voice

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dearbarbie

dearbarbie

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Me again - I post a lot but after we lost Jesse because things weren't picked up soon enough I guess I worry when my pigs are being unusual.

So Burt. He keeps losing his voice. You know when you get a dog toy and the squeaker breaks? He sounds like that - it's happened twice in a week. He had a cough the first time then it was back to normal. The cough sounds like he's trying to bring up something, and it's happened a few times over the past few weeks - at first I assumed he might have a hairball in there or something but the other day it happened when he was on my chest and took 2 coughs and he shook a bit. He is a licky/nibbly pig so I wonder if he grooms himself a lot when we're not looking.

Vets trip or a worried piggy mummy (this could be all normal!)

If it helps, this past few days he's been a bit grumpy ,hiding in his tube out of sight for all of today unless food was involved (eating fine) - as soon as I pick him up he tugs on my top to get put away. He just did it now but he's on the table now and is fine. Grumpy Burt! He's not lost any crazy weight or anything. Thanks for reading!
 
It would be a good idea to get him checked out by a Vet, or at least give them a call. Keep a special eye on your piggy. Does he have any others housed with him? If so, he may need to be separated. He could have a respiratory infection. Initially, you should give the vet a call and do what they tell you to. Sending healing vibes and hugs!
 
Some pigs do lose their wheek but I would get him checked by a vet to make sure he doesn't have some kind of respiratory issue. My Buzz lost his wheek but it was after a bout of Pneumonia and he had other health issues too.
 
I have to say I've only had a lost wheek with a poorly piggy. The coughing could be hair, or food that has got stuck, but his grumpiness could be an indication of something brewing. I'd get him checked out.
 
Thanks for reassuring me I'm not overmummying! Our 1st choice vet can't see him til next week so trying Anne O'Meara at Goddards. Will keep you all posted - I love the knowledge on these boards! Hope he's not allergic to our house - brought them in this winter and we monitor the temp by their homes...
 
definitely vets just incase it is the start of a uri. the sooner you get a hold of those, the better. good luck x
 
Hi everyone. Just back from the vet who is happy with his heart and lungs, and says his trachea is inflamed. Could be an allergy but he thinks it's more likely to be having moved him into the house and radiators causing dry air or maybe dust mites. We've to keep an eye on him but he's not at all concerned (yay cheap vet trip for once).

He made me laugh though with a passing comment of 'he's not right in the head'... I asked what he meant and he said he was way too calm, other guineas would be scared after the car journey and being at a vet's, held in tight positions for heart listening etc... But Burt was just sat on the table chilling out letting me stroke him and chatting away before walking to me, licking my finger and pulling my top on hind legs.

Vet was pretty bemused and said he's not right... But very smart! He also did say that his 'singing' to me meant he's talking to us and licking means he sees me as part of his herd/group/another piggie. I kinda thought this and I know we can't read their minds but it was lovely to hear. Clearly we're good piggie parents and he's calm in our company.

My bf wasn't a fan of the vet as he didn't look at him once haha.
And we have a healthy piggie. Yay! Xx
 
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