HELP with piggy illness

[Vanessa89]

My friend bought 2 male guinea pigs in the summer just gone, and one of them seems fine has put on weight and got bigger the other however was always alittle bit more behind, we just assumed it was a smaller guinea pig.

However this week we noticed that it looks like it may have lost weight, and seems to be breathing quite rapidly, with a small wheezing noise occasionally. He also sometimes but rarely seems to cough or sneeze (I am not sure which)

In all other ways he seems fine eating normally, fur good condition. Any information on this would be really appreciated, I am thinking URI but not sure

Thanks

 

[Amanda1801]

It sounds like a full health check at a good vets would be a good idea. Do you have a "cavy savvy" vet you could recommend to your friend?

 

[Vanessa89]

I have never needed a vet trip as of yet so no I don't know a Cavy specific vet, but there is a normal local one. Its in Stockport

 

[shiny]

Look for an exotics vet, they are much better for guineas. I would seek vet advice without delay, URI can get worse quickly. Hope guinea will be ok.

 

[Dusty_bugs]

It's surprisingly common to hear a pigy do a wird little squelchy cough. Sometimes they just clear their throat from continuous chomping, but wheezy and underweight may indicate an upper respiratory issue. I agree with the full check, done by an exotics. More epensive, but I have very rarely met a standard vets who hasn't referred to an exotics when dealing with my pigs. Conveniant vets practices always have their bonuses but cutting out the middle man can save your pig precious time! x

(absolutely no disrespect intended to non-exotics vets out there!)

 

[Wiebke]

I agree - please ask your friend to look for an exotics (small animal) vet to give your piggy a good once over. From what you are telling there could be underlying issues that a general vet may not pick up (back/misaligned teeth or jaw, heart, bullying).