Poorly Guineapig, Antibiotics Not Working!

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Savvie88

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Hi, I need help!

I noticed my Guinea Quill was not himself on Tuesday, he was just sitting in his house all day, eyes crusty and half closed. He was still eating but took him vets Friday. She couldn't say what was wrong as his heart and lungs sounded healthy but prescribed some antibiotics and critical care. It's now Sunday and he's no worse and no better except he won't even nibble food now! I'm forcing the critical care down him 30 times a day which he hates but he isn't improving! He's only 11 months old and I don't trust the vets, they've been responsible for the deaths of three of my last guineapigs in some way or another! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I am going to try poop soup tomorrow if no improvement! Thanks!
 
Welcome to the forum. Sorry that your piggie is unwell. I'm afraid if there has been no improvement and a worsening of his condition you really need to have him seen by a vet. It is vital that a guinea pig continues to take nutrition so you are doing the right thing with giving critical care, but he may need a different antibiotic or some additional medications. We can't offer medical advice - just support and the recommendation to see a vet.
Have you tried the vet locator at the top of the page?
Please can you add your location to your profile as we have members all over the world.
 
Savvie88 said:
Hi, I need help!

I noticed my Guinea Quill was not himself on Tuesday, he was just sitting in his house all day, eyes crusty and half closed. He was still eating but took him vets Friday. She couldn't say what was wrong as his heart and lungs sounded healthy but prescribed some antibiotics and critical care. It's now Sunday and he's no worse and no better except he won't even nibble food now! I'm forcing the critical care down him 30 times a day which he hates but he isn't improving! He's only 11 months old and I don't trust the vets, they've been responsible for the deaths of three of my last guineapigs in some way or another! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I am going to try poop soup tomorrow if no improvement! Thanks!
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Which vets are you using? If you are willing to travel a bit I can highly recommend Vets4Pets in Oadby which is over your side of Leicester (and is also used by our local and rather excellent rabbit and guinea pig rescue) and also Chine House in Sileby (this is the one Vets4Pets would refer on to if it got outside of their level of knowledge). Basically Vets4Pets isn't an exotics specialist however a few of the staff are extremely knowledgeable on guinea pigs, in particular I know that both Paula and Michelle are knowledgeable. At Chine House you have exotics and guinea pig specialist Craig Hunt though I will warn you the cost of seeing him is very much higher that vets4pets.
 
I'm using a local one in town. I'll see if I can get into the Oadby one. I've just given him some water, poop soup and he's now resting but still looks poorly. I'm going to stop with the antibiotics as it isn't helping and he's now off food completely. Thanks
 
I agree with all of the above.

In addition though, what antibiotic is he on and how many days had he had it for? If the vet thinks he has mucous in his nasal passages Bisolvon may help too. If there is any fluid on his chest he will also need a diuretic. Steam therapy can also help put 2 drops of Olbas oil in a bowl of hot water next to the cage. You can also use a steam inhaler and old over the nose in 5 second bursts. I would try to see one of the vets mentioned today and go from there.
 
The vet said his heart and lungs sounded fine so don't think it's anything to do with his nose. She said their eyes get crusty when they get ill and said his stomach was empty but didn't see anything else wrong with him. He's on metronidazole suspension to be taken twice a day and critical care, 30 doses 3 times a day. He's been on it since Friday too
 
That's Flagyl I think. So she is treating more because his stomach is empty? He may not have been eating for a number of reasons including a pain response. Did she suggest any pain relief? Crusty eyes can also be a sign of an upper respiratory infection. If you can get seen by Vets 4 Pets today it may help.
 
I took him in originally thinking it was a URI but she said his heart and lungs sound fine so can't be anything respiratory. She gave nothing else so no pain meds. She couldn't find any cause, she said maybe it was his teeth as he wouldn't let her see into his left side of his mouth but if that was it surely he'd have perked up by being force fed?
 
It's 10ml three times a day and his nose is clear. His breathing sounds weird when I pick him up or he's distressed but other than that he breaths fine. And I'm not sure it's a dental issue as he isn't interested in food at all
 
That seems a very small amount, the recommended amount of critical care is usually at least double that and up to 120ml in a 24 hour period. Here is our guide

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Does he seem bloated at all?

Are you able to get him seen today? it may be a pain response as a pig in pain won't eat.
 
He doesn't seem bloated, the vet said his stomach was empty and he does not enjoy the critical care, he chews on it but it dribbles out.
 
It sounds like he can't swallow. He really does need to see another vet if possible. Do you know if he is losing weight each day or maintaining?
 
I took the advice you posted earlier, I was giving him too much at once. He's taking it in now in smaller doses but still fights me. Still not eating. He whimpers sometimes when being held. His teeth are fine from what I can see, the vet said his heart and lungs sounded fine, he's on antibiotics which don't seem to be helping so I can't see what it is! Gonna try to get him in tomorrow!
 
Does anyone know if these could be signs he's being bullied? I've got him booked I to the vets this afternoon but just wondering as a friend of mine suggested he could be stressed that's why he isn't eating?
 
Have you noticed any bullying? I am more inclined to think it is an illness.
 
His brother does rumble at him and sometimes pushes him away but that's it. I just wish I knew what was wrong, it's killing me! We'll see what the vet says this time.
 
The same, I can't get out of town and the other vets in town has a bad reputation. I'm not going away though until they help him!
 
I would ask about a URI, I know they said his heart and lungs were clear but it could just be in the nasal passage/eyes? or ask them to look at the teeth again. If his incisors are slanty that often indicates a dental issue, so you could look at those before you go so you are prepared?
 
I'll ask, I did take him in originally because I thought it was a URI but she said no. His nose looks clear but his eyes are crusty. He won't let me see into his mouth, I can only see his four front teeth and they seem normal
 
At eleven months, Quill would be quite young to have dental issues - Although, it is possible/ should be ruled out.

Is Quill no better today?

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an interesting choice of antibiotic - Usually, Enrofloxacin (Baytril) is prescribed in such circumstances. What dose of Metronidazole (Flagyl) has Quill been prescribed?
 
the eyes can be crusty if he is a bit lethargic. The crustiness could be from not cleaning themselves properly but I wouldn't ever just assume that. It's a shame that you can't get out of town to a different vets. Unfortunately I don't know any other vets out that way. There is a rescue based in Kibworth called Beech Tree Bunnies so it might be worth contacting them and seeing who they use and whether it's any closer to you (though I can't vouch for their recommendations as they don't home check and would allow single pigs to be rehomed on their own)
 
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