Heart murmur - medication?

[DougalandDiego]

Diego my roughly one year old pig was diagnosed with a heart murmur last Christmas - apparently the vet thinks one of his heart valves didn’t close but the vet I saw (very experienced vet who I take my dog to) wasn’t keen to put him on a diuretic until absolutely necessary as he hadn’t had many hooting episodes it was just the one.
Diego only has the odd occasion where he hoots and he coughs and it goes - a couple hours max (my vet thought it was probably when he’d been asleep for a long time and the fluid had built up in his chest) he had an episode where he was hooting for a longer period than usual (6 hours) on April 18th but was eating/drinking fine. I rang the vets and because of the current circumstances had an over the phone call the next day when the hooting had stopped. It wasn’t the vet I normally see as he is having to self isolate and he said that he didn’t want to start Diego on medication if it was only very rare that he had hooting episodes because of the other side effects it could have. He’s been a bit snuffly this morning. Is it worth having diuretic in the house and then just giving him a small amount when I hear him starting to hoot? The vet thought that might be the best way to go but said to keep an eye and ring back if it happened again. They close at lunch time today so wonder if it’s best to ring and ask to collect some? If so what amount would you suggest to give? The vet I spoke to on the phone seemed happy to hear suggestions.

I should also add we weigh the guinea pigs often and he hasn’t lost any weight!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Siikibam]

@Wiebke @furryfriends (TEAS) @Piggies&buns @PigglePuggle @VickiA

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

You need to be very careful with the use of diuretics, as if they aren't necessary, you can cause dehydration. I'm not convinced this is a heart issue, as I find that the same happens with a few piggies, when they get some food caught at the back of their mouth. Their breathing sounds grunty, but then they cough and it clears.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I also notice you say the weight is stable. We have a piggy who needs regular diuretics and she gains weight when she needs her meds adjusting, as the fluid retention causes a weight gain.

 

[DougalandDiego]

I also notice you say the weight is stable. We have a piggy who needs regular diuretics and she gains weight when she needs her meds adjusting, as the fluid retention causes a weight gain.

Thank you for replying. What signs would show that it was a sign of heart troubles? Is it normal for the hooting and wheezing to last for a long time? The last time it happened it lasted for about 6 hours? The vet when he listened at Christmas was sure he had a heart problem as he could hear a funny rhythm? He’s still making the noise so I will see if I can film it and post it

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

6 hours is a long time! I guess you could trial a low dose of Frusol and see if it makes a difference. When his breathing is noisy, is he lethargic?

 

[DougalandDiego]

6 hours is a long time! I guess you could trial a low dose of Frusol and see if it makes a difference. When his breathing is noisy, is he lethargic?

No not really! He eats as usual when he’s making the snuffly noises. Is it better to leave for now and see if it gets worse? I’m just worried that he’s putting extra pressure on his lungs! I’ve managed to get a fairly good couple of recordings so I’ll upload and share if that’s ok? Thanks for the advice

 

[DougalandDiego]

 

[DougalandDiego]

At around 1:43 it gets louder I think!

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I wouldn't be too concerned about that. Some piggies have narrow airways and they can sound like that, especially when eating.

 

[DougalandDiego]

this one you can hear when he comes out of his house

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I would be more inclined to say it's a piggy with narrow airways. You could always try some Bisolvon, which reduces mucous. Bisolvon 10mg/g Oral Powder - 5g Sachet

 

[DougalandDiego]

I would be more inclined to say it's a piggy with narrow airways. You could always try some Bisolvon, which reduces mucous. Bisolvon 10mg/g Oral Powder - 5g Sachet

Oh wow ok thank you that’s helpful. I rang the vets this morning so I will mention that to her when she rings back. Thanks for your help it’s been a stressful few days as they’ve been arguing too!

 

[DougalandDiego]

I would be more inclined to say it's a piggy with narrow airways. You could always try some Bisolvon, which reduces mucous. Bisolvon 10mg/g Oral Powder - 5g Sachet

One last thing - I forgot to mention he does have very small black looking scabs on the tips of his ears does that suggest a heart problem? Sorry for the millions of questions!

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

One last thing - I forgot to mention he does have very small black looking scabs on the tips of his ears does that suggest a heart problem? Sorry for the millions of questions!

Yes that could do! I know you say your vet is very experienced and you've been going to him with your dog, but sadly lots of vets, who may be excellent with dogs and cats, may not be very guinea pig savvy. Where about in the UK do you live?

 

[DougalandDiego]

Yes that could do! I know you say your vet is very experienced and you've been going to him with your dog, but sadly lots of vets, who may be excellent with dogs and cats, may not be very guinea pig savvy. Where about in the UK do you live?

Yes that’s my concern too! I live in Somerset, I think there was a vet in exeter that I saw was recommended on the site but it is one you need to be referred to? Would you say if he is eating and drinking normally and his weight is staying roughly the same that he’s ok to be left and kept an eye on for now?

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Yes that’s my concern too! I live in Somerset, I think there was a vet in exeter that I saw was recommended on the site but it is one you need to be referred to? Would you say if he is eating and drinking normally and his weight is staying roughly the same that he’s ok to be left and kept an eye on for now?

Yes, it sounds like he's doing okay. You also seem to be keeping a close eye on things, so that's all good. Maybe ask the vet about Bisolvon.

 

[VickiA]

If you can get to Kristina Hunter at City Vets in Exeter she is excellent with piggies. I would trust her opinion.

 

[DougalandDiego]

Yes, it sounds like he's doing okay. You also seem to be keeping a close eye on things, so that's all good. Maybe ask the vet about Bisolvon.

yes I will definitely ask about that. How much dosage would you give and would you only give it when he makes the noise? May I ask if you run the following Guinea pig rescue?The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary – Providing life-enhancing care for Guinea Pigs with extra needs i see I am unable to donate to this page and noticed I can donate towards your rescue so wanted to double check before doing so! You’ve given such helpful advice and I really appreciate it!

 

[VickiA]

yes I will definitely ask about that. How much dosage would you give and would you only give it when he makes the noise? May I ask if you run the following Guinea pig rescue?The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary – Providing life-enhancing care for Guinea Pigs with extra needs i see I am unable to donate to this page and noticed I can donate towards your rescue so wanted to double check before doing so! You’ve given such helpful advice and I really appreciate it!

Yes, you’ve been chatting with Debbie from TEAS x

 

[DougalandDiego]

If you can get to Kristina Hunter at City Vets in Exeter she is excellent with piggies. I would trust her opinion.

Yes that’s the one I was thinking of! I might speak to the vet when she rings me back about this for later on when things start to return to normal. Atleast if she sees him I’ll know one way or the other!