Constant sneezing, crackly breathing, URI?

[Popcorn bby]

Hi! So let's get straight to the point, I'm really stressed. I have two guinea pigs, Popcorn and Pumpkin. Yesterday, I noticed Pumpkin was sneezing quite a bit. I wasn't monitoring too closely though, I just kept hearing her sneeze. It was usually one sneeze every time, but it was minimum 10 sneezes throughout the day (keep in mind I was gone 8 hours). Today, she's been sneezing like crazy. Still, it's usually one sneeze but it's so many times. She's sneezed already about 10 times and it's barely noon. Even in places with no dust, like in my arms, she's sneezing. Now, here's where it gets complicated. Pumpkin has something where at all times, even with no URI, she has crackling noises. They are mostly heard when you lift her up and put her to your ear but every once in a while you can hear it outside of her. It's a thing that she has. So she's making a lot of those crackling noises now, and basically I can't tell if it's just the normal ones or URI ones. They're pretty loud thugh, I'm holding her on my lap and I can hear them now. The other piggie is not sneezing as much, but she is sneezing. Should I wait and see what happens? I have some doxycline for them leftover from when they had a URI months ago, with the dosages and everything. Should I start them both on it now or wait? I'm quite strsssed.

 

[Lady Kelly]

You should consult your vet before giving any medication. All medication has a shelf life and you need to ensure that it is safe to give. Also the dosages need checking against their current weights which are likely different to when the medication was prescribed

 

[Piggies&buns]

Only a vet can diagnose any problem. I would get them checked over as soon as possible. dont give them any medication without seeing a vet.

 

[Popcorn bby]

You should consult your vet before giving any medication. All medication has a shelf life and you need to ensure that it is safe to give. Also the dosages need checking against their current weights which are likely different to when the medication was prescribed

THey do have an expiration date but I completely agree w the thing you said ab the weights. Also I'm holding off on it, for I don't think they have a URI, but I'll keep an eye out. I know you're not a vet, but do you think that if tomorrow they're still the same, they're in the clear? Just asking cause I know URIs can worsen quite quickly. Any possibilities?

 

[Popcorn bby]

Only a vet can diagnose any problem. I would get them checked over as soon as possible. dont give them any medication without seeing a vet.

I'm holding off on the medication, but like I asked already, if they're still the same tomorrow, does that possibly mean that they're in the clear?

 

[Popcorn bby]

Upsate: the crackling noises have gotten way more prominent in Pumpkin. There's still some sneezing but I would say a tad bit less. I really need advice, should I take them to the vet tomorrow or keep waiting?

@Wiebke
@Abi_nurse


Anyone please help!

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’d go to a vet. Do you not have a vet open today near to you?

 

[Popcorn bby]

I’d go to a vet. Do you not have a vet open today near to you?

It's currently midnight and there's no way my mom is taking me. We would have to go tomorrow at about 2-4pm. I'm not sure if anyone knows, but the crackling noises are coming more from her stomach area rather than her upper body (lung) area. Could this mean that the crackling is something else? When I listen to her lower body it literally sounds like a soda can fizzing up, really loud. Could this possibly be allergies or dusty hay? Once again, the symptom in both of them is sneezing about 15 times a day at least for Pumpkin, and about 8-10 for Popcorn. And although I haven't got the chance to check for crackling in Popcorn yet, a really distinct cracklings noise coming from inside Pumpkin's torso area is another huge symptom. That's about it. Any thoughts? @Wiebke you always have the best advice which could really be used right now!

 

[Lady Kelly]

Take them to a vet asap especially if it is getting worse

 

[Abi_nurse]

Please seek prompt veterinary care for your little ones. Even if you call them for some advice prior to going in. Cracking breathing is not normal at all and can worsen quite quickly so best get them to the vet as soon as you can. Please don't start any medications without prior speaking to the vets.

Hope you get them sorted.

 

[VickiA]

Please do not start any treatment before a vet has seen and advised.