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Please help us!

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Phoebe-PP

Phoebe-PP

Teenage Guinea Pig
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Firstly I just want to say that I did actually start a thread on Pumpkin about her feet, which I then never had a chance to respond to due to Christmas.
But now unfortunately a more serious problem has arose and to say I'm panicking would be an understatement!

Basically it seems like Pumpkin's breathing is slightly laboured and she's making this really bizarre noise when she breathes. (Imagine closing your throat and trying to take small breaths. It's almost like a hiccupy type noise)

Right now she's snoozing on top of her Mr Penguin, she ate all her breakfast with her usual gusto but I've just got the feeling something isn't right.

Sorry for this essay, but please help!
 
Hi,

Can you get her to a vet? It sounds like she needs urgent medical treatment. Sorry haven't read your other post.

x
 
squeakysmallpaws said:
Hi,

Can you get her to a vet? It sounds like she needs urgent medical treatment. Sorry haven't read your other post.

x
Click to expand...

I can't right now as my mum's at work and I'm 15 so I don't drive. She'll be home late this evening.
 
This sounds like it maybe a URI, if so she needs to see a vet as soon as possible.

Can you phone your mom and arrange an apointment for when she is back from work? Otherwise first thing in the morning?
If it is an URI then it is easily treatable with antibiotics.
 
I have just called the vet and the one who actually knows anything about piggies isn't working until Tuesday. I spoke the one whose working today and tomorrow and I really don't think she knew what she was on about which makes me reluctant to fork over £102 just for a consultancy. So now I'm in a bit of a dilemma; pay £102 plus cost of medicine for a vet that will probably give her some Baytril and send her off. Or wait until Tuesday for someone I trust.
 
Are there no other vets nearby - have a look on the list of recommended vets on here on a sticky - there may be one nearer to you - £102 sounds a lot for a consultation - when Bumble had a consult with one of the partners in my vet practice and some metacam the whole lot only came to £28
 
TAN said:
Are there no other vets nearby - have a look on the list of recommended vets on here on a sticky - there may be one nearer to you - £102 sounds a lot for a consultation - when Bumble had a consult with one of the partners in my vet practice and some metacam the whole lot only came to £28
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This is a recommended one believe it or not! It's because they aren't open on a Sunday and Monday is a Bank Holiday so it's the emergency rates. I thought it was a ridiculous amount just for looking at her.
 
Trouble is pigs can go down hill really fast if its a URI - even within a few hours - I am sure someone more knowledgable will be on here soon though
 
My job is working out of hours, providing the emergency service in a veterinary hospital. I'm the first port of call so to speak - I answer the phone, will discuss the problem with you, and decide whether or not its an emergency and how desperately your pet needs to be seen. If you told me what you've described, I'd be telling you to come straight in.

When it comes to breathing, it's serious, and can quickly escalate. In this kind of situation, any vet is better than no vet at all. The vet you're waiting for may even be on holiday, and there's no guarantee they'll be around on Tuesday anyway.
 
Hi
Is it like a "clicky" noise when she breathes? My piggy had this and it was a URI turns out from sad-dust etc but will need antibiotics no doubt.

Take her to a vet asap

All the best
 
Please take her to a vet tonight.

Fine, the vet might not be as expert as you want them to be, but they are still a qualified vet. Breathing issues should not be left undiagnosed and Tuesday is still a long time away.
 
Hi sorry I haven't updated sooner. Pumpkin seems fine, her breathing is back to normal just occasionally she makes this bizarre noise.

I spoke to a vet over the phone, and she told me that the situation wasn't urgent as she thought the breathing was due to problems with her feet? I can't say I believed her but when I pressed it, she seemed reluctant to see Pumpkin which made me feel pretty uncomfortable as naturally I was worried sick. So the earliest I can see a vet is tomorrow morning :( I feel like I've let Pumpkin down, and I'm praying that this is just an overreaction.
 
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i need help !

i have a guinea pig hes 2 but his brother died recently and i dont no were to go to get another one so then he gets to chosse which one he gets on together with more help please x>>>
 
Whereabout are you? There may be a rescue centre who do boar dating near you. Why don't you start a thread up about your pig so more people can help you?
 
tortoise said:
i have a guinea pig hes 2 but his brother died recently and i dont no were to go to get another one so then he gets to chosse which one he gets on together with more help please x>>>
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Could you start a new thread as this has nothing to do with the OPs question and you are unlikely to get any replies.
 
Phoebe-PP said:
I'm in Reading.
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If you are in Reading then you have one of the best piggy vets around. If you can get to Tilehurst (or even Woodley where they have another practice) Jenny Towers is brilliant and will certainly be able to help you. Sally Ward is also great with guinea pigs she is also based at Tilehurst. They also have guinea savvy vets at Woodley too (same partnership) if its an emergency then they will always fit you in. Details here:

http://www.activevetcare.co.uk/Practices/tilehurst.asp

The intermittent sounds she is making may be an early indication of heart problems which can lead to breathing problems. These can be easily resolved with medication but she really does need checking.

Give them a shout and try to get to see them. I think they charge £25 for a consultation but it will be well worth it.
 
Sorry for not updating sooner, but here's the latest. We went to go see our usual vet (Jenny Towers at Tilehurst) and she diagnosed Pumpkin with a minor chest infection. She's been given 0.4 mls of Baytril twice a day and half a sachet of Bio Lapsis aswell. She also found ovarian cysts, luckily they are only very small. We're booked in agin for next Tuesday to make sure the URI has cleared up, and to also start considering treatment for the cysts. Pumpkin has still got a great appetite and is seemingly content, so all is well... Well, sort of!
 
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