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Guinea Pig with pneumonia

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TwoPiggies

TwoPiggies

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I wondered if any one has had a piggie with pneumonia?

My piggie Bob has been making strange ruttling noise since April. I took him to the vets immediately, unfortunely was not the vet I normally see, he told me their was nothing wrong with him and the noise was nothing. I returned again in June and unfortunetly I saw the same vet again who said he just had conjunctivistis despite the ruttling and sticky nose. I wasn't happy to retunred again asking specifcally for my usual vet. He said it was URI but pretty severe and gave me baytril. I saw no improvement and returned, seeing another vet who said he was pretty certain he had pneumonia and put him on to septrin. One week on the septrin I saw a huge improvement but the second week he began to deteriote again! So numerous appointments later poor bob has had an xray and been on weeks of antibiotics and is now on anti-inflammatories as well!

Bob still has very laboured breathing, gets tired fast, sucken eyes, and still occasionally has the ruttling noise......but he still eats like a pig!

I wondered if anyone else has had a piggie with pneumonia and did you have to try many antibiotics?

I'm sooo worried because I know the signs aren't good! :(
 
It is hard to treat a URI that has settled in so deeply. Good on you for persevering after that completely useless vet!

There is one antibiotic that is very strong and is being used as a last ditch try with good results in really bad cases of URI and abscesses. It is called zithromax.

Your better vet may want to consult Simon Maddock, who is a guinea pig specialist, for back up and details about how to give it, as zithromax belongs to a group of anitbiotics that are normally considered lethal to rodents. Here are his contact details: http://www.catandrabbit.co.uk/contact_us.htm

Make sure that you get LOTS of probiotics with it, as it is hard on the guts; but you may be able to save your poorly boy. Best of luck!
 
Thanks....Bob has the vets again on Friday so I will ask about zithromax and let you know how I get on.
 
awww poor you.

I had a Himmy that got pneumonia in June this year. Unfortunately after lots of toing and froing with the vet i had him put to sleep, but the vet thought he had an underlying heart problem and the pneumonia had brought it to a head. Apparently she could tell this by looking and feeling under his chin at the loose skin?!

Anyway, he was snuffly and went on for a few weeks, but he lost loads of weight and in the end he was struggling to breathe.....sigh...another one gone...i miss my boy. As soon as i lost him my other one started with bladder stones/squeaking when peeing...its been a horrible few months.

This site has helped me hugely to come to terms with it all xx>>>
 
Oh no sorry to hear about ** two :(

Bob has a huge amount of lose skin under his chin which actually went bald around 2 months ago. The fur has grown back now. I thought he lost the fur because he had been using the rabbits water bowl when they stayed at my mums. I also think this may have been was called the URI as he got his chin very wet and it also took a while to dry which obviosuly was no good for him!

So annoyed by the vet back in April too because that was obviosuly the start of it all and if he had been treated then mayb he wouldn't be so ill.

xx
 
Hope your poorly boy gets better soon. Wishing you the best of luck with all the treatment. :)
 
Really sorry to hear that Bob is unwell.

Did your Vet mention whether or not there was a build up of fluid in the lungs? I'm not an expert but have heard (on this forum) that pneumonia can cause fluid to collect in the lungs, which needs to be cleared in order for the antibiotics to work properly. If the fluid is actually in the substance of the lung itself, then apparently a diuretic injection can help to clear it, whereas if fluid is collecting in the air spaces of the lung, then an expectorant should clear it. (It's obviously not designed for guinea pigs, but some people give Sudafed Expectorant to pigs with URIs/pneumonia etc.)

As I said, I'm no expert, but I've had to ask about this in the past, myself. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable, like LauraCCC4, can advise further.

Best of luck. Really hope you can find something which works well and gets him better soon x
 
Hi TwoPiggies, welcome to the forum! :)

First of all, I am sorry to hear Bob has been unwell for so long.

The thing that strikes me here is that, if it is a bacterial respiratory infection - including pneumonia - frankly, Bob would not be here now. It would get progressively worse until it overwhelmed the pig and pig died, quite quickly without treatment (a long time less than the times you indicated), and what you have explained thus far just doesn't seem to tie in hugely with the bacterial infection thoughts. Interesting that he responded to Septrin, although if it is bacterial then I still don't see how the infection has not got continually worse both before and after the Septrin was tried. A pig with pneumonia will also struggle to eat, perhaps there may be exceptions there but on the whole, a guinea pig with pneumonia is not a well piggie at all, and eating is pften one of the first things to lapse when the breathing becomes difficult.

So, that leaves us with a few options still, lots more to consider and of course there are other antibiotics to try if bacterial infection still appears to be likely (Zithromax would be the next one to try).

In my mind a plausible option is heart problems. You say the vet took an x-ray, did he check Bob's heart? Has fluid buildup/retention ever been mentioned in any context e.g. fluid in the lungs, fluid around the heart etc.?

Has Bob ever had a fungal skin infection that you know of? What is his medical history like? Any skin problems in the past, and has his weight always been stable?

What is Bob bedded on, does he live indoors? Any air fresheners/aerosols used in the same room? Do you shake his hay before giving it to him (to shake off the dust)?

It may help you to read through a few previous threads on the forum, see if anything in particular strikes you as being similar to Bob's current experiences.
First of all, pneumonia:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43714&highlight=pneumonia

Next, allergies aka 'hayfever':
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=32086

Finally, some information on heart problems (read in particular the signs of heart problems):
http://www.guinealynx.info/heart.html
 
Hi TwoPiggies, welcome to the forum! :)

First of all, I am sorry to hear Bob has been unwell for so long.

The thing that strikes me here is that, if it is a bacterial respiratory infection - including pneumonia - frankly, Bob would not be here now. It would get progressively worse until it overwhelmed the pig and pig died, quite quickly without treatment (a long time less than the times you indicated), and what you have explained thus far just doesn't seem to tie in hugely with the bacterial infection thoughts. Interesting that he responded to Septrin, although if it is bacterial then I still don't see how the infection has not got continually worse both before and after the Septrin was tried. A pig with pneumonia will also struggle to eat, perhaps there may be exceptions there but on the whole, a guinea pig with pneumonia is not a well piggie at all, and eating is pften one of the first things to lapse when the breathing becomes difficult.

So, that leaves us with a few options still, lots more to consider and of course there are other antibiotics to try if bacterial infection still appears to be likely (Zithromax would be the next one to try).

In my mind a plausible option is heart problems. You say the vet took an x-ray, did he check Bob's heart? Has fluid buildup/retention ever been mentioned in any context e.g. fluid in the lungs, fluid around the heart etc.?

Has Bob ever had a fungal skin infection that you know of? What is his medical history like? Any skin problems in the past, and has his weight always been stable?

What is Bob bedded on, does he live indoors? Any air fresheners/aerosols used in the same room? Do you shake his hay before giving it to him (to shake off the dust)?

It may help you to read through a few previous threads on the forum, see if anything in particular strikes you as being similar to Bob's current experiences.
First of all, pneumonia:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43714&highlight=pneumonia

Next, allergies aka 'hayfever':
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=32086

Finally, some information on heart problems (read in particular the signs of heart problems):
http://www.guinealynx.info/heart.html
 
Thanks for your reply :)

Ye I think even the vet is surprised that Bob is still munching away! He still begs, but is unable to squeek now because he can't get the air intake needed to do so. At least thats what I have been told.

He does have a fluid build up in the lungs shown in the xray. My mum is a nurse and actually asked the vet if it could be linked with the heart but was told that it doesn't look like it....mayb I need to try a different vet surgery for another opinion?

I don't know of any fungal infection, I have had him for less than a year and he is a rescue piggie who has been abandoned twice so when I got him he wasn't in the best nik and actually his teeth repeatably snapped for months, but I seem to have got on top of this with vit C supplement.

Since I have had him he has always been around the same weight of 1.22kg but actually last time he was at the vet at his worst he had put a bit of weight on....wondering if he mayb is feeling a bit better and eating more.

My piggies are in doors and have a cage but have a ramp out their cage so come and go as they please. I use sawdust but with a lot of hay on top but I have never shaken dust out of the hay? Mayb I need to cut back on the hay try them more just on sawdust or another bedding?

I don't use any air freshners or aerosols in the house so I ruled that out straight away.

I will bring up a few things with the vet on Friday. Think I will ask to try zithromax, but I will ask about possible heart problem and fluid retention, and mayb ask for a referal to Dick vets which is Edinburgh University vets not far from me.

Thanks for everyones help :)

x
 
Hiya

Not read everything on your post but you sound so caring and I hope your boy will be okay.

I would stop using the sawdust - some pigs get respritory issues as a result. Try carefresh / megazorb / equisorb or towels and fleece for a while and see how that helps?

Make sure that your pig has hay at all times too - pets at home sell Carefresh and they sell a brand of hay called 'alfalfa king' timothy hay which wont be dusty and may be worth a try?

Poor piggy - he's lucky to have you!
 
Where do you get megazorb from? I have seen care fresh before which I no is pretty pricey but worth a shot I suppose.

I use meadow hay and also get excels dandelion hay which is not dusty at all which they love along with readi grass. Might see about getting a new hay.

Thanks for your help x
 
I got it from my local pet shop, but i have also seen it online. I think i may have seen it on a thread here, ermmm ummmm dum de dum maybe Animal Magic Pet Supplies, something like that?
 
Just back from the vet with Bob.

I asked about heart problem and if they saw is heart on the xray and he said they couldn't because of the fluid in the lungs.

The vet didn't think it was his heart as beat, strength and rythem were all fine. I exaplained I felt he met more of the criteria of a heart problem than pneumonia and he said its lung disease?

He said he would give me fruisamide(or however its spelt) but not an ace inhibitor as he didn't no enough about them. He doesn't think the frusimide will help, but is happy to be proven wrong.

He also said I could be refered to Edinburgh Unis small animal clinic but that ment not getting any new drugs today so decide to give the frusimide a go. He gets an 1/8 of a tablet a day...need to check for how much that is. He has taken it fine since we got home along with a bit of apple :)

I forgot to ask the vet if i'm ment to continue the antibiotic so now need to call!

x
 
Glad to hear that he's still hanging in there. I don't have any experience of heart piggies myself but I'm sure someone else will be able to advise further. I would imagine that the frusemide should help clear the fluid at least, so fingers crossed you see an improvement very soon x
 
blimey, do you feel confident, because it doesnt sound to me like your vet gave you much confidence?

Sorry if i am wrong. :red
 
hmmm not rele

was fighting back the tears at the appointments cos "putting him to sleep" always gets said!

he didnt suggest anything else i could try either
 
I don't know anything about lung disease in guinea pigs but if does turn out to be a heart problem, there a quite a few people around here who have "heart pigs" and are able to manage the condition well. It seems that many heart pigs can still have a decent quality of life, with the right meds and care.

The crucial thing seems to be getting an acurate diagnosis for now, so you can be sure of what you're dealing with and therefore how to treat it. If you're not confident in your Vet, I'd definitely urge you to get another opinon while you still have a chance. Other forum members can usually recommend local cavy-savvy Vets and/or a Rodentologist, especially if you are able to travel.
 
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TwoPiggies said:
Just back from the vet with Bob.

I asked about heart problem and if they saw is heart on the xray and he said they couldn't because of the fluid in the lungs.

The vet didn't think it was his heart as beat, strength and rythem were all fine. I exaplained I felt he met more of the criteria of a heart problem than pneumonia and he said its lung disease?

He said he would give me fruisamide(or however its spelt) but not an ace inhibitor as he didn't no enough about them. He doesn't think the frusimide will help, but is happy to be proven wrong.

He also said I could be refered to Edinburgh Unis small animal clinic but that ment not getting any new drugs today so decide to give the frusimide a go. He gets an 1/8 of a tablet a day...need to check for how much that is. He has taken it fine since we got home along with a bit of apple :)

I forgot to ask the vet if i'm ment to continue the antibiotic so now need to call!

x
Click to expand...

The furosemide will definitely help if fluid is indeed in the lungs/around the heart. It was the first step on getting my own heart pig diagnosed - she responded to the furosemide but the fluid kept returning. Her thread is here if you've got a bit of time to sit and read though it all!:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=44881

Everything you have said so far still says to me, heart problem. I know it is very difficult to have this idea and not have the vet do anything about it - I was in the same situation with one of my pasts sows, I maintain to this day that she had a heart problem but because she sounded fine, I never got any diagnosis and no trial of heart meds. She screamed heart pig! It is one reason I am so relieved to have got my current sow on treatment, I do believe she would not be around today had I not started her treatment at the time I did.

Do you know if your vet would consult with another vet or some very experienced individuals regarding heart problems in piggies? I know of one lady in particular who would be able to educate your vet hugely on the condition, if your vet is willing to try.
 
TwoPiggies said:
hmmm not rele

was fighting back the tears at the appointments cos "putting him to sleep" always gets said!

he didnt suggest anything else i could try either
Click to expand...

If i didnt feel happy and or confident, i would either get a scond opinion or as is suggested get someone to advise your vet more, you only really get this chance at the end of the day :)
 
Thanks Laura I read though that link. Bob is only on 2.5mg twice a day so less than ** wee one was on. So I am wondering if I am actually going to see any difference over the week.

I'm not sure if my vet would speak to any one to be honest I think he is sick of seeing me and wants me to take a referral to Edin Uni vet school. Always worth asking him if he will speak to any one....do you have contact details?

Eilidh x
 
Have come across a small animal specialist whilst searching the net tonight so gonna c if i can get a second opinion. x
 
If you can get a referral to the Dick vet school then jump at the chance, there are experts there that have extensive experience with guinea pigs.
 
I have heart pigs on meds

They are managed by Seers Croft vets in Horsham who I'm sure would be happy to talk through the diagnosis/meds with any vet you choose (who has an open mind). They are exotics and cardiology speciaists.

So bottom line is find an open-moneded vet

Print out this post/weblink and take it with you to see what they say

http://www.guinealynx.info/heart.html


If they're willing then please Pm me for my vets deails and I will arrange an introduction.

HTH
x
 
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