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Respiratory Dilemma

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Tabybim

Tabybim

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My 4 year old sow,Betty has been breathing heavily for a few days now, I took her to see the vet on Friday and was told she may have a respiratory infection, possibly pneumonia and she was prescribed anti biotics and an inflammatory .However tonight she seemed worse and her breathing was more laboured. I am very worried about her and will be getting her another vets appointment as soon as they open in the morning. Has anyone experienced similar problems with one of their piggies? Also should I be keeping her in a separate room to my other pigs , they all have separate cages?
 
I had the same recently but she was really sniffly as well. Just like a snotty child is the only way I can explain it. A course of marbocyl sorted her out in no time along with loxycom. It's horrible to witness. I'll keep everything crossed for you.
 
It's possible she may have fluid on her chest, especially if it is Pneumonia. If so she will need a course of diuretics in addition to the antibiotics. What antibiotic is she on? Baytril? Bisolvon is good too to help clear mucous from the nasal passages and I have also used steam therapy in the past (2 drops of Olbas oil in a steam inhaler filled with boiling water - hold over the nose in 5 second bursts. Can also be put in a bowl next to the cage). Ideally she should be separate yes, as it can be contagious but if she has been next to them up until now then they have already been exposed. Just keep an eye out for similar symptoms.
 
Hi I am currently going through the same thing with Yogi (suprise suprise).
She has been diagnosed with a severe chest infection, he did not mention pneumonia though thankfully!
She had been prescribed 0.4m metacam twice a day for pain relief for 7 days and 0.4m once a day of Zithromax Suspension Azithromycin antibiotic for 2 weeks. The antibiotic seems to be for humans and can be used to treat pneumonia apparently.

We went to the vets last Tues so we have another week of antibiotics to go at until she's completed the course. Last Sat she deteriorated and was wheezing all night, but was still going about her business as usual. Since that episode she has improved loads and only wheezing slightly when she's trying to talk. One of the nostils is a little snotty from time to time and she has sneezed a little. I think what we have been experiencing is the infection leaving the body, probably like us when we are ill - it has to get worse before we are better.

I've emailed the vet for some advice on whether we should try a stronger anti-biotic and whether we should get some more metacam but no reply as of yet.
 
Zithromax is great, it got my Buzz through Pneumonia. It may just be the Zithromax dose needs increasing?
 
Thanks for the replies and advice. I took Betty back to the vets this morning and they did an X-ray ,her chest does look very congested and on top of that she has a nasty case of trapped wind which she's been given treatment for. The vet said to continue with the baytril and the metacam and then they'll X-ray her again on Friday . She isn't at all snotty and she doesn't have runny eyes ,but her breathing is very laboured. She is eating and drinking normally but she is more sedate than usual . I can only hope the anti biotics start to work soon and that there isn't a more sinister underlying cause for her ill health.
 
Was it fluid on her chest? Did they give a diuretic? Could the vet see the heart?

Is she on a probiotic aswell as the Baytril?
 
No the vet said she could not see her heart , she is now on a probiotic but the vet never mentioned a diuretic should I have asked?
 
I mentioned it earlier in the thread. Could you call and ask? If they can't see the heart it usually means there is fluid. Fluid can also be linked to a heart issue as well as an infection but they should have a better idea once the fluid is cleared and they can see if the heart is enlarged.
 
I'm taking Betty back to the vets today,and they are going to do another X-ray to see if her lungs have cleared at all I will ask about a diuretic then. The vet also said it could be a fungal issue in which case she would have to be put on a nebuliser. The X-ray wasn't terribly clear last time but they are reluctant to put her out with her breathing so bad ,and that would be the only way to get a clearer picture.
 
Have you got a nebulise ?l know you can rent them , but it isent cheep 20 to 30 pounds a week
 
I don't currently have a nebuliser but I'm talking to the vets later today and they may be able to help. Thanks for your advice though .
 
The X-ray showed no change in Betty's lungs , I'm now waiting for a phone call from a vet who specialises in guinea pigs and respiratory issues.
 
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