Why/How do guinea pigs contract a URI

[Sodapops]

Just a general question really - what are the factors in a guinea pig contracting a URI? My boy was diagnosed by a vet last week as having a URI, but I'm unsure of how he could have caught it since all my pigs are indoor pigs and are bedded on fleece/vetbed. They've not been outdoors for some time now since i never thought it warm enough for them, so am unsure how out of all 9 pigs he contracted a URI out of no where (none of my other pigs have had any symptoms)

FYI the only symptom he had was a rattling/pooping sound when breathing (eyes and nose clear - acting normally - heathly appitite - nothing to suggest he was ill)

Id like to know how this is contracted/passed on really so i can take steps to ensure thgis doesn't happen again (if it's possible)

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

bumping this for you

 

[Amanda1801]

Same reason one of your kids might get one and the other not...

Different levels of immune respose, different susceptibilities. You may just have caught it early enough for it not to have spread!

I'll come up with a more comprehensive answer when I'm awake

 

[Sodapops]

Thanks Amanda - i guess i always just asumed it was only outdoor guinea pigs that were susceptible to URI illnesses due to them catching a chill or similar mallethead - shows how much i know!

It's funny because the vet wasn't hopeful about all my other prigs remaining free of a URI - his words were you'll be incredibly lucky if they don't catch it or don't already have it.

Although i haven't hared any popping sounds from him since last wednesday night, I'm still very wary and checking them all multiple times per day....

Now he's had a URI - will he be more/less prone to having them in the future? What anti-biotics are the best fior treating such an illness (my vet gave baytril first, but if there's a better one, then i'd like to know for my own reference and of course peace of mind).

Thanks again for the reply

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Aw, hope you boy feels much better soon x>>
I think sometimes we as slaves, do beat ourselves up on this kind of thing because we love our furry friends so much so when something happens, we blame ourselves. I did exactly the same when Harley had his bladder stone Like you, I questioned my husbandry, diet etc. for the piggies but as the vet said, it is just pot luck.
Having met you and your gorgeous piggies in their beautiful and perfect homes, know how much you care so it is nothing you have done and know your boy will have a speedy recovery with your expertise.
Don't be too hard on yourself hun p

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Thanks Amanda - i guess i always just asumed it was only outdoor guinea pigs that were susceptible to URI illnesses due to them catching a chill or similar mallethead - shows how much i know!

It's funny because the vet wasn't hopeful about all my other prigs remaining free of a URI - his words were you'll be incredibly lucky if they don't catch it or don't already have it.

Although i haven't hared any popping sounds from him since last wednesday night, I'm still very wary and checking them all multiple times per day....

Now he's had a URI - will he be more/less prone to having them in the future? What anti-biotics are the best fior treating such an illness (my vet gave baytril first, but if there's a better one, then i'd like to know for my own reference and of course peace of mind).

Thanks again for the reply

I think Zithromax is maybe one to keep in mind, reportedly used for stubborn or chronic infections.

 

[Sodapops]

Thanks for the kind words trace i guess i was just so shocked at it being a URI (i had convinced myself it was a bit of dust/hay stuck up his nose) that i started questioning if it was something i'd done.

The vet i saw did mention another anti-biotic (the name i can't remember) and was more than willing to try it if the baytril had no effect first (god i hate it when vets always give out baytril first) - since he only just finished his 5day course of baytril on saturday, I'm still cautious and checking him (and everyone else) multiple times. Fingers crossed the baytril did the trick

Is Zithromax licensensed for use on guinea pigs? The problem with most vets is that they run a mile if something isn't specifically designed for use on guinea pigs - although i think the vet i saw may be open to suggestion - just keeping fingers crossed i wont need to re-visit him for some time

Thanks again for the reply

 

[Amanda1801]

Thanks for the kind words trace i guess i was just so shocked at it being a URI (i had convinced myself it was a bit of dust/hay stuck up his nose) that i started questioning if it was something i'd done.

The vet i saw did mention another anti-biotic (the name i can't remember) and was more than willing to try it if the baytril had no effect first (god i hate it when vets always give out baytril first) - since he only just finished his 5day course of baytril on saturday, I'm still cautious and checking him (and everyone else) multiple times. Fingers crossed the baytril did the trick

Is Zithromax licensensed for use on guinea pigs? The problem with most vets is that they run a mile if something isn't specifically designed for use on guinea pigs - although i think the vet i saw may be open to suggestion - just keeping fingers crossed i wont need to re-visit him for some time

Thanks again for the reply

Was it septrin?

I think it's only baytril thats licensed for use in pigs, but it doesn't mean that others aren't safe - licensing is largely about money, it costs a hell of a lot to get a drug licensed for a species.

They should have a form for you to sign, to say that you authorise the use of off license drugs for treatment. We get our clients to sign one as routine (as long as they agree of course) otherwise you're so limited as to the treatments available.

 

[Sodapops]

Was it septrin?

I think it's only baytril thats licensed for use in pigs, but it doesn't mean that others aren't safe - licensing is largely about money, it costs a hell of a lot to get a drug licensed for a species.

They should have a form for you to sign, to say that you authorise the use of off license drugs for treatment. We get our clients to sign one as routine (as long as they agree of course) otherwise you're so limited as to the treatments available.

Deffo wasn't septrin as that was the first anti-biotic i asked about, my usual vets (that i couldn't get through to - hence why i went elsewhere) does have a form that you sign to state you realize the risks involved - the vet i saw i don't think was completely against the idea of trying other medications, i just think some are very set in their 'ways' and take a little more persuading. I have no doubt that if the baytril didn't work that they would have been open to the idea of giving me septrin or similar...

The vet i saw didn't mess about with his diagnosis - literally as soon as i removed Shadow from his carrier he knew immediately what the problem was - which makes a change from those 'guessing' at what the problem is.....