Merithimas
Junior Guinea Pig
Hello! I've noticed that my three year old boar is moving a lot when he breathes, his back going up and down noticeably, especially when he's sitting. I say breathes, but it could also be something to do with his pulse, if that's possible. I also hear him give a sort of sneeze/puff noise every so often, as well as a loud cough once or twice. However, he has not gone off his food or become noticeably more lazy, and his nose is dry. I took him to the vet yesterday, who listened carefully to his chest and guts and said it was all very quiet with no sign of infection, so didn't prescribe anything but told us to be watch carefully for any developments. The only thing that she suggested is that, as one of his toes is red and a little swollen, he could possibly have fractured it and be in pain, but if that was the case she said it would heal itself.
The trouble is, I don't really know how long this has been going on. It sounds odd I know, but I've only noticed it recently because he has a new companion whose chest doesn't move at all, so it's very obvious in comparison. His old friend died suddenly two weeks ago. I'm pretty sure, though, that I'd have noticed it if he'd been doing it for ages, and it's definitely been going on for at least two weeks.
I was just wondering what could be causing this. The fact that the vet said she could see no signs of infection, and that it's been going on for some time, has stopped my worrying quite so much, but I'd still like to know what's going on!
I don't think this has any relevance, but just in case I should mention that he suffers from impaction which needs to be cleared daily. His coat is also looking a tiny bit thin, but it's always been rather wispy so it's not as if he's going bald! He's never been very active and is a little bit chubby, but I haven't noticed him lying around any more than usual.
Thanks!
The trouble is, I don't really know how long this has been going on. It sounds odd I know, but I've only noticed it recently because he has a new companion whose chest doesn't move at all, so it's very obvious in comparison. His old friend died suddenly two weeks ago. I'm pretty sure, though, that I'd have noticed it if he'd been doing it for ages, and it's definitely been going on for at least two weeks.
I was just wondering what could be causing this. The fact that the vet said she could see no signs of infection, and that it's been going on for some time, has stopped my worrying quite so much, but I'd still like to know what's going on!
I don't think this has any relevance, but just in case I should mention that he suffers from impaction which needs to be cleared daily. His coat is also looking a tiny bit thin, but it's always been rather wispy so it's not as if he's going bald! He's never been very active and is a little bit chubby, but I haven't noticed him lying around any more than usual.
Thanks!