Hi I'm new but was wondering if anyone could advise me as to what to do. I purchased two guineas last week both appeared healthy. They both now have discharge from their eyes and nose. I don't won't to go rushing straight to the vet (obviously I will if I need to). They both appear to be eating ok. Is there anything I can do. I have bathed their eyes etc changed bedding and cleaned hutch. Greatful for any advise.
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my guineas have discharge from eyes and nose
- Thread starter lynn110
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Please have them seen by a vet. They are mostly likely coming down with URI, upper respiratory tract infection, which can kill if not treated promptly.
URI can spread easily amongst stressed piggies with a lowered immune system - and yours are exactly that after all the big upsets in their short life!
Please insist at your vets that you are also given a probiotic to counter the effects of any antibiotic on the guts, especially baytril. Please weigh your boys daily at the moment, then go back to the recommended weekly weigh-in.
Here is more info: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html
URI can spread easily amongst stressed piggies with a lowered immune system - and yours are exactly that after all the big upsets in their short life!
Please insist at your vets that you are also given a probiotic to counter the effects of any antibiotic on the guts, especially baytril. Please weigh your boys daily at the moment, then go back to the recommended weekly weigh-in.
Here is more info: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html
doglovinpiggylover
Senior Guinea Pig
defo straight to the vets, good luck with them, hope they ok x
O dear. Ye I agree straight to the vets. I would try and find a cavy savvy vets. Where abouts are you? x
4piggiepigs
Adult Guinea Pig
If you got them from a pet's at home you could phone them they might pay for the appointment i think you get a free check up with them anyway or you used to
I would strongly recommend that you find a proper vet that lists treating exotics - from the experiences we had with p@h vets on this forum, their knowledge of guinea pigs is generally very poor and it has been often difficult to get the piggies back after treatment.
It would be better if you took them to an independent vet and had the bill refunded at p@h.
It would be better if you took them to an independent vet and had the bill refunded at p@h.
doglovinpiggylover
Senior Guinea Pig
i would agree with this too, sometimes they keep them for weeks after.x
Hi I am booking an appt with my own vets been with them for years. I have just checked on the piggies and there eyes are open and free of discharged at the moment they have eaten well think both have and seem ok Is this a good sign? I did bathe their eyes at 10.30 this morning.
Laura-CCC4
Senior Guinea Pig
Welcome to the forum Lynn, congrats on your new piggies - although sorry to hear they have these symptoms.
Can I ask what they are bedded on, and if they are kept indoors or out?
Can I ask what they are bedded on, and if they are kept indoors or out?
Hi I have kept a very close eye on my little piggies and their eyes have improved. I did have them sleeping on straw/wood shavings and hay as I'm worried that they are going to get cold. I have now changed the bedding to straw covered by newspaper then woodshavings and hay. Since I have put paper between them and straw their eyes have improved.
They are in a hutch outside but in the play house.
They are in a hutch outside but in the play house.
Laura-CCC4
Senior Guinea Pig
Thanks for updating, I would be inclined to suspect the bedding is to blame, in this case I would be alert to both the straw and the woodshavings. It is possible the hay is a little dusty and as such irritates the eyes and nose, so before placing fresh in, it can be worth shaking each handful in a cardboard box which will get rid of much of the dust, but as hay is a dietary necessity and it will also do the job of keeping them warm it is obviously essential.
A warmer, safer and more absorbant alternative to woodshavings is a pulp based litter like Megazorb, Carefresh, Aubiose or Bed O'Linum, any of which are generally far less likely to irritate the respiratory tract.
A warmer, safer and more absorbant alternative to woodshavings is a pulp based litter like Megazorb, Carefresh, Aubiose or Bed O'Linum, any of which are generally far less likely to irritate the respiratory tract.
missy
Adult Guinea Pig
Hi Lynn,
The "Housing" section has lots of useful info about the pros & cons of different types of bedding, all grouped together in this reference thread:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53208
Laura has recommended great disposable bedding. If you're bringing your pigs indoors, then fleece or Vetbed are also worth considering. Vetbed is particularly fluffy and very good for keeping piggies dry and warm but does need washing.
This thread from the "Housing" section might be useful for tips on how to keep your pigs warm:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=54309
Hope your pigs continue to get better and settle in well.
As you're new to guineas, I just wanted to add that pigs secrete a milky white fluid from their eyes, when they groom themselves, which is perfectly normal. I'm not necessarily saying that this is what you've seen with your pigs though (especially as you've seen discharge from the nose as well, which is a worry) - I'd still get them checked out by the Vet, but just thought I'd warn you incase you do see these milky "tears" and get alarmed! (I know I was freaked out the first time I saw it!)
Good luck
The "Housing" section has lots of useful info about the pros & cons of different types of bedding, all grouped together in this reference thread:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53208
Laura has recommended great disposable bedding. If you're bringing your pigs indoors, then fleece or Vetbed are also worth considering. Vetbed is particularly fluffy and very good for keeping piggies dry and warm but does need washing.
This thread from the "Housing" section might be useful for tips on how to keep your pigs warm:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=54309
Hope your pigs continue to get better and settle in well.
As you're new to guineas, I just wanted to add that pigs secrete a milky white fluid from their eyes, when they groom themselves, which is perfectly normal. I'm not necessarily saying that this is what you've seen with your pigs though (especially as you've seen discharge from the nose as well, which is a worry) - I'd still get them checked out by the Vet, but just thought I'd warn you incase you do see these milky "tears" and get alarmed! (I know I was freaked out the first time I saw it!)
Good luck
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