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Sneezing

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Nicola_

Nicola_

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So whilst I've been sitting here studying I've heard two sneezes from the guinea pigs - or at least I think it's sneezing!

I have heard the odd sneeze before but never been too concerned as they've always occurred in isolation with no other signs or symptoms. Although I'm starting to get a little concerned now having heard two in the last wee while. I think it's Frodo but can't guarantee, in any case the sneezes are happening whilst eating hay - could it be the hay? I use ings from Hay for Pets.

I know the answer most likely is a trip to the vets just in case but I'd really like a second opinion and is there any chance it could hold off until Friday with some careful monitoring in the meantime?
 
It's true that dusty hay can cause the occasional sneeze, but in my experience if you are hearing sneezing, there are often other signs, such as watering eyes, drinking more or less water, slightly noisy breathing, wiping of the nose or mouth etc. Piggies go downhill sooooo quickly that I've probably got a much lower threshold than other owners about taking them to the vets to get them checked out. I'd rather have a wasted trip to the vet than a really sick pig. Even with my over alert antennae I've very rarely had a "wasted" trip to the vets as if my piggies look, sound or behave differently (to my mind anyway) there is usually something wrong, and the earlier you catch it the better. The only time I ever "talked myself out" of a trip to the vet I ended up with a very expensive trip to the emergency vet and a very sick pig indeed. Good luck x
 
Oh, now you mention it he was drinking water this morning which is not like him - although I'd put it down to me being late with the veggies. He hasn't drank anything else since. I'm sitting next to them until I go to bed anyway so I'll keep my eyes and ears peeled but I suspect it may be a trip to the vet tomorrow. What should I expect her to check and what medications would she be prescribing if she does think there is a problem?
 
I would just keep an eye out and see if he sneezes more or has any other symptoms. Piggies can sneeze now and then and it is normal. They can get hay up their little noses.
 
Thanks, I'm getting so paranoid now - keep watching him, worrying when he's moving about what he's doing, worrying when he's sleeping, every little noise the sound on the TV gets muted! I'll be sitting with them all day tomorrow as well so I really can keep a close eye on them (apart from when I go to sleep of course!)
 
Aww try not to worry as just a few sneezes on their own is normal. When I first got my piggies they sneezed quite often. I started giving the vitamin c tablets for small animals and then they rarely sneezed. I am not saying you should do that, I am just sharing my experience.
 
Thanks, wondering if maybe the hay hut just needs a good cleaning out - thinking about it I only did a partial change last night rather than a full change - maybe some dusty bits lingering about.
 
I also use Ings hay. I place the hay in a pile rather then rack so they can play in it too.
 
Yea, they have a whole 2x1 c&c loft full of it - they spend the majority of their time in there!
 
Ok, now I'm wondering if the sneezing is actually just the sound of Hay being torn from a cluster! Hmmm
 
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