Help Please! Taking Piggie To Vet This Morning.

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LozzyBee

LozzyBee

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Hi,

Barlo needs a trip to the vets, he's all snuffly, and kind of rumbly sounding - I could hear it as soon as I came down this morning. He sneezed 4 times in an hour, I don't think I've heard him sneeze 4 times in the fortnight we've had him :(

I phoned the vet, got to go down from 11 and sit and wait. I asked if I should bring both piggies with me and was told just to bring the one as they're very busy...but that wasn't really what I was asking lol. Basically, should I keep them together for the journey? If I've just got to go and sit and wait I could be gone for a couple of hours or more.

I did look in the vets info pinned note, but wasn't sure if a possible URI needs a guinea pig to hold hands or not? Or if it's even contagious like that?

I'm worried about being told off for taking the two of them as I've been told not to, but I'm not sure. Barlo is still so skittish bless him I really think it would help having Barnaby there. He doesn't even fare very well when Barnaby's out for a couple of minutes lap time :(

Any advice?

Thanks
 
If any of my guinea pigs needs to go to the vet - I take their cage mates too . I think it's less stressful for the poorly one to have company .

I'm not an expert so can't say how contagious infections are but, if they have been together up until now, they already have been exposed.

I've never asked the vet if I should bring the others . I remeber when I was ast the vet with Max, I was getting him out of the carrier and Sparkle's face popped out of a hidy . I just said to the veet " she's just come along for the ride" . The vet just gave me one of those knowledgeable grins !


I hope Barlo's OK
 
PiggyOwner said:
If any of my guinea pigs needs to go to the vet - I take their cage mates too . I think it's less stressful for the poorly one to have company .

I'm not an expert so can't say how contagious infections are but, if they have been together up until now, they already have been exposed.

I've never asked the vet if I should bring the others . I remeber when I was ast the vet with Max, I was getting him out of the carrier and Sparkle's face popped out of a hidy . I just said to the veet " she's just come along for the ride" . The vet just gave me one of those knowledgeable grins !


I hope Barlo's OK
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Thank you! I'll take them both. I don't think the receptionist was overly knowledgeable as she at first asked if it could wait until Monday :-/

I'm hoping if it is anything we've caught it in time. We've all had the worst colds ever that have just wiped us out all week. I've only been handling them with rubber gloves and a face mask on, had all the windows open, covered up some of their cage...I just feel so bad :(

You're right about already being exposed - never thought of that. Barlo's usual resting position is partially on top of Barnaby in the hidey, so I doubt them travelling to the vets together is going to make matters any worse.
 
I think the receptionist probably thought you wanted an appointment for Barnaby as well BUT I think it is best to take Barnaby anyway as if it is infectious the vet would want to know about Barnaby as well. AND if Barnaby is already there then the vet can weigh him if he thinks you should give antibiotics for both. I always take another piggy for company as it must be quite frightening for them. Funnily enough I am taking Padraig and Seamus to the vets just after lunch today for snotty noses. Some sneezing but eating well, putting on weight and running around like loonies but I would like a vets opinion as to whether it is likely to be an allergy or if the vet can hear anything on their chest etc. Hope your vet visit goes ok and sending healing wishes to Barlo.
 
I would take a paw holder for comfort. Also fingers crossed it might just be an allergy
 
I always take a paw holder too unless it is one of 2 pigs who hate sharing carriers (not typical of most pigs, just little cowbags). Hope your appointment went ok?
 
Thanks all.

Vet said his chest sounds clear, but cou under the light he could see he had a bit of a runny nose and wondered if I'd changed their bedding (they're on fleece).

He gave him an antibiotic injection but didn't think he needed a course of antibiotics, said obviously to keep an eye on him if he starts losing interest in food.

He did mention something about how sometimes a tooth issue can present itself in a similar way but I kinda lost track of what he was saying, I think because I was too busy thinking 'are you sure he's ok?!'

I don't know why I don't feel reassured :(
This is worse than having children :eek:
 
Toni D said:
I think the receptionist probably thought you wanted an appointment for Barnaby as well BUT I think it is best to take Barnaby anyway as if it is infectious the vet would want to know about Barnaby as well. AND if Barnaby is already there then the vet can weigh him if he thinks you should give antibiotics for both. I always take another piggy for company as it must be quite frightening for them. Funnily enough I am taking Padraig and Seamus to the vets just after lunch today for snotty noses. Some sneezing but eating well, putting on weight and running around like loonies but I would like a vets opinion as to whether it is likely to be an allergy or if the vet can hear anything on their chest etc. Hope your vet visit goes ok and sending healing wishes to Barlo.
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Hope Padraig and Seamus get on ok!
 
I would see how he goes over the weekend and if there is no improvement by Monday ask for a course of antibiotics. You would also need to give probiotics too. Runny eyes can be a symptom of dental issues but you would notice other problems too, like struggling to eat. Have you used any air fresheners in the room or nearby?
 
helen105281 said:
I would see how he goes over the weekend and if there is no improvement by Monday ask for a course of antibiotics. You would also need to give probiotics too. Runny eyes can be a symptom of dental issues but you would notice other problems too, like struggling to eat. Have you used any air fresheners in the room or nearby?
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I will. He just doesn't sound right at all. He's still eating so I'm reassured a tiny bit. This is the time of day they come out of their shells a little and have a wander around, he's still wandering around (more importantly - still trying to hump his cage mate)...so I'm hoping it's maybe a reaction to I don't know what rather than anything else.

I haven't used any fresheners but I did have a big clean yesterday which sometimes makes me feel a little sneezy.

I shall keep you updated. Thanks for the help x
 
Sorry you're piggie is unwell. Just a thought have you changed your washing powder? You're right they are more of a worry than children! Hope all is well soon.
 
I have posted separately about Padraig and Seamus as I didn't want to hijack your thread but I was wondering how Barlow is today and if you've seen any improvement after the antibiotic injection?
 
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