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Jesse Has Pneumonia

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dearbarbie

dearbarbie

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Hi all

I really hope you can help.

On Sunday we noticed that Jesse, 11 months old, was off-colour. His belly wasn't like usual, he puffed up his hair, wasn't really eating much (maybe an inch of celery and that's it) which as you all know is a weird sight as they're constant eating. No squeaking, huge deep breathing with clicks, no interest in anything, not eating, not drinking (trying to syringe water down his throat)...poor guy.

The vet said it's a chest infection/pneumonia and prescribed some antibiotics - this was yesterday and just given him today's dose - the second - so hope we see some improvement. I'm working from home today but worried about being in the office tomorrow in case he's hungry etc. :( She wants to see him again on Thursday..

The vet gave us some Critical Care which caused a bit of a mare yest - she gave us syringes it won't go inside so we cut the end off a smaller one (and now I can't get the food in that!)

I've seen him chew the odd bit of hay, and last night he got excited at seeing celery and had half a stick, but no more.

They normally live in a hutch outside (with a cover) but I brought him in and made up their house box (we have a huge 'tray' for floor time inside the house) so he could spend the night in the warmth.

This morning there's signs of weeing but no pooping in the tray - we left him at half-past midnight last night. I need to give him more Critical Care but it's not going in this syringe, I even added a bit more water than suggested. Really concerned about the no-pooping situation too - he's been alone for 9 hours and absolutely nothing!

I have read this: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-hand-feeding-guide.115359/ but stilll cannot get the feed in the syringe (my other half did it last night and now he's at work) - any tips?

Thanks
 
With the syringe you may need to make the mixture with more water than you are, it can be a pain to get in but should work with the tip cut off.
The lack of poo could be because he is not eating, does he seem bloated at all? I would ring the vets if there are no poos soon as he may need a gut stimulant. Try to get plenty of fluids in too.

For the Pneumonia:

What antibiotic is he on? Baytril most likely but there are more effective ones for Pneumonia such as Zithromax (this got my Buzz through it)
Is he on probiotics? (these are in the hand feeding guide)
Did the vet give any diuretics if there is fluid on his chest? (there usually is with Pneumonia). Diuretics are key here if he does have fluid.
Is he snotty? If so ask the vet for Bisolvon which helps clear mucous.
You can also try stream therapy using hot water and 2 drops of Olbas oil in a bowl next to the cage. Or if you have steam inhaler you could use that, hold over the nose in 5 second bursts.

Where abouts in London are you? are you able to get to Camden at all to this recommended vets?

http://www.rvc.ac.uk/BAH/BSAH-vet-in-camden.cfm
 
Hi Helen - thanks for your reply.

We're actually in Surrey at the moment and can't get there. Poor guy, he really hates the syringe, such a struggle! He is on 0.4ml of Marbocyl a day.
Not snotty or anything, doesn't seem congested really apart from the noisy breathing. The vet said it was a chest infection, then later said 'it's effectively pneumonia' so I'm riding on a worst-case scenario so we can get him the best care possible.
No probiotics - will find out about those now. Worried about how to get them down him though.

Found another syringe thankfully - we've had a bit of food but nothing much. Tempted to call the vet again over lack of poop though - will prob do it at lunchtime as their triage will have closed by then.
 
We have touchdown! OMG I've never been so happy to see number twos! A lot smaller than usual but I guess a sign that his digestive system is still functioning. Just went to get some dandelion leaves - another favourite - and he's had a few even though I have to wave up at his mouth to tempt him. *fingers crossed*
 
Wonderful news. Massaging his tummy with an electric toothbrush or anything that vibrates my help too but don't put him on his back

Marbocyl is stronger so that's good. I would ask about diuretics though.
 
Can you make the hand feed a bit more watery? You could also try mushed up pellets.

Marbocyl is a stronger version of baytril with the same active ingredient and comes with the same side effects; typically a loss of appetite. It is however, a good antibiotic for respiratory problems. Hand feeding a piggy that is not interested in food can be a battle. If he is not eating much in one go, then please feed him little but often. Your care can really make the difference, and any bit more you can get in will help to keep his guts going. Don't expect much in the way of poos if he's not eaten much for a while. They are also likely to look funny. it is very important to keep him hydrated, too; if necessary use dioralyte from the pharmacy. The need to breathe comes before the need to drink and the need to eat.

I also second that with a pneumonia, a diuretic to help get rid of the fluid build-up in lungs can make a real difference and enhance his chances.

Hang on in there!
 
