Sneezing!

[Robbo89]

I think one of my boys have got the sneezes.
I haven't changed the hay, it's been the same hay since I got them probably 2 months ago nearly.
It kind of sounds like a cluck sound but he popcorns when he does it, does this sound like sneezing?
I'm new to Guinea pigs so would appreciate some advice.
He's drinking fine, very alert and eating well.

 

[sport_billy]

Could you video it?

I would get him checked out by the vet if it has just started and not a one off. Any sign of discharge or crustyness?
Piggy vets near you below:

• Tilehurst Veterinary Centre
  Jenny Towers
  19 School Rd
  Reading
  West Berkshire, RG31 5AR
  0118 942 8240
  
  
• 
  Larkmead Vet Group
  Ginny Greenwood
  111-113 Park Road
  Didcot, Oxon OX11 8QT
  01235 814991
  www.larkmead.co.uk/
  
  
• 
  Larkmead Vet Group
  Ginny Greenwod
  94 High Street
  Sutton Courtenay
  Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4AX
  01235 814991
  www.larkmead.co.uk/

 

[DM030819]

It sounds like it could be a cough to me. Maybe a bit of food went down the wrong way.

I have a boy at the moment who coughs when he has his dinner and he does a little bounce movement sometimes when he does it.

It's definitely worth popping him to the vet if you're worried. Even if there's nothing wrong it's always handy to have a little MOT done on them every now and then.

 

[Robbo89]

After he did it a couple of times, he hasn't done it again.
If he does it again I will take him to the vets. I live right next to a vets so it's not a problem at all.
I'm using sawdust at the moment and I'm wondering if perhaps I should change to fleece or artificial grass?
I think the artificial grass appeals to me more with puppy pads underneath perhaps.
Does anyone know if that would be adequate?

 

[Robbo89]

Thank you for all your replies!

 

[Robbo89]

Could you video it?

I would get him checked out by the vet if it has just started and not a one off. Any sign of discharge or crustyness?
Piggy vets near you below:

• Tilehurst Veterinary Centre
  Jenny Towers
  19 School Rd
  Reading
  West Berkshire, RG31 5AR
  0118 942 8240
  
  
• 
  Larkmead Vet Group
  Ginny Greenwood
  111-113 Park Road
  Didcot, Oxon OX11 8QT
  01235 814991
  www.larkmead.co.uk/
  
  
• 
  Larkmead Vet Group
  Ginny Greenwod
  94 High Street
  Sutton Courtenay
  Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4AX
  01235 814991
  www.larkmead.co.uk/

Nope no sign of crustiness or discharge. He looks well. As I've put above he hasn't made the noise again so far but if he does, I will be sure to take him to the vets, thank you for your help

 

[DM030819]

After he did it a couple of times, he hasn't done it again.
If he does it again I will take him to the vets. I live right next to a vets so it's not a problem at all.
I'm using sawdust at the moment and I'm wondering if perhaps I should change to fleece or artificial grass?
I think the artificial grass appeals to me more with puppy pads underneath perhaps.
Does anyone know if that would be adequate?

The sawdust could be contributing to it. It's not recommended as a bedding as the tiny particles can easily get up their noses and cause issues.

Which artificial grass are you thinking of? The only type I know of is the plastic stuff that is used for football fields etc. Plastic isn't a recommended bedding as pigs are prone to chewing plastic. And the urine might not wick through it,

 

[Amy Barton]

My piggys always used to sneeze so I changed their bedding to fleece and I haven't heard one sneeze since and it has been three years. I would definitely change the bedding as sawdust can irratate there breathing and even cause a uri. Good luck!