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It's lovely to hear Dottie is doing so well.
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Dottie’s breathing and skin issues
- Thread starter LucyP
- Start date
Wheekallweek
Adult Guinea Pig
So glad to hear Dottie is doing OK! 
Mrs Tiggy Winkle
Senior Guinea Pig
I love this trick! I'll keep it in mind if I ever have piggies again.
Your photo of Dottie above is adorable. All the best to Dottie and you going forward
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Hi everyone
Just an update on Dottie’s breathing issues.
She’s been on frusol 0.2ml 3 times a day and Vetmadon 0.2 twice a day for a few months now.
We tried reducing her frusol to twice a day (this was a few weeks in when she seemed quite stable, and the vet said worth trying), but her breathing rate and effort went up again and stayed up so we’re back to three times a day now. We can increase it temporarily if we think she’s struggling and last night we had to do that, as her breathing looked considerably more laboured despite the meds and her RRR reached over 100 several times. It’s usually in the mid 80s or 90s for her.
She looks brighter again this morning. Her appetite remains as strong as ever and she’s been maintaining her weight. The vets says she can afford to gain a bit, as heart pigs tend to lose some, so we give her some critical care off a plate on top of hay and veg and some pellets.
But overall her average respiratory rates seem to be creeping up. I know heart issues are progressive so this is probably to be expected?
I’m going to speak to the vets about whether we need to increase her frusol on an ongoing basis. She weighs 1040g and currently has 0.6 a day (over the 3 doses). I wondered what people’s experience is of this drug. And are there other meds people have found especially helpful?
It is tricky as we don’t have a definitive diagnosis, it was based on fluid build up, symptoms and an ultrasound (which wasn’t conclusive but looks suspicious). One of the vets at the practice said if we wanted to we could ask their visiting cardiologist to scan her again and take a look, as our vet’s have always been clear they themselves are not cardiologists and guinea pig heart disease is not a massively researched area, so there’s a bit of guess work. But they also said that it might not change her treatment plan anyway. I’m not sure whether to do this or not. It’s affordable but I don’t want to put her through stress if it doesn’t change anything for her.
I will be speaking to the vets but wondered what other’s thoughts and experiences were with heart issues. I don’t want to put her through lots of stressful vet trips but of course we want to make sure she has the best quality of life. She’s 5-6 years old, we’re not sure exactly how old as she was a rescue.
Thanks
Lucy
Just an update on Dottie’s breathing issues.
She’s been on frusol 0.2ml 3 times a day and Vetmadon 0.2 twice a day for a few months now.
We tried reducing her frusol to twice a day (this was a few weeks in when she seemed quite stable, and the vet said worth trying), but her breathing rate and effort went up again and stayed up so we’re back to three times a day now. We can increase it temporarily if we think she’s struggling and last night we had to do that, as her breathing looked considerably more laboured despite the meds and her RRR reached over 100 several times. It’s usually in the mid 80s or 90s for her.
She looks brighter again this morning. Her appetite remains as strong as ever and she’s been maintaining her weight. The vets says she can afford to gain a bit, as heart pigs tend to lose some, so we give her some critical care off a plate on top of hay and veg and some pellets.
But overall her average respiratory rates seem to be creeping up. I know heart issues are progressive so this is probably to be expected?
I’m going to speak to the vets about whether we need to increase her frusol on an ongoing basis. She weighs 1040g and currently has 0.6 a day (over the 3 doses). I wondered what people’s experience is of this drug. And are there other meds people have found especially helpful?
It is tricky as we don’t have a definitive diagnosis, it was based on fluid build up, symptoms and an ultrasound (which wasn’t conclusive but looks suspicious). One of the vets at the practice said if we wanted to we could ask their visiting cardiologist to scan her again and take a look, as our vet’s have always been clear they themselves are not cardiologists and guinea pig heart disease is not a massively researched area, so there’s a bit of guess work. But they also said that it might not change her treatment plan anyway. I’m not sure whether to do this or not. It’s affordable but I don’t want to put her through stress if it doesn’t change anything for her.
I will be speaking to the vets but wondered what other’s thoughts and experiences were with heart issues. I don’t want to put her through lots of stressful vet trips but of course we want to make sure she has the best quality of life. She’s 5-6 years old, we’re not sure exactly how old as she was a rescue.
