Piggies With Allergies.

[SpikeyPotatoes]

I recently adopted two 2 year-old male guinea pigs. They both have allergies to the paper bedding. They were being kept in a room where all the other animals were using paper bedding so they were still having issues with crusty and wet eyes. I was told that they should be fine with aspen bedding so that's what I've been using and so far they don't seem to be having any problems. Their eyes are clearer and they are more active so it seems to be fine for them I just wanted other peoples opinions or suggestions or even stuff to look out for.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

To be honest if they're both having issues I'd be popping to the vets to treat for a URI. I've not heard of allergies to paper before, and I highly doubt it would be something they both have. How's their breathing and their noses?

 

[Piggyluv+2]

To be honest if they're both having issues I'd be popping to the vets to treat for a URI. I've not heard of allergies to paper before, and I highly doubt it would be something they both have. How's their breathing and their noses?

I agree, please see vet for reassurance,

 

[SpikeyPotatoes]

To be honest if they're both having issues I'd be popping to the vets to treat for a URI. I've not heard of allergies to paper before, and I highly doubt it would be something they both have. How's their breathing and their noses?

They have both been treated for different things multiple times. The vet is the one that said they had allergies. But their breathing is normal and isn't crackly or anything but one of them has a crusty nose. They are from the same litter if that means anything.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Is the vet piggy savvy? Sometimes treatments aren't always successful if using low dosages of antibiotics and such.

I'll tag @Wiebke as she has the most experience. It may be worth looking for another vet though as it does seem rather odd to me. I've been through 5 different vets in 2 years looking for one that can actually treat piggies successfully. Unfortunately most vets only really know how to treat dogs.

 

[SpikeyPotatoes]

The one that's looked at them is pretty good and has experience with Guineas. But I'll look into it more. I had a piggie when I was younger but otherwise it's been awhile. I currently have 2 hedgehogs as well so a small animal/ exotic vet would be fantastic.

Is the vet piggy savvy? Sometimes treatments aren't always successful if using low dosages of antibiotics and such.

I'll tag @Wiebke as she has the most experience. It may be worth looking for another vet though as it does seem rather odd to me. I've been through 5 different vets in 2 years looking for one that can actually treat piggies successfully. Unfortunately most vets only really know how to treat dogs.

 

[Wiebke]

I recently adopted two 2 year-old male guinea pigs. They both have allergies to the paper bedding. They were being kept in a room where all the other animals were using paper bedding so they were still having issues with crusty and wet eyes. I was told that they should be fine with aspen bedding so that's what I've been using and so far they don't seem to be having any problems. Their eyes are clearer and they are more active so it seems to be fine for them I just wanted other peoples opinions or suggestions or even stuff to look out for.

Hi! Crusty eyes are generally a sign of a bacterial respiratory infection (URI) which requires an antibiotic. Please make sure that they are being treated for this before you think allergy! URI can kill or damage permanently if left untreated.

It is not at all uncommon in new guinea pigs. If you have your guinea pigs seen by a vet within 2-3 weeks of purchase, you can reclaim the vet cost by presenting the vet bill together with the sales receipt at the pet shop as exposure and infection must have happened at the shop.
Guinea Lynx :: URI

I have never heard of an allergy to paper bedding and it is not normally two guinea pigs that develop it.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

The one that's looked at them is pretty good and has experience with Guineas. But I'll look into it more. I had a piggie when I was younger but otherwise it's been awhile. I currently have 2 hedgehogs as well so a small animal/ exotic vet would be fantastic.

It would definitely be worth it! Where abouts are you based? It would be handy to put it on your profile so people can help more specific advice to your location

You could always check out the recommended vets on the locator on this site. When I first started out with piggies in my adult life I called several places that all said they had good experience with piggies which sadly wasn't the case in the end

If it's been a problem for a while it's always worth a second opinion in any case

 

[SpikeyPotatoes]

Hi! Crusty eyes are generally a sign of a bacterial respiratory infection (URI) which requires an antibiotic. Please make sure that they are being treated for this before you think allergy! URI can kill or damage permanently if left untreated.

It is not at all uncommon in new guinea pigs. If you have your guinea pigs seen by a vet within 2-3 weeks of purchase, you can reclaim the vet cost by presenting the vet bill together with the sales receipt at the pet shop as exposure and infection must have happened at the shop.
Guinea Lynx :: URI

I have never heard of an allergy to paper bedding and it is not normally two guinea pigs that develop it.

They've been treated for URIs a few different times and it hasn't changed anything. A vet is who said they had allergies.

 

[SpikeyPotatoes]

It would definitely be worth it! Where abouts are you based? It would be handy to put it on your profile so people can help more specific advice to your location

You could always check out the recommended vets on the locator on this site. When I first started out with piggies in my adult life I called several places that all said they had good experience with piggies which sadly wasn't the case in the end

If it's been a problem for a while it's always worth a second opinion in any case

I'm in Minnesota US.

 

[Wiebke]

They've been treated for URIs a few different times and it hasn't changed anything. A vet is who said they had allergies.

Thank you for clearing that up!

Most allergies are to hay dust or pollen - have you tried another brand of dust extracted hay? Not all are the same.
Also check for air fresheners, scent sticks, perfumed skin products of yours etc. ; air conditioning, dry desert climate etc.

See whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can ease the symptoms.

I hope that this helps you in your detective work.

PS: Just seen your location; have amended it. Please just give your state, but not more for your own online protection!

 

[SpikeyPotatoes]

Thank you for clearing that up!

Most allergies are to hay dust or pollen - have you tried another brand of dust extracted hay? Not all are the same.
Also check for air fresheners, scent sticks, perfumed skin products of yours etc. ; air conditioning, dry desert climate etc.

See whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can ease the symptoms.

I hope that this helps you in your detective work.

PS: Just seen your location; have amended it. Please just give your state, but not more for your own online protection!

I've only tried the one kinda of paper bedding and then the aspen but I can try different ones too. I'll also look for a different vet to get a second opinion. Thank you.

 

[SpikeyPotatoes]

I've only tried the one kinda of paper bedding and then the aspen but I can try different ones too. I'll also look for a different vet to get a second opinion. Thank you.

The only reason I have the aspen bedding is because I use it with my hedgehogs so I figured it would've been okay to at least try it with my piggies.

 

[Wiebke]

The only reason I have the aspen bedding is because I use it with my hedgehogs so I figured it would've been okay to at least try it with my piggies.

Please look at the other potential angles:
- hay dust
- perfumes and perfumed products