Watery Eyes And Strange Noises?

[Zar-Zar]

Hello everyone again. I noticed today that my guinea pig has slightly watery eyes (very slightly but different than normal, like the 'water' collects a little bit at the bottom of her eye in the corner) and her squeak/rumbling is very strange. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it's sort of deeper, and rawer, (the purring) and her squeaks sound muffled.

I'm so upset, I feel like an absolutely terrible owner. This is the same guinea pig with the possible fungal infection (which I believe I have found the source of, [I should have never tried to grow plants] and have sanitized vigorously), and the swollen toe. :,(

I am taking her to the vet today at 3, because she's definitely going to need more help than I alone can give her. I was just wondering what you all thought about this new development of watery eyes and muffled squeaks?

Oh and she's 5. If that has anything to do with anything, I don't know, gah, I think I'm rambling because I'm so worried!

 

[helen105281]

It does sound like it may be an upper respiratory infection. Don't blame yourself, it is common for a pig that already has one illness to come down with another as their immune system is suppressed. She will most likely need a course of antibiotics (and probiotics) and possibly some diuretics if she has fluid on her chest at all. Bisolvon and steam therapy would be good for clearing any mucous. I am not sure if you can get Bisolvon in the US though there may be an equivalent.

 

[Zar-Zar]

Thank you for replying! The vet prescribed a antibiotic (and probiotic) for the foot as well as the URI. Luckily it hasn't progressed far enough that Autumn has stopped eating, so no critical care is needed, but I have some in the fridge just in case. I trust the vet, but I'm a little nervous too, will the one antibiotic cure both? I thought that a different antibiotic is normally used on URI than on infections on feet/body? She also didn't prescribe any diuretics, so I'm worried about that too.

Also, I'm not sure if you know this but when should I expect improvement with her watery eyes/muffled squeaks/raspy breathing? I'm going for a check-up in 5 days so I'm sure if anything is wrong or not working they will get right on it, but I thought I'd ask you still! I have only given her two doses of her medication so far (last night and this morning) so I suppose I'm not seeing any difference yet because it's so soon!

One good thing is that her toe is already less red and and is healing nicely.

Thank you so much for your reply, and for reassuring me, it makes sense that they could get sick with other things too, due to their delicate immune systems. (: