Hayfever

[Anne5]

Hi everyone,
My guinea pig Bengy, has hay fever. He is 15 months old and did not suffer last summer. I've tried the potion from the vet and its not working. I've also changed his bedding from hay to straw.
Has anyone had this with their guinea pigs - all suggestions welcome.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Hi everyone,
My guinea pig Bengy, has hay fever. He is 15 months old and did not suffer last summer. I've tried the potion from the vet and its not working. I've also changed his bedding from hay to straw.
Has anyone had this with their guinea pigs - all suggestions welcome.

Has he still got hay to eat?

I must admit, I've never heard of piggies having hay fever before?

 

[helen105281]

How did your vet diagnose hayfever? pigs need hay as part of their diet so I would try to see if it is a particular type of hay that is affecting him first. You could also ask the vet about anti-histamines. Have you noticed symptoms since you bought your latest batch of hay? if so it could be extra dusty or the harvest is slightly different to normal.

 

[Anne5]

How did your vet diagnose hayfever? pigs need hay as part of their diet so I would try to see if it is a particular type of hay that is affecting him first. You could also ask the vet about anti-histamines. Have you noticed symptoms since you bought your latest batch of hay? if so it could be extra dusty or the harvest is slightly different to normal.

Bengy's breathing is snuffly - the vet said its not in his chest so thought was probable hay fever. Apparently the pollen count is currently very high.
I have been giving him dust free hay to eat but did buy a bag of local hay, thinking it would be a nice bedding.
I think that was the cause of the problem. I've removed it (three weeks ago) and now use good quality straw for their bedding.
Vet has given me anti-hisamine as a powder to put on his food but its hard to ensure he is getting the correct dose. I am thinking of trying mixing honey, apple cider vinegar and aloe vera, then administering directly into his mouth with a syringe. According to my research, these are good for nasal and throat complaints.

 

[helen105281]

Giving it directly by syringe would be better, I would just mix it with water though, as I am not sure those are ok for pigs. Do you still use hay for feeding?

 

[Freela]

I would be concerned about ruling out a respiratory infection first (sometimes the lungs will still sound clear but there is a bacterial component that improves with antibiotics.) Personally I would try that before assuming it's an allergy, of only because respiratory conditions can worsen in a hurry.