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Uri, Help! :(

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JessyD2

JessyD2

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I lost my poorly piggy last night to URI. We took her to the vet & she was started on antibiotics but unfortunately my baby was too ill & didn't make it. She was a shop bought piggy & I wish I'd known the URI is common amongst them.

I've got another pig that shared a cage with my ill piggy for 3 weeks (we had no idea she was ill until 3 days ago). I'm now incredibly concerned about her. She is showing absolutely no signs of URI, I haven't heard her sneeze once, she isn't snotty, her eyes are fine, she's running, popcorning, making her usual noises, eating & drinking fine. However I can't shake the fear that she is going to get unwell. I feel really lost as to what to do as when I took my deceased piggy to the vet when she first started looking really unwell, the vet said she didn't even know what was wrong with her! It was after some Googling I managed to diagnose what it was.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated. I should mention that my current piggy is only around 10 weeks old & not from a pet shop. We want to get her another friend asap but I feel completely lost as to what to do regarding her possibly having caught the URI & it being undetected.
 
Scrap that, literally just after posting this I heard her sneeze a couple of times! :( we'll be taking her to the vet tomorrow then, I really hope it's not too late for this little one. I couldn't bear to lose another baby :(
 
JessyD2 said:
I lost my poorly piggy last night to URI. We took her to the vet & she was started on antibiotics but unfortunately my baby was too ill & didn't make it. She was a shop bought piggy & I wish I'd known the URI is common amongst them.

I've got another pig that shared a cage with my ill piggy for 3 weeks (we had no idea she was ill until 3 days ago). I'm now incredibly concerned about her. She is showing absolutely no signs of URI, I haven't heard her sneeze once, she isn't snotty, her eyes are fine, she's running, popcorning, making her usual noises, eating & drinking fine. However I can't shake the fear that she is going to get unwell. I feel really lost as to what to do as when I took my deceased piggy to the vet when she first started looking really unwell, the vet said she didn't even know what was wrong with her! It was after some Googling I managed to diagnose what it was.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated. I should mention that my current piggy is only around 10 weeks old & not from a pet shop. We want to get her another friend asap but I feel completely lost as to what to do regarding her possibly having caught the URI & it being undetected.
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Hi and welcome!

I am very sorry for your loss. It can really shake you as the speed can be terrifying!
Some strains of URI can hit very quickly, and it can become a race against time in some cases, especially with guinea pigs whose immune system is not fully developed yet when they undergo some major upsets in their young lives.

The good news is that in most cases the immune system in healthy companions can deal with it and that they don't catch it. For the time being, just keep your remaining girl under supervision/quarantine, but without expecting her to necessarily come down with it.
Please have a look at our vet locator on the top bar to see whether you have got one of our recommended piggy savvy vets within your reach. Guinea Pig Vet Locator

I would recommend to make sure that you have got stuff for syringe feeding, probiotics and some vitamin C tablets at home at all time as emergencies never happen at a good time, so you can step in with syringe feeding as soon as you notice any loss of appetite/weight loss. Weigh your remaining piggy once daily before you give her dinner for best comparable results. You need to consider stepping in with top ups if the weight loss from day to day is more than 30g.
You can find all the relevant information in these links here:
First Aid Kit For Guinea Pigs
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Unfortunately, it also means that - as tough as the loss is - you will have to wait a couple of weeks until you find a new companion for your little girl (quarantine). If you can get there, I would strongly recommend to take her to one of ou recommended rescues as they all have a mandatory quarantine and pregnancy watch, so you can be sure to not have any nasty surprises. Most allow dating under expert supervision at the rescue. Age is much less of a concern that mutual liking; neutered boars, if available, are also an option. You can start making enquiries as soon as you like at any of the rescues you can get to, as it usually takes a bit of time to set it all up.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator

You are welcome to post a tribute to your poor little girl in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you. We all grieve differently, but we are there for you if you struggle with the process. It is normal feeling panicky and like a failure after the unexpected death of a piggy. it is only a testament to what a caring and responsible owner you are!
Please take a deep breath! It is rather unlikely that you are going to lose your other piggy; certainly not immediately. Concentrate on being strong for her and giving her the comfort and support she needs now until she is ready for a new friend. Imagine sending her green healing thoughts, if that helps you as well.
 
Thank you for your kind words, it's a very horrible feeling as I feel so responsible for Keira (my piggy that passed away) even though it was really too late to help her.

I was just wondering, is it true what I've read online about Baytril? That it's not very good for young pigs, Natalie is 2 months old. My partner is going to take her to the vet today for peace of mind, I did hear her sneeze 3 times after making this post last night, & am wondering if the vet would suggest we give her the Baytril we have left from Keira as a precaution. Is there a more suitable antibiotic for a young pig like Natalie?
 
I don't know much about baytril apart from its an appetite killer so maybe it's worth asking about a different one
 
I would speak to the vet, the main issue with Baytril is that it affects the gut and so I would give probiotics about an hour after each dose. You can buy one in Pets at Home called Pro C. An alternative antibiotic would be Septrin but most vets go for Baytril first as it is the only one actually licensed for guinea pigs.

I'm so sorry for your loss.
 
My vet told me everything is harder on baby pigs and was the one to turn me into Bene-bac (probiotics) and even when my baby pictures g was eating I was supplementing with an additional 20ml of critical care throughout the day. Good luck and I am so sorry.
 
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