Should I Quarantine Glinda?

[Liane]

Elma developed a URI three weeks ago and was treated with septrin and baytril and has now recovered. I asked my vet at the time if she could pass it on, and they said no. I kept Elma separately in my room for two weeks, and she had visits from her friends. Missy spent a few hours with her and Glinda spent two days. I then allowed Elma to spend time with the others in their usual home during the day.

Now, it would appear that Glinda has a respiratory infection. I took her out immediately and she is now in a separate cage in my room. Should I keep her isolated? And how long for?

She has a vet appointment this evening for a proper diagnosis, as although I gave her some baytril last night, I'll need another bottle and she'll probably need another antibiotic to go with it, and the vet needs to check her lungs etc.

 

[Butterfly88]

I would separate and ask the vet when you see them.

 

[helen105281]

I always prefer not to separate as basically any damage has already been done but see what the vet says. If you are going to quarantine though, it is not effective if the poorly pig is still mixing with the others, even occasionally.

 

[Liane]

I always prefer not to separate as basically any damage has already been done but see what the vet says. If you are going to quarantine though, it is not effective if the poorly pig is still mixing with the others, even occasionally.

I had Elma in my room so that I could keep an eye on how much she was eating, drinking, and pooping, and it was also easier to do her medicines! But I hadn't quarantined as the vet didn't feel it necessary.

I spoke to the vet again to clarify, she said that the benefits of company outweighed the risks of infection because being separated can induce stress which can make them worse. She suggested keeping Glinda and Elma separately from the others, as Elma will have some resistance already.

 

[helen105281]

That makes sense.