Thank you! I did think of dioralyte, will pick some up this arvo. He's still nibbling at something, hopefully hay...oh no, it's a dandelion leaf! Fingers crossed, it's weird having him silent - he's normally a very vocal little guy! :(
 
Here's some pics of my feeding syringe, use a 1ml with the end cut off, remove the bung & file smooth. The critical care/recovery food can be made up in small amounts at a time, I usually do a couple of teaspoons. Mix it with some cool boiled water to a porridge like consistency :)
DSCF1504_zps92a4f072.jpg
DSCF1509.jpg
 
Thanks - that's exactly what I've got but no idea what I'm doing wrong, found an alternative though. Do you know how long it will/should take to see an improvement in him/his health?
 
Just checked syringe again - no idea how my other half did it as it won't even suck up water - no suction! Argh, we only have another 1ml and that's what I'm using for his antibiotics :( he's sat with his eyes half-open - not sure if he's just resting or he's fading
 
He sounds very poorly, please speak to the vet about diuretics, they really can save lives. If it is Pneumonia he will need them. The vet should give you more syringes too if you can't get to a chemist.
 
Vet is calling back before 5, might try make appt though...argh, getting so stressed with this :( thanks everyone
 
An update in case anyone is interested - my OH has taken little Jesse back to the vet - they're going to do an X-ray and possibly keep him there for a few hours to try diuretics. Thank you so much for your help - we cannot lose this little guy!
 
Thank you for the update. Hope the diuretics will help. The xray will show where any fluid is. He should also be able to have diuretics at home too in the form of Furosemide (tablets) or Frusol (liquid).
 
HOLD ON - boyf is saying if he does't respond to diuretics, it means he has pneumonia? Vet says it's now that or a heart problem which they can't do anything for.
 
helen105281 said:
Thank you for the update. Hope the diuretics will help. The xray will show where any fluid is. He should also be able to have diuretics at home too in the form of Furosemide (tablets) or Frusol (liquid).
Click to expand...

They're trying the diuretics first (and maybe antibiotics by iv) as an xray is £140 so he's going to stay at the vet a few hours but she did say he was markedly worse and glad we brought him back :( you never think of pet insurance for a guinea pig huh :( think my BF is very confused as is upset.
 
No it could still mean it is Pneumonia just that he needs to be on diuretics for more than a few hours. It can take days for fluid to clear. If it is a heart problem then unless it is end stage heart failure where he is visibly shutting down, it can be controlled with heart medication and diuretics when needed. I have 6 pigs on heart meds, they are all on Benazapril (brand names are Fortekor and Nelio).
 
helen105281 said:
No it could still mean it is Pneumonia just that he needs to be on diuretics for more than a few hours. It can take days for fluid to clear. If it is a heart problem then unless it is end stage heart failure where he is visibly shutting down, it can be controlled with heart medication and diuretics when needed. I have 6 pigs on hear meds, they are all on Benazapril (brand names are Fortekor and Nelio).
Click to expand...
I will show my bf this thread when he gets home - that's really reassuring news. Amazing forum, this, had a look around but never really posted...we will definitely be contributing in the future. 6 pigs - I wish! They're like our little dogs!
 
There are 14 in total! My friend also has a heart pig who was on deaths door when he arrived a few years ago and is still doing really well now at over 5 years old on heart medication.
 
Vet called - said there's nothing she can do. Didn't respond to diuretics at all and breathing even worse :( I said can we bring him home and make him comfortable, she said it's best we go to the vet and get him put to sleep...heartbroken. I have a chronic illness and he was my biggest comfort. Phoning the cavy trust and a few places for 2nd opinions.
 
It's a tough decision I know but it is a matter of weighing up what is the best thing for him. It may be that he is in end stage heart failure in which case it would be the kindest thing.

Please note that the Cavy Trust though knowledgeable are not vets and cannot dispense medication. If you wanted a second opinion the best place to try would be the vets in Camden that I linked to earlier as they are an exotics specialist. However, he may be past the stage where anything can help if his breathing is worse.
 
They told us to call back in the morning so unsure what to do now :( thank you
 
Ps we are driving to the vet now... Really want to bring him home where he can pass to rainbow bridge surrounded by us instead of the clinical put-down. Is that cruel of me?
 
It would be kinder to PTS if he is struggling. It would not be a quick death at home. It is your decision though, I am just going by what I would do.
 
I agree with Helen, I am so sorry :( From experience it is unpleasant to watch a piggy suffer. Please ask them to use a whiff of gas to sedate him if they intend on administering an injection, it will make his passing a lot less stressful. Big hugs to you x
 
Surprise turn of events... We're taking him home as his breathing has settled down a bit and he's had a bit of celery, and ran up me hahha. If he worsens we're back tomorrow, if not he has an appt Thursday. Thanks so so much for your help... Also turns out they're a rvc verified small animal hospital!
 
Well that's a surprise. So do they think the diuretic helped? Has he been sent home with any?
 
They think it must have... It was injection so no, we have none but if he's back there tomorrow she will give him another dose
 
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