Cryptosporidium

[Daveandmortyandjerry]

Hi I recently lost a pig to this parasite and unfortunately his brother has also been infected is there anything that I can do about it? The vet wouldn’t prescribe anything, I’ve been syringe feeding him. He’s hanging in there but he’s lost a lot of weight. Just any advice would be good. Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry to hear this.
I don’t know what if there is a treatment or what it would be, but did your vet say why they won’t treat it? Could you try to find a different vet?
I hope he is ok

@PigglePuggle are you able to offer advice here?

 

[Daveandmortyandjerry]

Thanks for your reply. They didn’t really explain very well they just said his only options were to put him down or to give him pain relief until he passes. I was too shocked to take it in really and didn’t process it well. It’s so hard to find alternate vets too.

 

[YvonneBlue]

Sorry that you lost one of your piggies and the the other is is poorly. I remembered this sticky thread. However, it's from sometime ago so there may be new advice out there now. I'm sure one of the forum health experts will along soon.

Cryptosporidium

 

[PigglePuggle]

Cryptosporodium is a nasty protozoan gut parasite which infects many species- and crosses between species too- you can catch it from pets so do be extra cautious woth hygiene especially if you have children around.
Unfortunately thete really are no effective treatments, not for humans or pets, so I'm afraid its a case of hanging in there with subcutaneous fluids, probiotics and recovery food, and hoping for the best
It is one of those things that unfortunately really gets a hold on stressed and immunocompromised baby animals from poor breeding facilities, especially if there is cross-sprcies contamination like perhaps in a pet shop breeder situation.
I'm sorry I cant give more positive news here but it is very often fatal for small animals and very serious even in small children. All you can do is provide supportive care. Best of luck x

 

[VickiA]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have learned something new from @PigglePuggle today in her post above with the relevant information. If you are able to syringe feed, give probiotics and keep giving the fluids, there may be a chance for this little one. I am so sorry that it isn’t better news.

 

[Emx93]

Sorry for your loss and that your other piggy is poorly! My cat had cryptosporidium during lockdown and had horrific diahhrea with it, she also had no treatment as the vet said it is usually self limiting, thankfully the piggies never caught it but we had to be extra careful with them and the children! I have no advice with piggies etc but I wanted to wish you luck!

 

[Daveandmortyandjerry]

Cryptosporodium is a nasty protozoan gut parasite which infects many species- and crosses between species too- you can catch it from pets so do be extra cautious woth hygiene especially if you have children around.
Unfortunately thete really are no effective treatments, not for humans or pets, so I'm afraid its a case of hanging in there with subcutaneous fluids, probiotics and recovery food, and hoping for the best
It is one of those things that unfortunately really gets a hold on stressed and immunocompromised baby animals from poor breeding facilities, especially if there is cross-sprcies contamination like perhaps in a pet shop breeder situation.
I'm sorry I cant give more positive news here but it is very often fatal for small animals and very serious even in small children. All you can do is provide supportive care. Best of luck x

Thanks for the reply, I have been giving him probiotics and he has access to water could you recommend some recovery foods please? Thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thanks for the reply, I have been giving him probiotics and he has access to water could you recommend some recovery foods please? Thank you

Either Oxbow Critical Care or Emeraid. However, if you don’t have any of those/until you can get some, then as an emergency measure you can mush up some of his normal pellets with water and syringe that to him. You will have to cut the end off of a 1ml syringe to be able to be pellet mush through it though.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Crypto is thankfully rare in guinea pigs but that is no consolation for you. I am very sorry that you have come up against one of the true nasties.

You may find our hygiene tips for any cross-species issues very helpful so you can hopefully minimise the risk of transmission; the hygiene tips work both ways - whether you are the ill one or your guinea pigs: Contagion - Pet Care During Owner Illness (incl. Covid)/Pregnancy&Immuno-depression/Zoonosis

 

[Daveandmortyandjerry]

Either Oxbow Critical Care or Emeraid. However, if you don’t have any of those/until you can get some, then as an emergency measure you can mush up some of his normal pellets with water and syringe that to him. You will have to cut the end off of a 1ml syringe to be able to be pellet mush through it though.

Thank you