Process of elimination

[Tillytiltpig]

So as you may already know Tilly has been on meds for over a month for a possible uri, today we went back as she was coughing and sneezing with mucus and watery eyes. Vet has now decided it’s not a uri but an allergy but to what is anyone’s guess. She is now on metacam again for the next three days (she is already on baytril and ronaxin ) I have to change bedding to newspaper and record every episode to hopefully find out the cause or she may be on allergy medication for a looong time. I’m going to add water bowls near radiators at night and near her house, I’ve already taken all air fragrances away, I only wash the floors in a small diluted amount of dettol and never use perfumes around her. Can anyone think of anything else I can do as a process of elimination. Just in case it’s helpful I also have a cat and a dog, neither sleep in the same room as her, mostly the cat remains upstairs out the way and the dog isn’t very energetic so he stays away from her. Thanks in advance

 

[Livia Rabideau]

So difficult to say. I hope you get it figured out! Cat litter? Is it possible for your piggy to be allergic to other pets? Fabric softener laundry detergent? My one Sneezy pig was like that. I changed to fleece and that helped. He still sneezes when I clean the cages or if there is dusty hay. Also what about adding an air purifier to the room? Have you changed the filters in your house? Maybe a dust allergy?

 

[G&C]

It’s difficult and time consuming to find out what the problem is, as you have been advised by your vet to start with newspaper bedding, record symptoms then review. You will need to do this with every different type of bedding you try I would imagine. This might also be costly for you if you need to buy lots of different types. And do you need to buy different hay? I think a lot of people use fleece on this forum as bedding with some good results (both for comfort and respiratory problems). Good luck and let us know what works for your piggy.

 

[Tillytiltpig]

It’s difficult and time consuming to find out what the problem is, as you have been advised by your vet to start with newspaper bedding, record symptoms then review. You will need to do this with every different type of bedding you try I would imagine. This might also be costly for you if you need to buy lots of different types. And do you need to buy different hay? I think a lot of people use fleece on this forum as bedding with some good results (both for comfort and respiratory problems). Good luck and let us know what works for your piggy.

I already using fleece for one half of the cage and back2nature for the other half (she is selective where she goes to the toilet hence the different floorings) we already found Timothy hay bothers her and changed to meadow which she seemed ok with. I’ll keep the thread updated with the process

 

[Tillytiltpig]

Cat litter box is upstairs where Tilly is downstairs so that shouldn’t bother her should it? I have an air con unit which removes impurities but I read they shouldn’t be used around pigs, is that wrong information? My dog is quite hairy so maybe, I’ll get him to stay in another room for a day and see if that makes any change

 

[Livia Rabideau]

I would think the litter should be fine. Not sure about the air con. I have a small air purifier in my piggy room. Not sure if it makes a difference. How frustrating for you!

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry, finding the source of an allergen is a very tedious process, whether that is for a human or a pet.

You have to look at:
- hay and any dried forage treats (dust, pollen)
- house dust and air con
- loose bedding
- any perfumes (washing powder for fleece and cosies and lap blankets, air fresheners, scent sticks/candles/wax melts, human perfumed products)

Allergies and allergy treatment in guinea pigs is unfortunately not a well researched area, so there are no guidelines as to which medications/antihistamines are safe to use. I have seen only episodal evidence.

 

[Tillytiltpig]

I’ve finally changed all bedding (needed to go get some pieces) she hates paper but she seems happy with this

 

[Tillytiltpig]

I am very sorry, finding the source of an allergen is a very tedious process, whether that is for a human or a pet.

You have to look at:
- hay and any dried forage treats (dust, pollen)
- house dust and air con
- loose bedding
- any perfumes (washing powder for fleece and cosies and lap blankets, air fresheners, scent sticks/candles/wax melts, human perfumed products)

Allergies and allergy treatment in guinea pigs is unfortunately not a well researched area, so there are no guidelines as to which medications/antihistamines are safe to use. I have seen only episodal evidence.

You would not believe it! She dived into her hay pile and went for a munch. Few minutes later she is snotty and had a few sneezes! I’ve now tried Timothy and meadow, any suggestions on another one to try? I have some oat readigrass but was told it was too rich

 

[Wiebke]

You would not believe it! She dived into her hay pile and went for a munch. Few minutes later she is snotty and had a few sneezes! I’ve now tried Timothy and meadow, any suggestions on another one to try? I have some oat readigrass but was told it was too rich

Have your tried dust extraxrted hay brands? Even these can cause reactions. I know people who spray their hay with water and then dry it again to get rid of the dust.

 

[Tillytiltpig]

Have your tried dust extraxrted hay brands? Even these can cause reactions. I know people who spray their hay with water and then dry it again to get rid of the dust.

That’s what I was told to do and have been for weeks, washing it off that is.

 

[Tillytiltpig]

The most amazing thing happened today! Tilly is finally off her medicines vet said she has no respiratory noises and so she is happy to sign her off! Couldn’t be happier for Tilly