Going crazy... coughs and sneezes?

[Pigglywink's Rachel]

I'm at my wits end, and really have no idea what to do. As you may remember, I took my girls for a check-up on Monday, and both of them were fine, although the vet was a little concerned about the fact that Caramel quite often had "crusties" around her eye, so prescribed an antibiotic ointment to be applied twice a day for five days, which I did. The ointment didn't really seem to make any difference, so took them both back today(since I didn't want to separate them) in order for the vet to take another look at Caramel. She gave both girls another exam (eyes, ears, lungs, etc.), and said she'd be doing some more research into the issue with the eye, but that Caramel seemed to be very bright and happy, and that I shouldn't worry too much, since they're both eating and drinking fine, and are as active as is normal for them.

Anyway, I noticed tonight that Dite made this weird coughing noise (once), and that both her and Caramel have sneezed a couple times each this evening (twice for Dite, three times for Caramel). I've had a listen to both their chests during cuddle time (at the expense of a chunk of my hair that Caramel thought looked delicious, apparently), and there's no wheezing, whistling or anything like that from either of them, plus, as previously said, they were in at the vet not more than eight hours ago. Nor is there any discharge from their noses or mouths, and Caramel only has this discharge (which I've never seen, just that it's a little crusty every couple days) from one of her eyes.

Am I being paranoid, or is it possible that there's some kind of weird infection at work? Or is this normal stuff for piggies? I'm driving myself crazy trying to sort this out.

 

[Glynis]

Hi sweetie, has their bedding changed at all? like your supplier or has it dust in it? Just thinking maybe something like that has upset them more than a bug...... perhaps do a really good clean, vacuum and clean with damp cloth and then wipe down with dry cloth to make sure there's nothing hanging around.
One thing you could do that wont hurt at all is to make a humidifier area for them, you could use a humidifier (add water NO other chemicals) and put like a tent across the top of their cage (a sheet). Hope this makes sense, but it's something i did for Dukey i was told this trick by a few lovely people from here.
If no response to anything within a day or so i'd get another check up.
Good luck and loves and wheeeks to the little ones xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Occasional coughs and sneezes are nothing to worry about. It common for young piggies to eat too quickly and cough as a result. A few sneezes is more often than not just something irritating the nose. The time to suspect something more serious is if the pigs sneeze repeatedly and routinely - as a rough example 4 or 5 times every hour. Likewise with coughing, if it is frequent and multiple coughs, then there could be a cause for concern.

I have two piggies who always have a slightly watery eye, which when it dries leads to crust around the eyelids. It seems to just be an allergy/sensitivity and nothing to worry about. Fucithalmic drops tend to clear it up when given for a little longer - 7-10 days - but it always returns within a couple of months.

I understand all the worry, but also remember you are doing really well for them. You're working with the vet and asking for advice on the forum; those piggies are lucky to have such a caring and devoted mum.

 

[MrsM]

hahaha, your piggies must be reading your e-mails about a restyle of your hair, they're just trying to help...

Usually mine cough on their food cos they're gluttons who try to eat quicker than their mandibles allow! They sneeze too at times, but not as much as Maxy when I put hay in, so I'm not worried. Some hay has dust extracted, maybe yours hasn't? Just a thought.

I would monitor but not worry... unless it gets worse. Chances are the vet won't know anyway because symptoms are too weak or he/she'll fill them full of drugs they don't need.

It's like taking your son to the ER every time he sneezes or coughs... You wouldn't.

Mind, i've just sneezed myself... HELP?? only joking. I know you're worried especially after PW but these two are well and healthy, the vet told you twice.

 

[Pigglywink's Rachel]

Well, I feel rather silly... after reading over the replies I'd turned around and was starting into their cage thinking about what might be producing dust that would make them sneeze. Couldn't be the bedding, since they're on Pro-Fleece, with Carefresh in their litter box. They hay isn't dusty and is up in their hay balls, so I'm pretty sure it's not that. Then I realized that when I cleaned their cage yesterday and changed out their food dishes there was a fair bit of dust in the bowl from the pellet food (getting near the bottom of the bag). They must have been snorting up a little bit whenever they went for a dig in the dish and it was causing the weird sneezing/cough thing. I've changed it out for a new bag (after shaking the bag to ensure any dust sifts to the bottom) and haven't heard a sound since. I'm such a goose.

Doesn't solve the issue with Caramel's eyes, which she's had since I brought her home, but since it doesn't seem to be bothering her, and the vet's had a look at it twice now, I'm willing to just let it be as long as it doesn't get worse.

 

[MrsM]

very wise...

So your piggies are high on pellets? @):{ We'll have heard every thing. Make sure thise doesn't get back to the SPCA (or whatever you call it... I struggle remembering the ones for Scotland and Wales, let alone Canada, the US and Oz.... ).

Give the girls a cuddle from my boys... but tell them that boys have germs so they'd better not enjoy it for too long.... that's what I tell the kids at school (the young ones)!:p:p