Thanks
Lucy
Wheekallweek
Adult Guinea Pig
I'm glad Dottie is still doing reasonably well! Good girl
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Thank you. I hope so, I find it hard to tell! Her breathings back down to mid 80s but her body does rock. I’m glad she’s eating well and begging for food etc but I hope it’s not painful for her to have this laboured breathing. I’m monitoring her breathing rate and effort and will speak to the vets about what next.
Because she has been weeing more on the diuretics, we’re using vet bed under her favourite houses. Yesterday she managed to crawl under the mat. It looked like she was wearing a judge’s wig! We love her so much.
Because she has been weeing more on the diuretics, we’re using vet bed under her favourite houses. Yesterday she managed to crawl under the mat. It looked like she was wearing a judge’s wig! We love her so much.
Wheekallweek
Adult Guinea Pig
Ahaha look at her, little treasure 
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Glad to hear there’s some improvement for beautiful Dottie
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Morning all, hope you’re doing ok.
An update on Dottie and some questions for anyone with experience of heart piggies if I may:
She’s been on a higher 0.9ml frusol dose, split over 3 doses for nearly two weeks now. Along with vetamid. It does seem to have helped with her resting respiratory rate, which is in the 80s more often than the 90s and hasn’t been near 100 since we upped it.
She’s maintaining her weight but I’m aware some of that may be fluid. Her poos are still a good size but overall I think some are slightly smaller than before. She is still very interested in food.
She’s about 1050g (typical range in a week 1035-1080).
Sometimes her breathing looks not too bad but it’s always clear she’s got an issue and sometimes the rocking and/or moving sides are quite pronounced. My questions are, in case anyone has experience of this:
1. If we are on the maximum for frusol already, are there other meds that people have found helpful to add to this?
2. One of the vets mentioned the possibility of draining fluid. I am not sure about this as I don’t want her to be in pain from that and especially if it was a very temporary measure. Does anyone have experience of this?
3. In terms of quality of life, she seems interactive, interested in food and generally quite cheerful bumbling around, although of course she rests a fair bit too (as does her friend, they’re both older ladies apart from anything else). If I start to feel she’s really struggling, I wouldn’t want her to suffer of course. I’m worried I won’t know - is there anything else I should be looking out for? The vet has said that any sudden and severe deterioration would be grounds for considering PTS which I agree with, but I want to make sure she’s not suffering day to day as well. At what point is it not fair to keep her going?
I will be going back to the vets soon as she’s due a check up and I’m will of course ask them all of this as they will know best, but I wanted to go prepared with some questions/possible thoughts on next steps.
Just now, she’s measured 78 RRR and looks quite relaxed breathing wise.
We never got a definitive diagnosis but it is assumed heart issues.
Many thanks
Lucy
An update on Dottie and some questions for anyone with experience of heart piggies if I may:
She’s been on a higher 0.9ml frusol dose, split over 3 doses for nearly two weeks now. Along with vetamid. It does seem to have helped with her resting respiratory rate, which is in the 80s more often than the 90s and hasn’t been near 100 since we upped it.
She’s maintaining her weight but I’m aware some of that may be fluid. Her poos are still a good size but overall I think some are slightly smaller than before. She is still very interested in food.
She’s about 1050g (typical range in a week 1035-1080).
Sometimes her breathing looks not too bad but it’s always clear she’s got an issue and sometimes the rocking and/or moving sides are quite pronounced. My questions are, in case anyone has experience of this:
1. If we are on the maximum for frusol already, are there other meds that people have found helpful to add to this?
2. One of the vets mentioned the possibility of draining fluid. I am not sure about this as I don’t want her to be in pain from that and especially if it was a very temporary measure. Does anyone have experience of this?
3. In terms of quality of life, she seems interactive, interested in food and generally quite cheerful bumbling around, although of course she rests a fair bit too (as does her friend, they’re both older ladies apart from anything else). If I start to feel she’s really struggling, I wouldn’t want her to suffer of course. I’m worried I won’t know - is there anything else I should be looking out for? The vet has said that any sudden and severe deterioration would be grounds for considering PTS which I agree with, but I want to make sure she’s not suffering day to day as well. At what point is it not fair to keep her going?
