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What's Normal?

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Barrett Bonden

Barrett Bonden

Junior Guinea Pig
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I'm just a little concerned about my piggie Boris. In the two weeks that I've had him whenever he is asleep/resting it seems to me that he is breathing heavily - there is a lot of body movement as he breaths. But any other time, for instance when he's running about, sat on my lap or out in his run, he seems absolutely fine. I can't compare him with his friend Eddie because he spends most of his time in his sleeping area out of sight, where as Boris sleeps right in the front corner of the hutch. So my question is, is this the normal breathing pattern of piggies when they sleep or could something be wrong?
 
Everyone breathes more deeply when they are asleep. The body movement is probably to do with the position he's lying in. Watch out for noisy breathing or snot etc., which are warning signs for a uri. Weekly weighing can alert you to any problems as weight loss is often one of the first signs of any illness, but from what you've said, I don't think there is anything to worry about. Of course if you are concerned, a visit to the vet is the right thing to do.
 
Yes my piggies breathe deeply when asleep. Just keep any eye out for any of the symptoms that Elwickcavies has mentioned. If you find that he sleeps more heavily than his friend and is difficult to rouse from sleep please post again as that is one of the signs of a heart condition. I am not worried about that from what you have described so far though.
 
@Barrett Bonden my vet explained that monitoring piggy's breathing, food intake, and weight are indicators of overall health. After piggies turn five years old, health complications start, so you have to monitor your piggy more closely. Older piggies tend to sleep more. My thinking is that you would know better if you're piggy is doing poorly. Would you consider following your gut instinct and having him checked by a vet?
 
Thank you all for your helpful and reassuring comments. I nearly took him to the vets today but I thought that as it was a nice day I would put him out in his run for a short while to see how he responded, and he seemed to be absolutely fine munching away on the grass, so I decided to leave things as they are and just keep a watchful eye on him. But having been out this afternoon I came home and he was just sat inside his hutch and again, though he was awake this time, he still seems to be breathing quickly - you can see his little body moving in and out as he does. Incidentally he has done this ever since I got him just over two weeks ago. Originally I thought it was normal and that their breathing was supposed to be like this. But now I'm really not so sure. It will definitely be a trip to the vets - tomorrow if they are open or Tuesday if not. I will keep you posted as to what happens.
 
Just got back from the vets and it seems that Boris does have some sort of infection. I have been given Metacam and something else that ends in ..tril, not sure what is though. And now I have just used the syringes for the first time. That was fun! :no: I don't think Boris was impressed. Are there any tricks-of-the-trade with regards to the use of syringes? Actually I'm going to put that question in another Post. Any help would be gratefully received. Thanks.
 
Will look out for you other post. I found some clips on you tube when I needed to give my Guinea Pig antibiotics by syringe. I was a complete novice and the clips helped me enormously.
 
It is most likely Baytril, if so please make sure you give probiotics at least an hour after the medication. you can get it from the vets or online and brands are Avipro Plus, Bio Lapis and Fibreplex. You can also get Pro C from Pets at Home.
 
Constantly weigh them each day, check everywhere (including mouth!), monitor food and water and just check on piggie's behaviour. If piggie is fine and its just heavy breathing, it could just be your pig! :)
 
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