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On And Off Hooting?

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Freela

Freela

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Hadley, my 2-year-old pig, has been having on-and-off hooting noises for the past week or so. She will sound hooty for half an hour or so, then get back to normal, then do it again later on or the next day. At first I blamed a new bag of hay that might have been dustier, but have switched hay bags and it still persists. She otherwise seems fine- active, eating well, no eye or nasal discharge. I have booked her a vet check for tomorrow morning- any advice on what to ask they check for? I understand hooting can be a heart issue, but am hoping it's not that, as she is not old and seems so healthy!
 
It could be a URI. Their airways are tiny so they only need a tint buildup in there to make them noisy.

It's probably just something environmental setting her off, especially as it comes and goes.

Good luck at the vet.
 
Freela said:
Hadley, my 2-year-old pig, has been having on-and-off hooting noises for the past week or so. She will sound hooty for half an hour or so, then get back to normal, then do it again later on or the next day. At first I blamed a new bag of hay that might have been dustier, but have switched hay bags and it still persists. She otherwise seems fine- active, eating well, no eye or nasal discharge. I have booked her a vet check for tomorrow morning- any advice on what to ask they check for? I understand hooting can be a heart issue, but am hoping it's not that, as she is not old and seems so healthy!
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For a heart condition you ideally want to have other indicators, too. Plus you want more persistent hooting.

Have you considered whether it may be a problem with dry air? Most hooting is due to a slight obstruction in the nose. See whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can bring relief.

I am linking @helen105281 into your thread. She's got the most experience with heart piggies.
 
Wiebke said:
For a heart condition you ideally want to have other indicators, too. Plus you want more persistent hooting.

Have you considered whether it may be a problem with dry air? Most hooting is due to a slight obstruction in the nose. See whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can bring relief.

I am linking @helen105281 into your thread. She's got the most experience with heart piggies.
Click to expand...
It could be dry air related- it is really cold right now. I will make sure the humidifier is working properly and can certainly try the hot water trick.
 
There are usually other symptoms aswell with a heart pig. Have you noticed any laboured or rapid breathing? Does she sleep heavily? The fact she sounds well otherwise makes me think it is more environmental but you could ask the vet for a conscious x-ray to check for an enlarged heart or any fluid around the heart.
 
Update: I got back from the vet with Hadley. The vet listened to her heart and lungs very thoroughly and did not hear any congestion or any reason for concern. She believes it's either environmental or a minor respiratory tract infection, and gave her a week of antibiotics just to be on the safe side. Hadley is REALLY upset with me after the vet visit and first antibiotic dose... she would not take food out of my fingers or anything! I hope she forgives me soon!
And crazy... when figuring out the dosing for the meds, the vet weighed Hadley and she clocks in at a whopping 3 lbs on the digital scale that they use! Holy crap! She's a big, solid girl, apparently!
 
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