I will be going back to the vets soon as she’s due a check up and I’m will of course ask them all of this as they will know best, but I wanted to go prepared with some questions/possible thoughts on next steps.
Just now, she’s measured 78 RRR and looks quite relaxed breathing wise.
We never got a definitive diagnosis but it is assumed heart issues.
Many thanks
Lucy
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Update- Dottie sounds a little bit snuffly tonight (on and off) as she was eating. When I listen to her body, it sounds very much in her mouth/nose head area a not especially her chest, so I’m hoping it’s just one of those eating too much things. But of course I don’t know and if she’s like this tomorrow I’ll take her to the vets. She’s eating lots and seems ok in herself.
Her poos have been a bit lighter recently although not crumbly as such but I’m keeping an eye on that as we know on this dose of frusol she is at risk of dehydrating. She’s not drinking as much as she was when she first started the frusol (at which point she she was drinking loads) but we’re giving her decent amounts of wet veg and her favourite which is cucumber. I sometimes offer her a syringe of water, which she’ll happily take until she’s had enough. Not sure if that’s the right thing to do or not (?) but I will check with the vets.
It’s worrying that she has this fluid heart issue but we’re trying our best to make sure she’s as healthy and happy as possible.
Many thanks
Lucy
Her poos have been a bit lighter recently although not crumbly as such but I’m keeping an eye on that as we know on this dose of frusol she is at risk of dehydrating. She’s not drinking as much as she was when she first started the frusol (at which point she she was drinking loads) but we’re giving her decent amounts of wet veg and her favourite which is cucumber. I sometimes offer her a syringe of water, which she’ll happily take until she’s had enough. Not sure if that’s the right thing to do or not (?) but I will check with the vets.
It’s worrying that she has this fluid heart issue but we’re trying our best to make sure she’s as healthy and happy as possible.
Many thanks
Lucy
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Update- not sure if she’s still a bit snuffly- if she is it’s very slight and occasional. I’ve asked the vets if we should do another ultrasound to see how she’s doing. They also previously had mentioned draining fluid- has anyone done this with pigs before from the chest? I am not sure about this. I might be inclined to ask about additional meds first if she needs them. I think spironolactone has been mentioned by some members?
Many thanks
Lucy
Many thanks
Lucy
LondonLady
Forum Donator 2025/26
I have no experience with this sort of thing so can't offer any advice but I just wanted to say Dottie is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sorry she has these problems. It must be very worrying for you.
and I'm sorry she has these problems. It must be very worrying for you.
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Thank you so much for that. It is a worry, and we know that whatever it is, it’s not curable and will only get worse, which is really sad. Our main priority is keeping her as happy as possible - which she still seems to be. A s I write this she tucking into a pile of hay with gusto.
She’s between 5-6 years old so she’s an older girl but we only rescued her last summer. She’s a real character and lets us know how she’s feeling about everything!
I don’t want to put her through unpleasant procedures and the idea of draining fluid sounds a bit horrible to me but I really don’t know! Waiting to hear back from the vets anyway.
Right now, her breathing is stable, I can’t hear any funny noises and she seems happy.
She’s between 5-6 years old so she’s an older girl but we only rescued her last summer. She’s a real character and lets us know how she’s feeling about everything!
I don’t want to put her through unpleasant procedures and the idea of draining fluid sounds a bit horrible to me but I really don’t know! Waiting to hear back from the vets anyway.
Right now, her breathing is stable, I can’t hear any funny noises and she seems happy.
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Just want to assure you of my support
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Many thanks
The vets have been really helpful- we’re booked in for an ultrasound tomorrow with the exotic vet and the cardiologist (not a piggie specialist but obviously knows hearts best) and then we will take it from there.
I’ve said I'm not keen on draining due to the risks and would prefer to try more medication first if needed (if that’s an option).
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but it’s possible we may find out a bit more. It might not change her care plan or her outlook but at least I’ll know we’ve used the tools available to us in our area. I have checked she wouldn’t need anaesthetic for the ultrasound. She didn’t last time I don’t think, as obviously that’s a worry too with any heart piggy.
