Update To: Is It Possible That My Piggie Is Still Sick?

[ambybamby]

Here is the link to my original post:
Is It Possible That My Piggy Is Still Sick?

So, long story short my little Georgey was sick with a URI for two weeks at the least, and we had brought him into the vet a second time. The veterinary clinic I go to sees guinea pigs on the reg, so I have faith that they know what they're doing. They had prescribed George Baytril for a week course, but it more than likely wasn't enough, so our vet has given him a 10 day course of Zithromax (azithromycin) with 0.4ml per day. It is going on 5 days now, with his symptoms slightly improving (no more crust on his nose, however there is occasional very slight discharge/less sneezing), and since he's a 3 month old pigget, he is gaining weight at a good rate (he gained 0.1 lb between vet appts. that were one week apart). He still has sniffles, but I'm not noticing any other signs of a URI.

However, even though he is steadily gaining weight and is lively and responsive, he chooses to sit out in the open area of his cage rather than lay in the hut with his bigger brother, Fred. They seem to try to dominate each other alot, but I don't see them fight over food or water. I'm sensing some territorial issues but should I be concerned for George's health? Or is it a result of the two being at odds with each other? We got them both at the same time and they seem to have been from the same litter. I know I seem like I got a little off track, but I would appreciate some advice as to what I should do to make George more comfortable and to feel better.

 

[Freela]

I wouldn't assume he's sick just because he is choosing to lay around outside the cage. Pigs are not constant cuddlers... even happy pairs will not necessarily snuggle up next to each other all day. My own girls (they're a bonded pair who have lived together for two years now) only share the pigloo at night... most other times they take turns. They are comfortable napping out in the open as well. Some dominance issues are normal, especially given the fact that they are young and going through a hormonal age. Hopefully someone with more boar experience can give you clearer advice (I've only got sows.)

 

[ambybamby]

@Freela

Oh, okay. I've had a lone girlie pig in the past, so I've never had to deal with two boys and their space. And what you have to say from experience makes me feel less anxious about their current predicament (I put their care before my feelings, but even so it's comforting to know that). They seem to be doing fine besides the occasional separate sleeping arrangement, as they do sleep together often, but I wasn't sure if them voluntarily sleeping apart was normal.

Also, I know I didn't mention this in my original post, but it seems as though Georgey tends to make a low purr/rumbling noise whenever he gets close to Fred, when he gets excited, and when his butt gets petted. From what I've experienced, I believe it's the noise they make when they want to mate, but could it have other meanings?

 

[Adelle]

@Freela

Oh, okay. I've had a lone girlie pig in the past, so I've never had to deal with two boys and their space. And what you have to say from experience makes me feel less anxious about their current predicament (I put their care before my feelings, but even so it's comforting to know that). They seem to be doing fine besides the occasional separate sleeping arrangement, as they do sleep together often, but I wasn't sure if them voluntarily sleeping apart was normal.

Also, I know I didn't mention this in my original post, but it seems as though Georgey tends to make a low purr/rumbling noise whenever he gets close to Fred, when he gets excited, and when his butt gets petted. From what I've experienced, I believe it's the noise they make when they want to mate, but could it have other meanings?

Rumbling at each other is just them sorting out who is boss, it is normal.

However if you are concerned that one is being booted out of the house please provide another hidey for him, especially since he has a URI, he should have somewhere cosy to sleep even if his brother doesn't want to share.

All the best x

 

[ambybamby]

Okay, thank you! I've been using my old shirts as hideys until I can find the time to go out and buy an actual one, and he seems to like those. George is very silent besides his little rumbles and has been since we adopted him, so I was starting to get a little worried. Thank you guys for your feedback!

 

[Freela]

@Freela

Oh, okay. I've had a lone girlie pig in the past, so I've never had to deal with two boys and their space. And what you have to say from experience makes me feel less anxious about their current predicament (I put their care before my feelings, but even so it's comforting to know that). They seem to be doing fine besides the occasional separate sleeping arrangement, as they do sleep together often, but I wasn't sure if them voluntarily sleeping apart was normal.

Also, I know I didn't mention this in my original post, but it seems as though Georgey tends to make a low purr/rumbling noise whenever he gets close to Fred, when he gets excited, and when his butt gets petted. From what I've experienced, I believe it's the noise they make when they want to mate, but could it have other meanings?

Rumbling and rumblestrutting (a swaying walk with the rumbling sound) is a normal dominance behavior. Guinea pigs do this to sort out the hierarchy. In any guinea pig group, there is going to be a ranking of individuals from highest to lowest- this is part of how they figure that out.