Daisy has had the runs overnight, she has been eager to take her syringe feeds and water this morning and is moving around a bit more and has nibbled some hay. Will get her to the vets this morning, worried if they give her Baytril she might go backwards again. They don’t have a huge range of meds options for Guineas do They?
Please continue with the antibiotic and see a vet promptly if the poos go from soft to liquid.
There are alternative antibiotics to baytril; including now a licensed vet version of septrin/bactrim for exotic pets (as which guinea pigs are classed as). The UK version is called sulfatrim.
There are a few more unlicensed ABs which can be safely prescribed as long as you sign a disclaimer. What your vet cannot give is a penicillin brand or convenia - they are fatal for guinea pigs.
Please be aware that a bad reaction can happen to any antibiotic. Despite its bad reputation baytril is still well tolerated by the vast majority of piggies.
I would strongly recommend to:
- stop feeding any fresh food until the poos have normalised
- step in with top-up syringe feeding and watering. Monitor the weight intake daily at the same time.
With runny poo (diarrhea) you can add dioralyte (UK)/pedialyte (US) to any water you are feeding to help with potential dehydration. Follow the instructions on the packet.
- order fibreplex to help rebuild the gut fauna. make sure that you give the whole course. if your piggy doesn't like it, mix into the syringe feed you are giving or with some mushed up pellets; that usually does the trick. Give the whole course and then reassess.
Our syringe feeding guide also contains information on support products like fibreplex.
All the best!
