Crackling like breathing in male guinea pig

[hja500]

I have a guinea pig who is about 17 months old. Last July he had an upper respiratory infection, which my other guinea pig also got. They were both treated and were finished off of on and off cases of an URI by about October. Since then, my older pig has continued to have a crackly sound in his breathing, especially when he sleeps. I figured he was ok because it doesn't seem to bother him and that if it was serious it would have spread to my other pig by now but I wanted to know if anyone else has had a guinea pig with a continued crackling breathing sound after having an URI.

It's been like this for over six months, not to mention he lives a totally normal life otherwise, I just wanted to get other opinions, thanks.
Hannah

 

[piggyfan]

bump.

 

[Wiebke]

Sometimes, URI can cause permanent damage to the lungs which result in crackly breathing.

If in doubt, please have him checked by a piggy savvy vet for that and to exclude potential heart problems. Unfortunately, many general vets still believe that guinea pigs don't get heart problems! mallethead
http://www.guinealynx.info/heart.html#signs

 

[Abi_nurse]

I have to agree, if in doubt see a vet, but yes, very bad URI's or repiratory infections can cause perminant damage of the lungs/airways.

x.

 

[maceycleo]

I have a little piggy, Cleo, who suffers from this from a bad infection she had when she was a baby. She also lives as active and as happily as her sister Macey. I would mirror what everyone else has said though and get him checked over by a vet. Also try and make sure he is on dust free bedding as dusty woodshavings can really irritate their sensitive chests - I'm using megazorb and the minute but I've also used fleece. I would also keep a close eye on his breathing to make sure it doesn't get any worse as when they have crackly breathing they are prone to more infection. Cleo's crackling was also quite severe, and this was treated with an oral steroid called prednicare, so this may be an option for you if he gets ever gets worse. Hopefully your little one will be fine and never need any further treatment, but I would definately take him to see a vet x