Owl hooting and coughing?

[Pxhione]

So recently Caramel, a 3 month old female, has been making this sound. It doesn't last long and is followed by a choke and cough action. It's a owl hoot noise each time she breathes and I've only heard it twice over the time we have had her (since 27th Feb).

I am going to take her to the vets this weekend but if anyone has any ideas I would be very thankful!

 

[Wiebke]

So recently Caramel, a 3 month old female, has been making this sound. It doesn't last long and is followed by a choke and cough action. It's a owl hoot noise each time she breathes and I've only heard it twice over the time we have had her (since 27th Feb).

I am going to take her to the vets this weekend but if anyone has any ideas I would be very thankful!

Hi! Is it happening during or shortly after she's been eating?

 

[Pxhione]

Hey... Thanks for the reply! Not after eating veg no. She was by her hay rack both times so it could be linked to her eating her Timothy hay!

 

[Wiebke]

Hey... Thanks for the reply! Not after eating veg no. She was by her hay rack both times so it could be linked to her eating her Timothy hay!

Hooting is generally a mild obstruction in the nose, a bit like a somewhat stuffy nose in a human, only that guinea pigs can't breathe through their mouths. That is why even the smallest issue in the respiratory tract is audible.

You might want to consider researching for a different brand of dust extracted timothy hay. Quality between brands can vary quite a lot.

 

[Pxhione]

That makes so much sense, thankyou! I imagine this would explain the choking too?

 

[Wiebke]

That makes so much sense, thankyou! I imagine this would explain the choking too?

We see this more normally after eating veg too quickly but the two go often hand in hand. If in doubt, have her vet checked.