Possible Uri Affecting The Herd?

[Light]

Alright let's start out with saying this is my fault.

A few days before I had to put Blueberry to sleep, even before he was showing signs of ringworm+URI, I put all the guinea pigs outside to graze on a sunny day. Blueberry was only out for a few minutes but I'm very concerned that the rest of the herd has been infected.

I didn't know he had URI at the time, but ever since I pts I've been obsessively monitoring my current 4 guineas. Today I noticed my oldest boy Greyson has some crust around his eyes, and Cinnamon sneezed. I know it's not uncommon for a guinea pig to sneeze but I know Greyson shouldn't have crusty eyes.

All 4 live together so it's highly probable that they've all contracted URI. As I'm only 16, I don't have control over vet visits, and my parents believe I'm overreacting. I'm not taking any chances and convinced them to set up an appointment for all tomorrow morning.

What do I do to keep everything clean for them? I need to put my rabbit back in her old cage where Blueberry was living but how should I disinfect it properly? I also need to use Blueberry's old carrier, again, I need to disinfect it. I've also read that I should give them a probiotic if they're prescribed antibiotics? Also, what will the vet need to do? Will they need to do blood work and X-rays? I'm not sure if that's necessary but they insisted I do it for Blueberry.

Advice is greatly appreciated! I'm a very nervous owner and want to handle this properly.
Thank-you!

 

[Wiebke]

Poor you! URIs are unfortunately quite infective; if it has been transmitted, it will show up within 2 weeks. In this case you are vindicated of being paranoid, as URI is no laughing matter and can kill if left untreated or treated too late. Crusty discharge from URI is often a sign of URI.

it would be good if you have the two seen and keep an eye on the third. Hopefully that one's immune system will be good enough to fend it off. URIs need an antibiotic, but no further expensive treatment; but only a vet can precribe an antibiotic. The sooner you can treat, the better the chances of a quick recovery. If you can afford it, please ask your vet for a mucus dissolving product that will help to open up the airways. You can place a steaming bowl of hot water nest to cage to make breathing easier.
You can show your parents this link from the best medical website for guinea pigs: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html

You can get a probiotic from a pet shop if necessary; but if you are very short on cash, you can replace it by putting fresh poos from a healthy in water, let them steep and then syringe the water 1-2 hours after the antibiotic to the ill piggies. It is a bit gross, but the water contains all healthy gut flora to restock the system.

Please thoroughly disinfect Blueberry's cage, carriers and other stuff.

 

[Light]

Yes it is not a great time having ill piggies!

Ah, should I only have the two seen? I'm only really concerned about Greyson, but if they've all been together this whole time, would it not be transmitted to everyone? Do I need to quarantine?
I will ask for the mucus dissolving product, and I'm glad to know I won't need to do blood work and X-rays.

Do you have any recommendations for a type of probiotic?

Is there any specific cleaner to use? I usually use white vinegar but I'm not sure if that will do the trick for any type of bacteria.

 

[Light]

Good news! I checked on them all this morning and decided only Greyson needed to go. All went well, no signs of URI or any other issues!

 

[piggyfan]

That is a huge relief!

 

[Light]

Tell me about it! I can finally relax