The vets have been really helpful- we’re booked in for an ultrasound tomorrow with the exotic vet and the cardiologist (not a piggie specialist but obviously knows hearts best) and then we will take it from there.
I’ve said I'm not keen on draining due to the risks and would prefer to try more medication first if needed (if that’s an option).
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but it’s possible we may find out a bit more. It might not change her care plan or her outlook but at least I’ll know we’ve used the tools available to us in our area. I have checked she wouldn’t need anaesthetic for the ultrasound. She didn’t last time I don’t think, as obviously that’s a worry too with any heart piggy.
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Hope all goes well tomorrow
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Update on Dottie:
Things have been a bit overshadowed by events on Friday when we very sadly and suddenly lost Winnie, but for anyone following Dottie’s progress or for future heart disease piggies who might find it helpful, here’s where we are..
Dottie had an ultrasound on Thursday. I was mistaken earlier, it wasn’t actually a specialist cardio ultrasound she was booked in for, it was a regular ultrasound by the vets but they had a good look:
They were pleased to see no excess fluid which suggests her high dose frusol is doing its job at the moment. This matched what they heard when they listened to her and felt her too. This was good news, I was really pleased.
She still has the other symptoms ie an arrhythmia (they have described this also as a ‘galloping heart’). Basically her heart struggles to pump/contract as well as it should. Likely DCM diagnosis. Her heart chambers appear to be slightly enlarged. The vetmedin she takes twice a day is helping her a bit with the heart contractions.
Her breathing is still a bit laboured but her rate is not too bad all things considered- 80-90 per minute.
Given the fluid is not there at the moment, we’re to try a slight reduction in frusol and see how she goes. We can increase again if needed.
They couldn’t see any structural issues with her kidney on the scan which is good. That doesn’t fully test for kidney function though which would be measured a different way (I think bloods).We need to keep an eye on her for signs of dehydration while she’s on high dose frusol.
All in all they were pleased with how’s she doing given she has such a serious heart condition and is nearly 6. I’m aware things might change as this is - progressive disease but I am pleased too for now.
I am hoping the stress of losing her cage mate (and the stress of trying to bond with a new one) won’t impact her heart health. She’s coping well so far with her bereavement in that she’s eating well and seems quite perky given all she’s been through.
She is due back in about 6 weeks or so for a check up. Sooner if any issues, as ever.
Thanks for your support.
Things have been a bit overshadowed by events on Friday when we very sadly and suddenly lost Winnie, but for anyone following Dottie’s progress or for future heart disease piggies who might find it helpful, here’s where we are..
Dottie had an ultrasound on Thursday. I was mistaken earlier, it wasn’t actually a specialist cardio ultrasound she was booked in for, it was a regular ultrasound by the vets but they had a good look:
They were pleased to see no excess fluid which suggests her high dose frusol is doing its job at the moment. This matched what they heard when they listened to her and felt her too. This was good news, I was really pleased.
She still has the other symptoms ie an arrhythmia (they have described this also as a ‘galloping heart’). Basically her heart struggles to pump/contract as well as it should. Likely DCM diagnosis. Her heart chambers appear to be slightly enlarged. The vetmedin she takes twice a day is helping her a bit with the heart contractions.
Her breathing is still a bit laboured but her rate is not too bad all things considered- 80-90 per minute.
Given the fluid is not there at the moment, we’re to try a slight reduction in frusol and see how she goes. We can increase again if needed.
They couldn’t see any structural issues with her kidney on the scan which is good. That doesn’t fully test for kidney function though which would be measured a different way (I think bloods).We need to keep an eye on her for signs of dehydration while she’s on high dose frusol.
All in all they were pleased with how’s she doing given she has such a serious heart condition and is nearly 6. I’m aware things might change as this is - progressive disease but I am pleased too for now.
I am hoping the stress of losing her cage mate (and the stress of trying to bond with a new one) won’t impact her heart health. She’s coping well so far with her bereavement in that she’s eating well and seems quite perky given all she’s been through.
She is due back in about 6 weeks or so for a check up. Sooner if any issues, as ever.
Thanks for your support.
