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Specialist Guinea Pig Chest Infection

Potterpig

Potterpig

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
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Location
Carshalton, Surrey
Hi there

I'm after a bit of advice and reassurance over one of my dear piggies (Harry Potter pig we call him). Having already got two healthy male pigs we stumbled across two guineas in the rescue section at very well known pet store nearly three weeks ago. The pigs were small for their age but great with kids so we decided to adopt them with the hope of one day introducing them to our other two biys.

Anyway almost right away I noticed one of the pigs was sneezing. But only every so often, maybe once every few days. Then on Wednesday (so 4 days ago) I went to see him in the afternoon and he was barely able to move, clearly dehydrated and struggling to breathe. I rushed straight to the vet who said his chances were 50/50, she gave him some sub cut fluid, then gave me some critical care, metacam and baytril.

Well the last few days have been so up and down I don't know what to think, say or do. He started well, seemed okay, was taking all the critical care, the odd bit of food and all the medicine. But he continued to lose weight. I upped the game fingers crossed we now appear to have a gain. But one minute he looks not too bad, walking about being sociable and the next he is stood still clicking, laboured breathing etc again. I am exhausted with worry and caring for him and this afternoon told my kids I didn't think he could make it (weight loss and another bad laboured breathing episode I felt desperate for him) and we nearly agreed to take him in to the vet and say goodbye. Within minutes he rallied again and then continued stuffing his face for HOURS. Now he's having another clicking episode and I feel lost again. He is 5 months old and only weighs 560g... Heartbreaking.

I'm sorry I've rambled like crazy, I just don't know if what I'm doing is enough, if there is hope, and also is this roller-coaster normal?!

Thank you for reading.
 
Potterpig said:
Hi there

I'm after a bit of advice and reassurance over one of my dear piggies (Harry Potter pig we call him). Having already got two healthy male pigs we stumbled across two guineas in the rescue section at very well known pet store nearly three weeks ago. The pigs were small for their age but great with kids so we decided to adopt them with the hope of one day introducing them to our other two biys.

Anyway almost right away I noticed one of the pigs was sneezing. But only every so often, maybe once every few days. Then on Wednesday (so 4 days ago) I went to see him in the afternoon and he was barely able to move, clearly dehydrated and struggling to breathe. I rushed straight to the vet who said his chances were 50/50, she gave him some sub cut fluid, then gave me some critical care, metacam and baytril.

Well the last few days have been so up and down I don't know what to think, say or do. He started well, seemed okay, was taking all the critical care, the odd bit of food and all the medicine. But he continued to lose weight. I upped the game fingers crossed we now appear to have a gain. But one minute he looks not too bad, walking about being sociable and the next he is stood still clicking, laboured breathing etc again. I am exhausted with worry and caring for him and this afternoon told my kids I didn't think he could make it (weight loss and another bad laboured breathing episode I felt desperate for him) and we nearly agreed to take him in to the vet and say goodbye. Within minutes he rallied again and then continued stuffing his face for HOURS. Now he's having another clicking episode and I feel lost again. He is 5 months old and only weighs 560g... Heartbreaking.

I'm sorry I've rambled like crazy, I just don't know if what I'm doing is enough, if there is hope, and also is this roller-coaster normal?!

Thank you for reading.
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Hi!

Please have your piggy vet checked and continue syringe feed top up if the weight is not stable. If there is fluid in his lungs, he could profit from a diuretic to drain them. In an advanced untreated infection, which you are dealing with, it can take quite some time to clear it. Your vet may also consider using a stronger antibiotic than baytril, like doxycycline (which is not licensed but often used for piggies with respiratory illness).

Keep in mind that over 80% of the food intake is hay, which you cannot control by eye.
The need to breathe comes before the need to drink and only thirdly the need to eat. Add to that the often appetite dampening effect of baytril, and piggy with a severe respiratory problem is dealing with a double whammy. That is why syringe feeding and watering is extra vital; your care can really make a difference between life and death.

