Convulsions in guinea pig

[Sanda]

Dear all,

I am so worried. My guinea pig has started having short episodes where she would try to lay down then sneeze and begin to have what looks like convulsions or trying to be sick every second or so, then cough again and return to acting like this never happened.
It mught sound like hiccups but it's definitely not it. I have been to the vets, she's had anti inflammatory medication as she's a bit wheezy but no crackling noises in her chest. Was presented with a pricey bill with no results.. This is why I'm seeking advice on here.

I have a perfect video of her having an episode but I can't seem to post it here.

She's been doing this for over two months, I'd say not very often, I've seen it happen 4 times but last 3 times in the past 3 weeks. It breaks my heart.

I'd appreciate if someone could help me with understanding what could be wrong with her

Thank you,
Sanda

 

[Siikibam]

First thing is please change your location to your county. You shouldn’t share your postcode online, it’s visible to anyone who wants to see it. You have to be careful with what you share

I’m afraid we can’t tell you what is wrong. We’re not vets and nor can we replace them. I would take her to the vet again. Was it just her chest that was checked? Were her teeth/mouth checked?

Is the vet experienced with guinea pigs?

 

[Sanda]

First thing is please change your location to your county. You shouldn’t share your postcode online, it’s visible to anyone who wants to see it. You have to be careful with what you share

I’m afraid we can’t tell you what is wrong. We’re not vets and nor can we replace them. I would take her to the vet again. Was it just her chest that was checked? Were her teeth/mouth checked?

Is the vet experienced with guinea pigs?

Hi,

Thank you for your reply! Oh, silly me. I only just registered, will have it changed in a moment, thank you!

I'm not seeking a diagnosis, just wondering if anyone has experienced this before? I am planning on returning to the vets, but wondering if anyone could give me an idea on what this could be. Piggy is like my baby, her sister is totally fine

They checked her chest only, said she's a bit wheezy and prescribed me cat medicine as they didn't have one for the piggies but apparently the same thing. I do believe the vets. But it hasn't touched it

Her eating and drinking is fine, I weighed her and she's a healthy 985g. X

 

[Siikibam]

An anti inflammatory won’t do anything for wheezing. Is there anything dusty or anything perfumes in the room she lives in? Candles, air freshener, dusty hay etc.

I would get her checked out because of the pawing at her mouth and appearing to gag. It could be something is stuck in her teeth or mouth. When did you last weigh her? How old is she? And does she live alone?

 

[Sanda]

An anti inflammatory won’t do anything for wheezing. Is there anything dusty or anything perfumes in the room she lives in? Candles, air freshener, dusty hay etc.

I would get her checked out because of the pawing at her mouth and appearing to gag. It could be something is stuck in her teeth or mouth. When did you last weigh her? How old is she? And does she live alone?

I weighed her last Friday. She's 2 years old, she lives with her sister in the same cage x
I'm unsure, I was thinking this may have been caused by air freshener that I had in a hallway. As soon as she started having symptoms 2nd time I used it, I removed it immediately. I am totally guilty for it, I did not realise how harmful they can be. But! I hope this has not caused life long if not lethal consequences.

Don't think there is anything stuck in her mouth, she's eating and drinking absolutely fine and poop looks normal, is running around. The episodes has only happened when she tries to stretch out and lay down on me.

Thank you again for your reply! I really appreciate it.

What I'm also worried about is the competency of the vet. As you say, anti inflammatory meds, especially meant for cats, will not help with wheezing.. If I return, they will probably need to do more tests etc which will cost me a small fortune that I do not have.

Is there anything I can do in the meantime? Apart from taking her to the vets which I will still do but worried how much it will cost..

Thank you,
Sanda

 

[Free Ranger]

You need to return to either this vet - or a different vet if you're not satisfied and see if you can show them the video. Have a look at the green bar at the top and see if there is a vet near you listed on the locator. Or a guinea-pig rescue near you that you can contact and see which vet they use. There is also the option of PDSA for some people but you have to be eligible - like on certain benefits Check if you're eligible If you're stuck just call a few in the phone book and ask the price of a consultation. I chose my vet practice because some of the vets kept pigs themselves. It's worth a bit of research.

What looks like 'convulsions' can be caused by so many different things. But your girl has other symptoms - chesty symptoms - that healthy piggies don't have. She might be struggling to breathe and trying to clear her airways. If the episodes have increased it's important to get it seen to. She might need antibiotics for an infection - and this could be for less than a week or for longer, like a few weeks. The cat medicine you have might be 'cat' metacam? (or loxicom?) which is a painkiller. There is a stronger dog version which my vet uses. It freaks you out a bit to see the cat/dog label but it's standard practice to be used for guinea-pigs. It helps with discomfort but won't cure an infection, if that's the problem.

Have a think about whether the episodes come out of the blue, or happen at certain times such as when fresh hay is added, or when she's trying to eat, or when the temperature changes or the weather is wet. And you say it's only been happening for a few months - is this how long you've had them or have you had them longer than this and she's been fine? Is she very young or old?

 

[Siikibam]

Cat metacam is okay to prescribe but it’s not an antibiotic. If you want a second opinion then you can try one of the vets on the list below. Guinea pigs have narrow airways and sensitive respiratory systems so perfumes and dust can affect them. Hopefully it’s something simple to resolve.
Vet Locator