Sneezes!

[Mrsc1214]

Hey y'all, if you saw my other posts you'll know I just brought home two little boars by the name of Piggy Smalls and TuPig Shakur (lol) and both are happily playing and eating like, well, like pigs lol and everyone is staying hydrated.
However Piggy Small has been sneezing occasionally. His eyes are clear his ears look fine and his nose isn't crusty and no wheezing but his nose sounds a little stuffy. Like I said he's been eating and playing and humping lol
My vet appt for the boys isn't until next week when the vet is in (ridiculous how there are a million vets in my area and only ONE exotic pet specialist in my area who left for the Caribbean. Awesome) and of course I'm a little worried.
One thing: when I picked them up from petsmart they had them on aspen bedding which is pretty dusty IMO. So maybe it's from that? They've only been here for 3 days in total.
Anyone have any experience with this? I know there isn't much you can tell. But it was worth a shot.
Otherwise my only option is driving three hours away to an extremely over priced manhattan vet lol

 

[Wiebke]

Without any other symptoms, I would not worry about URI. Piggies can sneeze occasionally, especially from bedding and hay dust.

 

[sport_billy]

I am in agreement with Wiebke, sometimes you get a piggie that is sensitive and will sneeze. Unless Piggy Smalls develops any more symptoms, is lethargic and losing weight I would imagine waiting until next week would be fine.

One important thing with piggies is to weigh them on a weekly basis, try and get into a routine and weigh the same day, same time each week. Record the weights in a book. Weight loss is often the first sign of illness, however fluctuations of weight 10-30g are normal... but a trend of losing 30g each week would not be, it is the trend of weight which is indicative.

 

[Mrsc1214]

I am in agreement with Wiebke, sometimes you get a piggie that is sensitive and will sneeze. Unless Piggy Smalls develops any more symptoms, is lethargic and losing weight I would imagine waiting until next week would be fine.

One important thing with piggies is to weigh them on a weekly basis, try and get into a routine and weigh the same day, same time each week. Record the weights in a book. Weight loss is often the first sign of illness, however fluctuations of weight 10-30g are normal... but a trend of losing 30g each week would not be, it is the trend of weight which is indicative.

Hey thanks for your response! When I had posted the thread Piggy Smalls was only sneezing a little and with in a couple hours he started having snot coming out his nose so I called the vets again and pretty much fought for their exotic pet specialist to see me before he left for vacation til next Tuesday lol thankfully they put me in for the last appt.
And good thing they did! He has the start of a URI but it hadnt reached his lungs yet, so he literally has a head cold lol he's on meds now and him and his brother were looked over and are in perfect condition.
Yay!

 

[Wiebke]

Good that you had him seen. Once snot and crusts are involved, then you need to check for URI. It is very common in shop piggies and often hits when the stress from the move to a new home is lowering the immune system.

 

[sport_billy]

Well spotted. Excellent you got him seen. You have caught it very early. Lots of healing vibes to Piggy Smalls, keep us updated on him x