That said, your boy having his appetite back is a VERY good sign. It is means that his breathing has recovered to the point that he his no longer focused on just drawing his next breath, he has the energy to drink and eat and the will to live. That means that he is actually out of the immediate danger of life phase. Take heart and hang in there, as exhausting as it is. He is not yet cured and he is not yet out of the woods, but you can see the edge of the forest from where you are now. ;)

In terms of your customer rights: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)
 
In my experience with clicky breathing pigs was a case of pneumonia, it took a strong antibitoic to clear it. I cant remember the name, but it was injected by needle, everyday at the vets for about a week. No overnight stay, just took him in everyday to get the injection
 
I'm sorry to hear your piggy is so poorly. I'm afraid I can't offer any medical advice but I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along soon.
There are certainly guides on the forum on syringe feeding and common illnesses which may help you.
 
Oh thank you so much! I've barely slept fighting for this piggy and I am very emotional (not helping my kids but I can't help it!). I spoke to the vet yesterday and I said I would bring him back Monday for a reassessment. I did really like the vet she seemed good with him, she did say a lot of what I've read in here (I've been scrolling this site for days and stupidly only just thought to post myself rather than read other advice about other pigs), but she has already offered to put to sleep once and she said about quality of life when we visit on Monday.

My sister used to be a vet nurse before she had her kids, and she was quite happy with some of the videos I sent her today (about a million of course) of his behaviour and eating. He gobbled down 10ml of the critical care and then ate tonnes of curly kale. Probably a good two cups worth. I've topped up his water every time he has critical care or any medicine. He licks it off the syringe 90% of the time, I don't really have to force it on him at all. Should I be feeding during the night? I am staying up til between 1-3am with him then getting up and starting again around 7-8am ish?

Despite the sneezing there is no discharge or crustiness. His nostrils flare a lot when he's having an episode. Are the episodes when the congestion is moving? I took him in the bathroom for a steam and after that he seemed to have an episode. His brother (Ron) is 900g now and living the high life of all the extras in the cage to try and tempt Harry. I'm gutted I didn't realise the sneezing was so serious, I did jump online right away but as it was only once every few days I heard it (they're in my living room as they're new and we like to get to know them and them us so I was very aware of them) I wasn't concerned as he seemed fine.

Another thing is he is quite a 'stressy' pig? We seem to have one very bolshy vocal pig in each pair and one a bit more timid, but Harry seems to panic more than our others. He loves being held but anything out of the ordinary he does seem to breathe heavier.

I'm going to read the link now. Thanks again.
 
Sorry, also to add I see him nibble hay a lot since this started, even when he's laying there if it's in front of him he will often take a small nibble x
 
If the baytril doesnt clear the infection fully, try a stronger antibiotic like zythromax. I wouldnt put him to sleep. I have had a pig that had pneumonia and 2 uri's in his life time. And got through all with the correct antibiotic👍
 
Okay I've read the thread and need to add that this particular pig was being passed around small kids at a workshop at this particular chain before we got him. We took him home after the workshop (my kids went to do the workshop, they're home educated and have aspirations of a piggy community in our spare room where the other two older pigs live). I called the customer service complaining about lack of hygiene, kids are only asked to use alcohol gel AFTER touching these animals and the lady was getting out guineas, then rabbits etc from different pens without washing her hands). I just got told they would pass on feedback. I also had to sign on an ipad to say once I've adopted them all health are etc is my problem and was assured the pigs are health checked. This pig in my opinion can't have been! The size of him alone for me was concern. I'm glad we took him though as I don't know if he would still be here otherwise. Thank you so much guys, I feel so much more assured in what I'm doing is actually helping. He's out at the kale again =D I think the reason I felt all was lost was the past two days he lost 10g each day despite all my efforts and I felt defeated. But today he gained 5g and has stuffed to oblivion so fingers crossed for tomorrow's weigh.
 
