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Respiratory Infection?

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sophiew (EAGPR)

sophiew (EAGPR)

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My lovely Zippy pig had very rattly breathing this morning, I took him to my normal vet and she injected him with Baytril and Metacam and I've got oral Baytril to give him 1ml once a day for a week - does that sound enough?

Anything else I can do?

He's breathing is so laboured and chesty sounding, poor boy :(

Sophie
x
 
Poor Zippy! 1ml once a day sounds a bit much to give in one go - I do wonder if splitting it into 0.5ml twice a day would be better? That way it's the same dose, just divided.

Is he eating on his own?
 
It sounded high to me too, but then he is very very rattly so perhaps he needs it - also he's quite a chunky boy! Perhaps twice a day would be better.

He's eating some veg but not much.

It does seem like the fates are picking on my favourite pigs at the moment! :(

Thanks

Sophie
x
 
He seems to be getting worse, his breathing is so laboured... :(

I've put some vick on his cage.

He had a bit of lettuce but has ignored the cucumber and celery - his favourites.

Poor boy
 
My Cariad is on 0.2ml baytril twice for URI - is that too little? Her breathing has gone a bit better over the weekend, but not since I have started giving her the baytril yesterday.
 
Hope zippy is feeling better soon xoxo no advice just best wishes
 
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for poor Zippy!
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Thank you. I've given him a hot water bottle and he's had a bit to eat (he was trying to hang out the front of the cage when he heard it was feeding time, bless him!).

I am wondering if it might be his heart rather than his airways? His breathing is very laboured.

Sophie
x
 
Thank you for those links, I've had a read of Ralphie's but hadn't seen the other one.

I'm glad I've seen him eat something - he's certainly fighting whatever it is.

Sophie
x
 
How old is he? Did the vet listen to his heart? the really good thing is he is interested in food! must be so worrying for you!
 
oh dear i am really sorry for you and poor wee zippy, are you going to take him back to the vet? best wishes and fingers crossed for you both
 
Keeping everything crossed here for darling Zippy - really hope he's ok.

Big hugs to him and to you Sophie.

Teresa x
 
Do not be alarmed by blood coming from his nose. Is it from both nostrils or just one of them?
Have his nasal passages been looked at to check for any foreign body debris?
 
alcesterpigs said:
Do not be alarmed by blood coming from his nose. Is it from both nostrils or just one of them?
Have his nasal passages been looked at to check for any foreign body debris?
Click to expand...

Hi AP

It appears to be both nostrils but one more than the other. He is gurgling too. My first thought was perhaps something up his nose, the vet did have a look but I'm not sure how thoroughly.

I've just gone to give him his first dose of Baytril and 1ml does look a lot more than I normally give - is it ok?

He made it through the night and has been eating but not as much as normal. Oddly he ate the readigrass and left the veg!

Thanks

Sophie
x
 
I still think 1ml is a very high dose. I understand how bad Zippy is but even so...and for a drug that can be harsh on the system even in smaller doses I would be a bit unsure. Can you talk to the vet on the phone to clarify, or call Vedra and ask her advice?

I would normally advise a diuretic be given in such cases but in light of recent discussions, perhaps a Sudafed Expectorant would be more beneficial? (AP!?)
 
Well I checked with the vet and she said 1ml once a day was right. So that's what he's had.

He is still ruttling with every breath, but the bleeding has stopped. He is eating regularly but not large amounts. I haven't seen him drink, so am syringing him water regularly.

He is snuggled up under his cat bed at the moment. I have to get him out to syringe him which is horrible because it makes him struggle and then his breathing gets worse, but I can't syringe him without removing him from the cage.

Just hope he pulls through. He's an indoor pig so he hasn't had any damp / draughts, I don't understand why he got ill so suddenly.

Sophie
x
 
Sophie, will he eat the Critical Care/Recovery off a plate? May be worth a try even though it won't replace syringe-feeding.
 
Hi Laura, yes he'll eat the critical care without me but I have to syringe the Baytril :(

He is nibbling at food and quite feisty in himself, so at least he's not giving up.

Sophie
x
 
Thank you :)

He is still with us, perhaps a little less laboured with his breathing and munching on some dry food. He's still not drinking voluntarily (note to self - do not syringe feed a guinea pig whilst wearing a white dressing gown rolleyes)

He's having 1ml baytril, Metatone tonic twice a day, Calpol twice a day and as much water and pro-biotic as I can get down him. I'm offering him Critical Care but he's not keen. He is eating some veg.

If he's well enough to stand the trip I will take him to Vedra.

Sophie
x
 
How is zippy doing today? he looked lovely with his secret santa present!
 
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