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Another day, another drama.. Dottie made some squeaking noises today, we think maybe related to toileting but not sure, she seemed to lift her bum up a bit. Some of her poos have been a bit on the soft side (but still formed). It's hard to judge her poos as she is a sedentary pig who toilets where she lays and eats. I managed to get her in today, we didn't see the usual vet but she had a thorough check and he was happy with gut sounds and general feel, weight etc. His thoughts were:
He also suggested Pro C, which I had already at home. Next steps: I am reducing fresh veg in case that is an issue. I did find the Pro C but it is opened (from March 25) and expiry date was Oct 25, so not sure how safe to use? I also have unowned fibreplex - they have always flatly refused to take that but I could try her on that. Any thoughts on if one is better than the other for this sort of situation?
I will take her off fresh veg as I know that can cause soft poos. I am a bit confused about the veg, as she is prone to dehydration from the frusol, I may have been giving her too much veg like cucumber. But her poos from 2 days ago were more brown and crumbly which is why I did that.
She has also had a bit of readigrass recently which I will stop in case that is an issue. And when she is back on veg I will keep it plain like lettuce and pepper only.
We have already cancelled Christmas due to human illness issues but I wasn't banking on a Christmas eve dash to the vets! And it was also sad as I collected Winnie's ashes at the same time. I am grateful for them fitting us in though, and glad we have some pain relief for Dottie.
Thanks to anyone who is reading this on Xmas eve and hope you and your piggies have a peaceful one.
Bw
Lucy
- Upset tummy - she has had a variety of poos in the last few days (see below pics)
- Bladder issue - he said her bladder felt ok (and since she had an ultra sound only 2 weeks ago I am hoping they would have picked up on anything like stones?). But possible UTI. He said we can try to catch a wee sample on Saturday and take it back to them to check.
He also suggested Pro C, which I had already at home. Next steps: I am reducing fresh veg in case that is an issue. I did find the Pro C but it is opened (from March 25) and expiry date was Oct 25, so not sure how safe to use? I also have unowned fibreplex - they have always flatly refused to take that but I could try her on that. Any thoughts on if one is better than the other for this sort of situation?
I will take her off fresh veg as I know that can cause soft poos. I am a bit confused about the veg, as she is prone to dehydration from the frusol, I may have been giving her too much veg like cucumber. But her poos from 2 days ago were more brown and crumbly which is why I did that.
She has also had a bit of readigrass recently which I will stop in case that is an issue. And when she is back on veg I will keep it plain like lettuce and pepper only.
We have already cancelled Christmas due to human illness issues but I wasn't banking on a Christmas eve dash to the vets! And it was also sad as I collected Winnie's ashes at the same time. I am grateful for them fitting us in though, and glad we have some pain relief for Dottie.
Thanks to anyone who is reading this on Xmas eve and hope you and your piggies have a peaceful one.
Bw
Lucy
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Ps with those big piles of poo- that was where I’d tipped them off various pee
Pads to take a photo, they didn’t all gather like that! Since those photos I think she’s done some slightly softer ones.
Pads to take a photo, they didn’t all gather like that! Since those photos I think she’s done some slightly softer ones.
I’d do what you’ve already said. Remove all veggies for a few days and see if that sorts it. I’ve always used Pro C but fibreplex is supposed to be better. Give that one a go. I hope she’s soon feeling better and it’s just a little blip. Merry Christmas.
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Good point! If it does then I’ll try another way. She’s actually done some better formed poos again this evening so I’m feeling a bit more positive. The vet was also pleased with her heart sounds today, he couldn’t hear fluid and said it was less muffled sounding at the moment than it often is with heart piggies.
We are slightly reducing the frusol to see how she gets on, which should slightly reduce the chance of dehydration too.
We still need to find her a new friend soon (I am contacting rescues after Xmas) but we are going to try and see if we can foster.
She says thanks for your support!
We are slightly reducing the frusol to see how she gets on, which should slightly reduce the chance of dehydration too.
We still need to find her a new friend soon (I am contacting rescues after Xmas) but we are going to try and see if we can foster.
She says thanks for your support!
LucyP
Forum Donator 2025/26
Happy Boxing Day, hope Christmas was nice for everyone or at least that it went off peacefully.
