Vet appointment needed sooner?

[Bubble64]

So I've recently got my 2 new boys Rocco and Reggie. I've had them for almost 2 weeks, and already, they have both had an eye infection and are both on medication at the minute. I have an appointment in 6 days for the vet to give their infections the all clear. However, from day 1, I've noticed persistent sneezing in Rocco (a sneeze every couple of minutes). The vet said it is most likely part of the infection. Their eyes are noticeably getting better from the infection and they are both active and confident. However, today with Rocco, something just seems off. It's very subtle changes and more just like a gut feeling but he seems quiet, didn't come out for veggies straight away (did eventually) and just seems tired. But the bit that has made me worry, is that he is 8 weeks and so should be gaining around 20g a week ish right? He hasn't gained any weight at all and has lost 20g instead (I know that's normal fluctaution, I try to weight same time each morning). Reggie has gained maybe 20/30g ish whilst having him. Am I just overthinking, should I just wait to hear from the vet in 6 days or is another appointment needed sooner for Rocco? Thanks for any advice

 

[Wiebke]

So I've recently got my 2 new boys Rocco and Reggie. I've had them for almost 2 weeks, and already, they have both had an eye infection and are both on medication at the minute. I have an appointment in 6 days for the vet to give their infections the all clear. However, from day 1, I've noticed persistent sneezing in Rocco (a sneeze every couple of minutes). The vet said it is most likely part of the infection. Their eyes are noticeably getting better from the infection and they are both active and confident. However, today with Rocco, something just seems off. It's very subtle changes and more just like a gut feeling but he seems quiet, didn't come out for veggies straight away (did eventually) and just seems tired. But the bit that has made me worry, is that he is 8 weeks and so should be gaining around 20g a week ish right? He hasn't gained any weight at all and has lost 20g instead (I know that's normal fluctaution, I try to weight same time each morning). Reggie has gained maybe 20/30g ish whilst having him. Am I just overthinking, should I just wait to hear from the vet in 6 days or is another appointment needed sooner for Rocco? Thanks for any advice

Hi

No, your instinct is likely right if he is not thriving like his mate. There could be something else going on.

Unfortunately, the symptoms are rather vague, which is going to make a diagnosis more difficult. How is his eye infection? Since you already have an appointment for next week, with an upcoming bank holiday, I would not try to get an appointment sooner and rather leave that to real emergencies. Vet clinics are currently very busy. It's the usual worest time possible scenario with piggy illnesses. See a vet sooner if the weight loss is picking up quite a bit more with every passing day and it gets beyond 10% of his original body weight.

I would consider trying some top up feeding (offering voluntary extra food) away from the cage once or twice a day at this stage on the home care front.
Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support Levels
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

I am very sorry for your situation and for your bad start. Right now, the situation is not critical.

 

[Merab]

Just offering support

 

[Bubble64]

Thank you. Thankfully his weight hasn't dropped any more this morning but has stayed the same. His eye is definitely doing a lot better which is good but the sneezing is still the same. I will keep the appointment on Thursday and keep weighing regularly and offering top up feed. Thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. Thankfully his weight hasn't dropped any more this morning but has stayed the same. His eye is definitely doing a lot better which is good but the sneezing is still the same. I will keep the appointment on Thursday and keep weighing regularly and offering top up feed. Thank you.

Sneezing without any other symptoms of an respiratory infection developing is generally down to a sensitivity and only very, very rarely to an allergy. There is not a real lot a vet can do in this case but you may want to experiment with the hay you are providing.

Most often it is caused by a sensitivity to hay dust, pollen, perfumes and perfumed products you use in the house.
Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs (please check whether some applies)
A Comprehensive Hay Guide for Guinea Pigs (incl. providers in several countries)

But it is good that the weight is stable and that the eye infection is coming down. See whether some extra mushed pellets he doesn't have to share with his mate