Frustrated and need to vent.

[wizardly]

I got my first guinea pigs October 2020: Bunny and Oscar. Back then, I did not know that getting pet store pigs was a no-no. The two were overall happy and healthy, then Bunny got sick in November and passed away. At this point, I knew that guinea pigs shouldn't live alone. I looked for guinea pig rescues in my area and they were all too far away. I (stupidly) went to the pet store again and got my Joey. He quarantined for two weeks and had a clean bill of health from the vet so I housed him with Oscar. One day, however, I came home and Joey was sneezing with eyes crusted shut. The vet was closed and the emergency vet was a 3 hour drive, so I took him back to the pet store "vet". He got better over the course of a week, so I brought him home again.

Fast forward a little bit, and Joey came down with another URI, along with Oscar. Another round of antibiotics and separation. Put them back together. Joey starts puffing up and is very lethargic. Take him to the vet and turns out he has Coccidia and ringworm in his poo! Split the two again. Joey was on Critical Care and antibiotics. Legitimately thought he wouldn't make it. I finally put the two together again. Joey was sneezing so he was put on antibiotics again. Separated for a week and put them back together. Now, they're BOTH sneezing again.

I am a college student who's living paycheck to paycheck. I love my pigs, but these vet bills are starting to rack up and it's getting ridiculous. I told myself "If they get sick again, I am going to have to surrender them after treatment because this is starting to burn a hole in my wallet". I have another vet appointment scheduled for Wednesday, and I just don't know what to do. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I sit it out and persevere? Am I a bad piggy mom?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm sorry to hear you are having such difficulties with them. You definitely aren’t a bad piggy mum. Unfortunately bad/mass breeding etc can make things like this occur, it’s not something you’re doing.

Who is advising you to keep separating them and then putting them back together? Separating causes them stress which in turn can lower the immune system and make them more likely to not be able to fight things off. Unless there is a legitimate reason and serious risk of harm to a well piggy, then generally we don’t advise to separate on medical grounds. There is also a risk by constant separating and reuniting that it can break their bond. This is another reason we don’t recommend separating in medical grounds - it’s been known for this to cause a complete break down and they then refuse to go back together again meaning more expense in setting up separate cages.

Have you been weighing them?
Are they on a good hay based diet with a good amount of vitamin c rich veg? It’s a good idea to give a short term boost of supplementary vitamin c during periods of illness.
What antibiotics are they being given and how long has each course been? I’m just wondering if the courses aren’t the most effective antibiotic and/or aren’t long enough, pockets of infection remain and flare back up once off antibiotics

 

[CV26]

You have my sympathy. I hope your piggies get better soon.

I've been dealing with stubborn and persistent URI symptoms in both my boys since I got them in August. Along with upset stomachs thanks to medication and ear infections too. I think I've spent over £1000 fire fighting symptoms and trying to solve the problem for them.

Sadly we don't think we can cure my boys. The damage has been done and they'll most likely be on and off antibiotics now for however long we get to enjoy their company. Even on antibiotics they both sneeze a fair amount still and Dash has a constant crackly nose - but at least they gain weight, are active and seem happy in themselves.

You're not a bad piggy mum. You've taken them to the vets and tried to help them the best you can. You're also recognising your limitations and although it may lead to a hard decision it sounds like you really want to do the best for them. That is a sign of a good owner so go easy on yourself.

I agree with everything Piggies&buns has said.

I'd see about getting them antibiotics for a lot longer - my boys are on an 8 week run now before we might try and see if they can have a break from them for a bit. I'd also suggest trying a different antibiotic to see if that makes a difference - we've gone through 4. Don't forget probiotics to help their gut though as antibiotics can cause tummy upsets.

I also advocate weighing them regularly too. I weigh mine daily now when I do their meds...I can tell if their symptoms are affecting their appetite and step in if I need to. If they're still gaining weight or maintaining then I know we're in an ok place that day.