Funny Breathing?

[Weedelly]

Last night one of my guineas was breathing funny, it's like he has a stuffed nose.
He isn't doing it all the time though. And when I had him out to check him, he was breathing totally fine. :/
As soon as I heard it I was well set for going to the vet this morning. My boyfriends guineas had colds when he first got them and it sounds just like that.
Because I can't hear it up close I'm kinda doubting myself, it sometimes sounds as if he is just doing a low pitched squeak.
Is it quite common for guineas to breathe like that on and off if they have colds or things like that?
I'm just worried if I take him to the vet they can't detect anything cause he's not doing it all the time.
Any help would be great, thanks

 

[PiggieLove]

It's not common for guinea pigs to breathe like that. Guinea pigs can't get "colds". If they have cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, raspy breathing or lethargy, it is most likely associated with a more serious problem. Your boy's symptoms could be an early indication of an upper respiratory infection.

What type of bedding are you using in his cage?

 

[Weedelly]

Yeah I knew it wasn't a cold, couldn't remember the proper name! Lol.
I'm using carefresh at the moment, been using it for around a month or two.
I'm just not 100% sure it's his breathing now as I can't get up close to hear it. Cause for some reason he's not doing it when I'm holding him.
But whatever it is he's doing it's not normal for him and not anything he's done before. I said it could be very low squeaking. But it's not like him to go round his cage squeaking anyway.
So I guess a trip to the vets is needed.
He does seen to be rubbing his face a lot and I've heard him sneeze a few times since last night. So it is probably his breathing

 

[PiggieLove]

It's better to be safe than sorry, so a vet trip sounds like a good idea! Let us know what the vet says

 

[Wiebke]

Last night one of my guineas was breathing funny, it's like he has a stuffed nose.
He isn't doing it all the time though. And when I had him out to check him, he was breathing totally fine. :/
As soon as I heard it I was well set for going to the vet this morning. My boyfriends guineas had colds when he first got them and it sounds just like that.
Because I can't hear it up close I'm kinda doubting myself, it sometimes sounds as if he is just doing a low pitched squeak.
Is it quite common for guineas to breathe like that on and off if they have colds or things like that?
I'm just worried if I take him to the vet they can't detect anything cause he's not doing it all the time.
Any help would be great, thanks

Guinea pigs don't have viral colds or flus like humans, but they can suffer from bacterial respiratory infections, which need to be treated promptly, as they can otherwise kill. if you suspect a URI, please see a vet as soon as you can.
Here is a list of symptoms: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html

It is likely that your piggy has just has got something in his nose that impedes the breathing at times; dust or allergies can cause the same symptoms, but it needs a vet looking at the piggy in question to make that decision. Please see a vet if the issue isn't going away or is getting worse.

 

[Weedelly]

Thank you. I have an appointment at quarter past 4. So fingers crossed.
He seems totally fine other than his breathing, he is still eating etc

 

[Weedelly]

Bradley was seen by the vet yesterday and he said that he has a slight infection in his windpipe but can't hear anything in his lungs. He says that it would probably clear up by itself but just incase he have me some antibiotics and anti inflammatorys. So he should be ok .
The only thing is I've taken him out today to give him his first dose of medicine and I'm pretty sure he's lost some weight :/. Other than that he seems totally normal... Eating drinking Etc.

 

[Wiebke]

Please get some probiotic; if necessary from a pet shop and give a pinch 1-2 hours after the antibiotics to help prop up the gut flora. You can also up the vitamin C dose to bolster the immune system.
Here is a link to good quality supportive care products, which we recommend to always have at home in case of an emergency:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/...vitamin-c-overview-with-product-links.115404/

We also recommend to weigh any ill piggy daily at about the same time in the feeding cycle (as an empty/full tummy/bladder can make about 30g difference) instead of the regular once weekly weigh-in for a healthy piggy.