Question about pet stores, URIs, and recovery time

[lizzi2598]

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I didn't post in the introduction section. I guess I should have but I have a pretty urgent question. I have two new guinea pigs, Zoe and Sophie. I've only had them for a few days but I'm already totally attached! Let me start off by saying that I bought them from a pet store, before realizing all the risks involved in doing so. I thought about going through a shelter but I wasn't sure how to do it, or if shelters even had a lot of guinea pigs. The thing is, I've had two guinea pigs from pet stores before and they both lived long and healthy lives, so I didn't worry about doing it again. Now I'm starting to regret it. As soon as I got the new piggies home, I noticed one of them had a crusty nose and was sneezing and pawing at it alot. so, the next day, I took her back to the pet store with Petsmart's fourteen day vet assured policy in mind. The people at the store told me I had three options: they could give me my money back, replace Zoe with another guinea pig, or wait until Zoe's treatment is over and come pick her up. Of course, I chose to wait. So I left the poor thing there, with no idea of how long it would be. She was acting completely fine besides her nose. She was running around her cage, eating everything in sight, drinking normally. So my question is, with these symptoms, do you have any idea how soon it will be that I can go back and get her? I know her friend Sophie is already missing her like crazy and I am too! Also, should I be concerned about Sophie catching it as well? She seems to be fine. Maybe she's sneezed a few times but I'm not sure. Now I totally understand what people are saying about buying guinea pigs from pet stores. I had no idea! But I can't just return them and leave them there for more mistreatment! Please, if you have any advice or knowledge in this area, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, Welcome to the forum.

Without a vets diagnosis to be sure you can't tell what it is but it does sound like a URI. The positives are she was eating and drinking. So they will get her to a vet and get some antibiotics for her. You could if you wish speak to them and see if they will let you have her back and treat her with the antobiotics at home or take her to a vet near yourself and get her treated that way. Sometimes a infection can pass from one piggie to another but it is not always the case, keep an eye on Sophie and maybe put in a cuddly teddy to keep her company while Zoe is away.

Are you from the UK? or further a field.

 

[lizzi2598]

Thanks for your advice! My first two guinea pigs never had any problems with URIs. I guess I was just really lucky! But no, actually I'm from sunny Florida!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome! It sounds very much typical for a URI. If she is getting the right treatment promptly, Zoe should be fine within about two weeks. URI is sadly a very common problem in shop piggies.

It is very difficult to make quick decisions in an emergency when you are faced with only very limited options and no time to research the subject. You have done the best you could, and it speaks well of you for hanging on to Zoe! if I were you, I would use the time to find a good, preferably piggy savvy vet in your area. In my experience, most shop vets are just general vets with rather limited knowledge of rodents.

Please keep a close eye on Sophie over the next couple of weeks and have her seen by a vet if she is starting to show any of the symptoms. URI is highly infectious in stressed out piggies with a lowered immune system, and she has been through quite a few major upsets in her short life. Get her a soft cuddly toy to snuggle up with in the meanwhile. Remove any bits that she could chew off.
http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html

When you have calmed down, you are most welcome to post in introductions and ask any questions you may have about the care of your two little girls.

could you please add your location to your details? it makes it easier for us to give you appropriate advice and links. You can do so in private messages (top bar)/my settings/edit profile/location. Thanks!

 

[lizzi2598]

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me! I've been trying to keep Sophie as comfortable as possible, becuase I have heard that stress makes them much more susceptible. I'm definitely going to find a good vet. I was just taking it for granted that the vet I take my dog and cat to is knowledgeable in guinea pigs as well, but now I'm realizing that might not be the case.

 

[Deb H]

Hope Zoe gets better soon and is back with you and Sophie

Welcome to the forum

 

[mandykat]

Get well wishes to Zoe! Hope that you and she and Sophie are all together and well again soon!