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fluid on lungs

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Theodora

My Kim has had a rattly chest since before Xmas,although she is eating and behaving normally otherwise.She had a week on Baytrill ,and three on Septrin,but the rattle always came back.
The vet did an xray,to see what was going on,(she suspected cancer),but found everything was ok apart from some fluid on the lungs.
She said Lasix could be used to reduce the fluid,but,as it hasn't been used much for guineas,and she is eating and acting ok,to leave well alone,unless she gets worse.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.:...:(
 
aww well if the best person who woud know (vet) says there isnt much wrong and the other person who would know best (piggie) is happy then i wouldnt stress tooo much.

:)
 
Fluid on the lungs need urgent treatment. Leaving it until it gets worse coudl easily result in pneumonia or death; I'd advise getting a second opinion and switching vets. Lasix is fine for piggies. Its other names are Frusemide and Dimazon, and these are used very commonly with pigs with respiratory issues. All respiratory infections should be treated with a one-off dose of diuretic - usually Lasix - and many guinea pigs with heart issues are on Lasix as part of their regular treatment.

I would suspect heart issues as the problem has been going on for so long. Constant and recurring fluid in the lungs is a frequent symptom of such an illness. Often xrays show a healthy heart, and the heart sounds fine, but upon post-mortem the heart can be in bad shape, indicating a long-term disorder. A trial of heart meds is sometimes the only way to diagnose the problem. Best thing to do right now though is get a second opinion.
 
Lasix is safe for a gp. 10mg dose. Vets tend to diagnose "cancer" very frequently. Cancer is very rare in a gp, that is why they are of little use in animal experiments involving malignant tumours......besides which a diagnosis of "cancer" gives the vet a chance to kill the animal to "prevent suffering" for which the owner in his or her ignorance is gratefull. Likewise chest infections are not that common. Many cases of the snuffles are allergy based, ie hay fever. The apparent fact that antibiotics "cures" the problem is coincidental. Try simple, effective remedies first, eg make the pig sneeze, change the bedding for Vet- Bed tc.
Lasix is a useful drug where the pig has congestive heart failure. Remember that successful treatment can only follow an accurate diagnosis..............
 
poorly Kim

Thanks for all replies.I will certainly go back to the vet and discuss whether Lasix should be given now.I don't want to wait till she is really ill.We have to go to the Blue Cross ,due to low finances,but we always see a different vet anyway.
I doubt if she has an allergy,as she has spent 3 and a half years bedded on newspaper and dust extracted hay with no problems,and her sister is unaffected.I am also careful not to use aerosols.
Will let you know how we get on.
 
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