Beconase nasal spray for guinea pigs

[ShadyPiggies]

Hi everyone!

This is my first time using the forum so I hope I’ve done it right

I’ve just been to the vets with my boy Wombat, he has runny eyes and a small amount of nasal discharge. After a full examination, the vet couldn’t find any signs of an infection or anything else concerning and believes the issue is allergies, as there’s signs of irritation.

I was prescribed Piriton childrens syrup and Beconase nasal spray. I just wondered if anyone has used Beconase for their piggies? I just feel a bit wary and haven’t been able to find any information regarding using it for Guinea Pigs. The vet prescribed one drop per nostril once a day.

Any information would be really appreciated.

Many thanks
Alice

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone!

This is my first time using the forum so I hope I’ve done it right

I’ve just been to the vets with my boy Wombat, he has runny eyes and a small amount of nasal discharge. After a full examination, the vet couldn’t find any signs of an infection or anything else concerning and believes the issue is allergies, as there’s signs of irritation.

I was prescribed Piriton childrens syrup and Beconase nasal spray. I just wondered if anyone has used Beconase for their piggies? I just feel a bit wary and haven’t been able to find any information regarding using it for Guinea Pigs. The vet prescribed one drop per nostril once a day.

Any information would be really appreciated.

Many thanks
Alice

Hi and welcome

Beconase contains steroids (not recommended for rodents). I use it for myself whenever I need a top up but would never use it for my piggies and have never heard of it used for guinea pigs. Considering how small and narrow guinea pig airways are, I would never use a spray for them in the first place nor have I ever heard of anything sprayed into piggy nostrils.

Please be aware that allergies are rare in guinea pigs. Have you checked whether you may have irritants in your home as the more common source of problems?
Here is a list of the most common: Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs

See whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can bring a bit relief. the current extreme heat may also play a role. Have you shifted your piggies to a cooler place recently? Especially as you are right in the way of the extreme heat.
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

 

[ShadyPiggies]

Hi and welcome

Beconase contains steroids (not recommended for rodents). I use it for myself whenever I need a top up but would never use it for my piggies and have never heard of it used for guinea pigs. Considering how small and narrow guinea pig airways are, I would never use a spray for them in the first place nor have I ever heard of anything sprayed into piggy nostrils.

Please be aware that allergies are rare in guinea pigs. Have you checked whether you may have irritants in your home as the more common source of problems?
Here is a list of the most common: Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs

See whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can bring a bit relief. the current extreme heat may also play a role. Have you shifted your piggies to a cooler place recently? Especially as you are right in the way of the extreme heat.
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

Thank you so much for your reply, you have confirmed my concerns. I also use Beconase myself and the thought of giving it to a piggy just didn’t seem right.

We are very careful with what we use in the house and try our best to avoid any of the common irritants mentioned. I will however just double check that I’m not missing something. I will also definitely try the bowl of steaming water, so thank you for that suggestion.

The heat has been a big concern, the piggies are in a room with the blind and curtains closed, a fan, ice packs, damp fabric, regular water changes and cool tiles to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Thank you again for your help and I really appreciate any advice.

 

[Free Ranger]

I might also be cheeky enough to add that if his nasal situation doesn't clear up I'd perhaps go back to a different vet? A second opinion on respiratory infection might be worthwhile if your first vet was recommending things like you mentioned. One of my old girls who retired here used to have bouts of runny nose and eyes that lasted less than a day. She was always fine by the morning, sometimes even by the same evening. This was in the old, old days when I still thought guinea-pigs could get colds like people (they can't). By the time I'd get an appointment at the vet and get her in she'd have no symptoms at all. It wasn't a problem for her, she maintained weight and bobbled round quite happily in her final year here. But the thing that finished her off at 5 1/2 was a resp infection, she got runny again one day and I thought it'd be the same as usual but by the next day she'd stopped eating and puffed right up and she passed that afternoon. We were terribly upset and it might have always been her time but the thing that bothers me is should I have pushed for treatment earlier - should I have filmed her looking symptomatic and shown them, that sort of thing. If Wombat continues to have symptoms I'd probably return to the vet - but for me it's a sensitive issue.

Hope you're all feeling cooler today.

 

[ShadyPiggies]

I might also be cheeky enough to add that if his nasal situation doesn't clear up I'd perhaps go back to a different vet? A second opinion on respiratory infection might be worthwhile if your first vet was recommending things like you mentioned. One of my old girls who retired here used to have bouts of runny nose and eyes that lasted less than a day. She was always fine by the morning, sometimes even by the same evening. This was in the old, old days when I still thought guinea-pigs could get colds like people (they can't). By the time I'd get an appointment at the vet and get her in she'd have no symptoms at all. It wasn't a problem for her, she maintained weight and bobbled round quite happily in her final year here. But the thing that finished her off at 5 1/2 was a resp infection, she got runny again one day and I thought it'd be the same as usual but by the next day she'd stopped eating and puffed right up and she passed that afternoon. We were terribly upset and it might have always been her time but the thing that bothers me is should I have pushed for treatment earlier - should I have filmed her looking symptomatic and shown them, that sort of thing. If Wombat continues to have symptoms I'd probably return to the vet - but for me it's a sensitive issue.

Hope you're all feeling cooler today.

Thank you for your comment and I’m very sorry to hear about your girl. Wombat does seem much better today and the runny nose has completely stopped. When I adopted him the RSPCA said he had had runny eyes and their vet couldn’t find any reason for concern. Since then It does seem to be something that happens occasionally, but the slight runny nose is what worried me this time. Today he’s much cooler and back to his normal chatty self. I will continue to keep a close eye on him though and get a second opinion (from my usual exotic vet) if I’m still worried.

Thank you again