Morning guys, Harry's had a good night and he's had lots of companion care and kale again (he's been offered LOADS of different things but kale seems to be the one right now). Tomorrow obviously he's going back to the vets for a change of meds. Can I ask opinions on whether to take him back to the vet that saw him last week, although I am getting anxious about arguing with her about quality of life or I've found one on your exotics list about 25 mins away in sheen? Would the exotics one cost a lot more for a consult and be less likely to have appointments? Please know I'm not fussing over cost, more just need to know what I need. Thank you x
 
I am no expert but I would strongy advise you to take your guinea pig to see an exotic vet asap.
Also have you tried offering Harry half a mini sweet corn to build him up? I hope you get his health problems sorted soon.
 
worried val of york said:
I am no expert but I would strongy advise you to take your guinea pig to see an exotic vet asap.
Also have you tried offering Harry half a mini sweet corn to build him up? I hope you get his health problems sorted soon.
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Thank you, I'll be onto them in the morning then. The list I had said corn was bad? I've found food things to be very conflicting, I've stood in a supermarket for days now googling everything I've picked up and we ended up with dill, parsley, thyme, parsnips, curly kale, carrots and some funky looking lettuce leaves. So baby corn? Thank you for your help. He's looking quite a bit better today and has so far taken over 22ml of the companion care since 9am. I'm aiming for around 35ml before I retire tonight x
 
So sorry your piggie is poorly, I pray he makes a full recovery. Please look after yourself and get some sleep as looking after a poorly piggie is exhausting and takes it toll on you physically and emotionally too x
 
Thank you so much for your kind words. He's definitely improved today and is getting really cheeky with the syringe if it's not to his desired speed of delivery. Biting the syringe and tugging it as if to say 'come on!'. He's also had some carrot and some guinea nuggets. I will weigh him this evening, he looks much more like a guinea today than a little bag of bones =D
 
Potterpig said:
Thank you, I'll be onto them in the morning then. The list I had said corn was bad? I've found food things to be very conflicting, I've stood in a supermarket for days now googling everything I've picked up and we ended up with dill, parsley, thyme, parsnips, curly kale, carrots and some funky looking lettuce leaves. So baby corn? Thank you for your help. He's looking quite a bit better today and has so far taken over 22ml of the companion care since 9am. I'm aiming for around 35ml before I retire tonight x
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My two love baby sweet corn. I really wouldn’t worry too much about was good and “bad” for them. It’s more important that he eats and builds himself up at the moment. give him the things he wants to eat at the moment until after his meds have finished. You can go back to a “proper” diet when he is better. It’s the same with kids, when they are ill and off their food, they want ice cream upon ice cream, not great as a diet but fine temporarily while you are trying to get food down them 😆
 
Bill & Ted said:
My two love baby sweet corn. I really wouldn’t worry too much about was good and “bad” for them. It’s more important that he eats and builds himself up at the moment. give him the things he wants to eat at the moment until after his meds have finished. You can go back to a “proper” diet when he is better. It’s the same with kids, when they are ill and off their food, they want ice cream upon ice cream, not great as a diet but fine temporarily while you are trying to get food down them 😆
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This is great thank you. His cage mate is definitely living his best life with all the extras, he's gained 100g since Wednesday 😳😂 he also is popcorning constantly 😂 I will pick up some corn in the morning. The only thing so far he's chosen himself is the kale. He's eaten nearly the whole bag with his buddy in 24 hours x
 
Potterpig said:
This is great thank you. His cage mate is definitely living his best life with all the extras, he's gained 100g since Wednesday 😳😂 he also is popcorning constantly 😂 I will pick up some corn in the morning. The only thing so far he's chosen himself is the kale. He's eaten nearly the whole bag with his buddy in 24 hours x
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Wow, maybe you could take him out and give separate feeds if his brother is overindulging 😁
 
I have spent a lot of time with Harry out, actually most of the time, but I'm trying to tempt him. They were both small pigs when we got them, the other pig is only 800g so as long as this doesn't go on too much longer I think it's probably been a boost for him too 😁 otherwise Ron is going to have to calm down haha
 
Glad to hear your poorly piggy is on the mend. I just wanted to mention to keep going with the tlc for a few weeks yet and dont be tempted to pop him outside even on a nice day for a long while.

I am saying this as, 3 years ago now, i had a 4 year old pig come down with chest infection. He turned the corner and started to eat and he looked so good, we mistakenly believed he was fully over it.
On a nice warm may day when the grass was dry and free of dew, we popped him out. When we brought him in later that day, his breathing was laboured. I got him to the vet and he died in my arms there.

I really believe he would have lived much longer had i kept him indoors all that summer and given him weeks to recover rather than days.

Please dont make the same mistake i did and you piggy will pull through just fine I'm sure:nod:
 
I'm so sorry to hear that! Thank you for your advice. He's staying in my living room for a good while yet, possibly for my own anxiety as well 🤦‍♀️. The clicking appears to have gone and he's gained 14g since yesterday. We are going away for the weekend on 24th May, do you think I need to consider finding someone to give him the extra care already? X
 
Morning guys. Its not good news. I stayed up til 3.30am with him and he had a lot of food yesterday, well over 40ml. But he is dying. He won't make it to a vet. I've let Ron see him to help him come to terms with it. We are devastated. Thank you for all your wonderful words of support and advice. We wouldn't have gotten this far without them. We are devastated but I feel peace with myself knowing I really couldn't have tried any harder. I will be staying a part of this wonderful community and will be considering getting Ron a new buddy as he is so young. ❤️
 
Oh, no I am so sorry for you. You have been so dedicated and caring to him, you could not have do more. He will know that x
 
Thank you. He's gone. I am so very sad. And I am SO angry at that shop, my kids are devastated. Is Ron going to be okay? Like how can I help his sadness? Sweet Dreams Harry Potter pig, you were so very loved ❤️
 

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Oh, I’m so sorry that you have lost him. Sending you all hugs, what a terrible shame.
Sleep tight little one x

Perhaps you could go boar dating at one of the recommended rescues with Ron,when the times right for you all. Keep a close eye on Ron, there is a guide for bereaved piggies in the guinea pig guides at the top of the page, so sorry x
 
Thank you so much. It has been the worst possible morning. I thought he was gone, he was on his side and I could hear no sounds or movement. I wrapped him up and we said goodbye, we put him in a little box to Bury him later. Half an hour later he sat up. I rushed in with a syringe of water, he couldn't swallow. We ran him to the vets and he was back on his side. We made the decision to say goodbye in the kindest way. We are devastated and seriously traumatised. I apologise for being so graphic 😭💔 Ron is having a little bit of tlc from our calm and doting boy Buzz. The other boy, woody, is like a bull in a China shop, not really what Ron needs now. I will read the post about the bereaved pigs and rescues in a bit when I can see through the tears! Thanks again for all the love and support ❤️
 
Oh my goodness. I have just seen this. I'm so sorry you have lost your piggy and especially in such a traumatic way. I hope, in time, you can take comfort that Harry Potter pig is at peace now. Take care xx
 
Thank you. I've contacted the hideous store I got him from and I'm sending over my vet reports and bills in the hope they will rectify the financial side of this. They cannot however come close to rectifying anything else. Should I get Ron down to the vet to be checked and chuck that bill in too? Or would I know by now if Ron was sick? He's having garden time with buzz and woody now, woody must sense something as he's not being his normal tornado self with the other pigs x
 
I've got to say though, despite not being an exotic vet etc companion care at Croydon showed us the most concern and made the most effort for us. The exotic vet refused to see him til Wednesday and when I asked my nearest vet for a put to sleep they gave me an appointment two hours away, for an animal already in deep distress. CC allowed us not to walk through the shop, she was standing at the door waiting for us to arrive with him. If you want a vet who really does care about you and your pet then Raquel at CC Croydon is the one ❤️
 
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