Dottie’s poos yesterday and last night have, if anything, been quite dry looking. I never managed to persuade her to eat the fibreplex (or hardly any) but we cut out veg. I’m now wondering if she’s not getting enough water! She doesn’t seem to drink from the bottle lately though (she was drinking lots when she first started on the frusol, which we expected) but that has calmed down and we haven’t see or heard her drink for a few days (she’s in the same room as a human about 22 hours a day). Am I right in thinking they do always know to drink if they need it? She has fresh water and two different bottles.
In light of the lighter poos, I gave her a small amount of lettuce and a bit of water after her meds.
She’s already been moved to a slightly lower amount of frusol (but still 0.6 per day) as per vet advice.
Re the squeaks, she did one yesterday which was quiet and could have been behavioural (she often makes little noises when she’s washing herself, or changing positions, or not happy with a food offering not being exactly what she had in mind). But the squeak could have been pain. She’s on the gabapentin (which she hates the taste of). She’s on 0.21 of that twice a day which seems a lot compared to other peoples’ pigs on here, but it is the only pain relief she is on so perhaps that’s why. She’s seems to be tolerating it anyway.
If she is still squeaking by tomorrow (or even if she’s not) I’ll try and get a urine sample and take that up to the vets so they can test it. That won’t be perfect but may be helpful.
Aware that she may be a bit stressed since her bereavement which could make her vulnerable to infections or IC. We will get her a friend soon- our usual rescue is closed for Xmas but we’ll email them the first week of January to try and set up a date for a foster friend.
She is still interested in food although I think less begging than normal. She has a bit of oxbow critical care off a small bowl each night, maybe a couple of teaspoons worth which she is on long term as per vet’s advice to help keep her weight up as a heart piggy.
Not sure if there’s anything else we can be doing at the moment.
Thanks
Lucy
Poos from overnight
Dottie’s poos yesterday and last night have, if anything, been quite dry looking. I never managed to persuade her to eat the fibreplex (or hardly any) but we cut out veg. I’m now wondering if she’s not getting enough water! She doesn’t seem to drink from the bottle lately though (she was drinking lots when she first started on the frusol, which we expected) but that has calmed down and we haven’t see or heard her drink for a few days (she’s in the same room as a human about 22 hours a day). Am I right in thinking they do always know to drink if they need it? She has fresh water and two different bottles.
In light of the lighter poos, I gave her a small amount of lettuce and a bit of water after her meds.
She’s already been moved to a slightly lower amount of frusol (but still 0.6 per day) as per vet advice.
Re the squeaks, she did one yesterday which was quiet and could have been behavioural (she often makes little noises when she’s washing herself, or changing positions, or not happy with a food offering not being exactly what she had in mind). But the squeak could have been pain. She’s on the gabapentin (which she hates the taste of). She’s on 0.21 of that twice a day which seems a lot compared to other peoples’ pigs on here, but it is the only pain relief she is on so perhaps that’s why. She’s seems to be tolerating it anyway.
If she is still squeaking by tomorrow (or even if she’s not) I’ll try and get a urine sample and take that up to the vets so they can test it. That won’t be perfect but may be helpful.
Aware that she may be a bit stressed since her bereavement which could make her vulnerable to infections or IC. We will get her a friend soon- our usual rescue is closed for Xmas but we’ll email them the first week of January to try and set up a date for a foster friend.
She is still interested in food although I think less begging than normal. She has a bit of oxbow critical care off a small bowl each night, maybe a couple of teaspoons worth which she is on long term as per vet’s advice to help keep her weight up as a heart piggy.
Not sure if there’s anything else we can be doing at the moment.
Thanks
Lucy
Poos from overnight
Step in weighing daily and offer voluntary top up feed (see the first link for judging when and in which form to step in). The thickness means that she has been still eating until yesterday (it takes about a day or two for food to work its way through the body) but there could be a potential pain issue somewhere in the body/lower body that is starting to affect the appetite and also the expression of poos - that could in older piggies also include pretty common arthritis in the lower spine and pelvis, so please try not to panic. The issues are still in the minor levels and you are not at the emergency stage.
Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support
Wiebke's Guide to Pees and Stones
Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection