little noises (possibly from the nose?!)

[piggiemummy03x]

so i know its best to just go straight to the vet if you suspect any problems but just thought id ask here while waiting for them to open. i have noticed in the last day little noises (i thought where sneezes but after researching i’m not so sure!) coming from my girls cage, i can’t figure out who is making them or if its both of them but they sound almost like blowing out air from the nose? hence why i thought it was a sneeze! i thought it may have been the hay maybe being a bit dusty but i’m not 100% sure so will get them checked out anyway of corse but just wanted to ask here incase someone is able to help me out. is there a guide that helps to identify what noise it could be? (sneeze, cough etc - the internet is full of mixed opinions!) thanks all and will keep you updated!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Unfortunately it would not be possible for us to identify (and there is no guide on here) as it could be any number of things - eating too fast and coughing, hay dust and sneezing, they can make little noises while cleaning themselves. Equally, puffing air out of their noses can be a sign of annoyance with each other

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Unfortunately it would not be possible for us to identify (and there is no guide on here) as it could be any number of things - eating too fast and coughing, sneeze, they can make little noises while cleaning themselves. Equally, puffing air out of their noses can be a sign of annoyance with each other

thought this may have been the case! thanks for your reply, will keep me eye on them and try to figure out who’s making the noise and contact the vet.

 

[Swissgreys]

Guinea pig noises are such an individual thing that it really is impossible to tell.
What can be an angry noise from one piggy might not mean the same from anotehr.

I would pop them along to the vet for a quick check up.
Are their weights stable?
This can often be the first sign of an underlying problem as guinea pigs are very good at hiding when they feel unwell.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Guinea pig noises are such an individual thing that it really is impossible to tell.
What can be an angry noise from one piggy might not mean the same from anotehr.

I would pop them along to the vet for a quick check up.
Are their weights stable?
This can often be the first sign of an underlying problem as guinea pigs are very good at hiding when they feel unwell.

of corse, will be weighing them today to just be on the safe side but both have been increasing in weight (luna was 10g less than previous week last time i weighed them but thought it could be just empty bladder or not full up on veggies haha) will let you know!

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Guinea pig noises are such an individual thing that it really is impossible to tell.
What can be an angry noise from one piggy might not mean the same from anotehr.

I would pop them along to the vet for a quick check up.
Are their weights stable?
This can often be the first sign of an underlying problem as guinea pigs are very good at hiding when they feel unwell.

so dellas lost 9g since sunday but lunas down 33g, she had also lost 8g the week before that, if i remember correctly a different off 50g weight loss in a week is a worry.. although not 50g i still feel 33g is quite high to loose in 4 days.. phoned the vet however their system is down and was told to phone back this afternoon.. will have to look up other symptoms of RTIs however the only thing i have noticed is this little expel of air i hear every so often, still haven’t worked out who it is and wether it’s happening at certain times ie sat in a hay pile or eating. trying to not worry however its very hard as you probably know!

 

[piggl]

Hard to tell without being there but if it sounds sort of congested when eating/sniffing about it could be a URI (upper respiratory infection)

Obviously that’s a very big statement considering i haven’t heard it but whenever one of my boy sound congested (he has a problem with recurring URI’s) I can tell very obviously when he is suffering.

I can also recommend listening to their lungs, putting your head up against their body and listen closely because more times than not you would be able to hear a rattle if they were having issues with their lungs being filled. You may also be able to hear if it’s coming from their nose/head etc, always good to have more information to tell the vet!

Please don’t worry yourself too much, one thing to see is if they’re still eating/drinking/acting themselves losing weight is a sign you should maybe see a vet on top of the sound but just to let you know guinea pigs can generally fluctuate up to 100g in a day and you’re generally supposed to look out for gradual drop in weight.

It also could just be the noises one of your girls grooming/speaking to each other, but with little piggies who tend to be more delicate maybe getting them checked up would be the best option. Hopefully your girls are just having a chat or as you said it’s a little bit dusty.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Hard to tell without being there but if it sounds sort of congested when eating/sniffing about it could be a URI (upper respiratory infection)

Obviously that’s a very big statement considering i haven’t heard it but whenever one of my boy sound congested (he has a problem with recurring URI’s) I can tell very obviously when he is suffering.

I can also recommend listening to their lungs, putting your head up against their body and listen closely because more times than not you would be able to hear a rattle if they were having issues with their lungs being filled. You may also be able to hear if it’s coming from their nose/head etc, always good to have more information to tell the vet!

Please don’t worry yourself too much, one thing to see is if they’re still eating/drinking/acting themselves losing weight is a sign you should maybe see a vet on top of the sound but just to let you know guinea pigs can generally fluctuate up to 100g in a day and you’re generally supposed to look out for gradual drop in weight.

It also could just be the noises one of your girls grooming/speaking to each other, but with little piggies who tend to be more delicate maybe getting them checked up would be the best option. Hopefully your girls are just having a chat or as you said it’s a little bit dusty.

oh of corse, i can’t say i’ve noticed anything more but also as you say its hard to tell! i was thinking it could be a RTI or URI but didn’t want to investigate too much and scare myself.

does your boy get any other symptoms? neither are off their food and water from the bottle is disappearing, still running around like nutters lol just this little noise i notice every now and then.

i will give listening to their lunges / body a go, just hope i can get into the vets!

i know they can fluctuate however luna has been putting more and more weight on each week so seeing that shes gone down in the last 2 weeks is quite a worry.

i really can’t tell which of the girls is making this noise and most of the time they also have their beads buried in a big pile of hay so not sure if it could be from that!

will the vet be able to tell if either of them have a URI / RTI from checks or is it more symptoms that diagnoses it?

thanks so much for your reply, will keep you updated x

 

[Piggies&buns]

Anything up to 50g is absolutely fine (not 100g in a day). 33g in 4 days on it’s own isn’t a concern. However if it becomes part of a more sustained downward trend and amounts to 100g gradually that you will need to switch to daily weight checks/step in.
A 100g loss in a day constitutes an emergency.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Anything up to 50g is absolutely fine (not 100g in a day). 33g in 4 days on it’s own isn’t a concern. However if it becomes part of a more sustained downward trend and amounts to 100g gradually that you will need to switch to daily weight checks.
A 100g loss in a day constitutes an emergency.

thanks for confirming that, hopefully i’m just being a bit over worried with everything that’s happened previously, i’m always worrying at the slightest things, it would destroy me to know my girls could be suffering and i’m not realising.. i will be doing daily weight checks for the next few days just to be on the safe side and so i can work out if it’s normal fluctuations or if its something more and shes generally is loosing weight.

 

[Piggies&buns]

will the vet be able to tell if either of them have a URI / RTI from checks or is it more symptoms that diagnoses it?

A vet will be able to hear crackling on the chest if it is a respiratory infection. Crackly breathing is one of the main signs, not coughing, sneezing etc. Coughing tends to be from eating too fast but should coughing be because of a URI, then it tends to occur once the infection is well developed.

Definitely keep up with the weight checks and call the vet when you can.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

A vet will be able to hear crackling on the chest if it is a respiratory infection. Crackly breathing is one of the main signs, not coughing, sneezing etc. Coughing tends to be from eating too fast but should coughing be because of a URI, then it tends to occur once the infection is well developed.

Definitely keep up with the weight checks and call the vet when you can, like a little poof.

okay brilliant so it definitely won’t go undiagnosed if either of them had a respiratory infection..

its a really hard sound to explain, i wouldn’t say a cough because sometimes della coughs after eating to fast! as i said i looked up guinea pig sneeze and again this isn’t what the noise is, id describe it as an expel of air.

 

[Piggies&buns]

okay brilliant so it definitely won’t go undiagnosed if either of them had a respiratory infection..

its a really hard sound to explain, i wouldn’t say a cough because sometimes della coughs after eating to fast! as i said i looked up guinea pig sneeze and again this isn’t what the noise is, id describe it as an expel of air.

Expelling air is used as a cleaning method or as a way to convey displeasure

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Expelling air is used as a cleaning method or as a way to convey displeasure

hmm, okay thanks! i did think it could have been to help clear the airways after running through a big pile of hay but as i’ve said i’m just worried about everything!

 

[Piggies&buns]

hmm, okay thanks! i did think it could have been to help clear the airways after running through a big pile of hay but as i’ve said i’m just worried about everything!

It’s good to be vigilant but try not to let worry stop you enjoying them. You didn’t get the best of starts with Della being poorly so I can totally understand your concerns.

Let us know how you get on when they are checked at the vet

 

[Wiebke]

so i know its best to just go straight to the vet if you suspect any problems but just thought id ask here while waiting for them to open. i have noticed in the last day little noises (i thought where sneezes but after researching i’m not so sure!) coming from my girls cage, i can’t figure out who is making them or if its both of them but they sound almost like blowing out air from the nose? hence why i thought it was a sneeze! i thought it may have been the hay maybe being a bit dusty but i’m not 100% sure so will get them checked out anyway of corse but just wanted to ask here incase someone is able to help me out. is there a guide that helps to identify what noise it could be? (sneeze, cough etc - the internet is full of mixed opinions!) thanks all and will keep you updated!

Hi

Guinea pigs have a very small and narrow respiratory tract and they are not much in the way of mouth breathers. This means that every little obstruction in the airway is always very noticeable and sometimes rather alarming.
Generally, you need not worry; most things will resolve themselves within a few hours with a big sneeze or cough.
See a vet if the same noise persists or frequently recurs.

The noises you really need to be aware of is crackling/rasping (especially from the throat and chest) and clicking from the chest, as they can potentially indicate a respiratory infection and in the case of clicking from the chest, pneumonia.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

It’s good to be vigilant but try not to let worry stop you enjoying them. You didn’t get the best of starts with Della being poorly so I can totally understand your concerns.

Let us know how you get on when they are checked at the vet

thankyou so much!

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Hi

Guinea pigs have a very small and narrow respiratory tract and they are not much in the way of mouth breathers. This means that every little obstruction in the airway is always very noticeable and sometimes rather alarming.
Generally, you need not worry; most things will resolve themselves within a few hours with a big sneeze or cough.
See a vet if the same noise persists or frequently recurs.

The noises you really need to be aware of is crackling/rasping (especially from the throat and chest) and clicking from the chest, as they can potentially indicate a respiratory infection and in the case of clicking from the chest, pneumonia.

thanks for your reply! i’ve had my ear to both of them to check for any of that and i can’t seem to hear anything from either of them which is good. i’m wondering if it is maybe what @Piggies&buns has said and its just them clearing themselves.. it definitely isn’t a regular noise (been sat here multiple times for different amounts of time trying to hear this noise and i’ve heard it once) so maybe i am over reacting..

on one hand i really don’t want to be ‘that’ person that takes their pets to the vets all the time but at the same time i’d hate to miss anything and for my girls to suffer.. really tricky situation and at the moment i’m not sure what to do, i probably will get an appointment, even if it is nothing at least i won’t have to worry.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

do you think i should just book the vet straight up or maybe wait to see if its just expelling air.. i don’t want to be over reacting and taking an unneeded vet trip (especially in this heat) but i also don’t want to leave it if its something more serious i still haven’t figured out who’s making this noise yet either!

 

[piggl]

oh of corse, i can’t say i’ve noticed anything more but also as you say its hard to tell! i was thinking it could be a RTI or URI but didn’t want to investigate too much and scare myself.

does your boy get any other symptoms? neither are off their food and water from the bottle is disappearing, still running around like nutters lol just this little noise i notice every now and then.

i will give listening to their lunges / body a go, just hope i can get into the vets!

i know they can fluctuate however luna has been putting more and more weight on each week so seeing that shes gone down in the last 2 weeks is quite a worry.

i really can’t tell which of the girls is making this noise and most of the time they also have their beads buried in a big pile of hay so not sure if it could be from that!

will the vet be able to tell if either of them have a URI / RTI from checks or is it more symptoms that diagnoses it?

thanks so much for your reply, will keep you updated x

He doesn’t get any other symptoms then the snuffly nose, acting fine and eating well, that’s why it can be so hard to tell.

The vet should be able to tell, but in my case my URI’s have mainly consisted of just the breathing sounds, whereas other members may have had a different experience.
As for RTI’s I haven’t had any personal experience with but i believe it consists of more laboured breathing, sneezing, loss of appetite etc. Even though they have very similar symptoms, not really sure i realised there was/is a difference but there must be! I’m just speaking from personal experience.

When identifying the noise i take both my boys out and feed them, it can be quite obvious who it’s coming from but maybe not so much when they’re covered in hay!

I would still personally get a vet appointment because it is definitively better to be safe than sorry but either way i wish you luck at the vets or just in your little girls health!

 

[piggiemummy03x]

He doesn’t get any other symptoms then the snuffly nose, acting fine and eating well, that’s why it can be so hard to tell.

The vet should be able to tell, but in my case my URI’s have mainly consisted of just the breathing sounds, whereas other members may have had a different experience.
As for RTI’s I haven’t had any personal experience with but i believe it consists of more laboured breathing, sneezing, loss of appetite etc. Even though they have very similar symptoms, not really sure i realised there was/is a difference but there must be! I’m just speaking from personal experience.

When identifying the noise i take both my boys out and feed them, it can be quite obvious who it’s coming from but maybe not so much when they’re covered in hay!

I would still personally get a vet appointment because it is definitively better to be safe than sorry but either way i wish you luck at the vets or just in your little girls health!

oh bless him! thanks so much!

 

[Wiebke]

do you think i should just book the vet straight up or maybe wait to see if its just expelling air.. i don’t want to be over reacting and taking an unneeded vet trip (especially in this heat) but i also don’t want to leave it if its something more serious i still haven’t figured out who’s making this noise yet either!

Hi

See whether the noise has disappeared by the end of the afternoon or not and then make an appointment if your anxiety is still really bad.
It takes time and experience to learn what you really need to worry about and what is just a minor transient issue that resolves itself.

I don't know whether you have read this link here or not yet, but you may find it helpful: Pet Owners Anxiety - Practical Tips For Sufferers and For Supporters

 

[Piggies&buns]

You aren’t reporting the real concern of crackly or difficult breathing but it would be best to see the vet for your own peace of mind if you are still hearing it later on.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Hi

See whether the noise has disappeared by the end of the afternoon or not and then make an appointment if your anxiety is still really bad.
It takes time and experience to learn what you really need to worry about and what is just a minor transient issue that resolves itself.

I don't know whether you have read this link here or not yet, but you may find it helpful: Pet Owners Anxiety - Practical Tips For Sufferers and For Supporters

we’ve got a appointment booked in for tomorrow! and then if its nothing at least ill know my girls are ok.. yes i’ve read the guide a fair few times haha, thankyou for re-linking though i will give it another read!

 

[piggiemummy03x]

You aren’t reporting the real concern of crackly or difficult breathing but it would be best to see the vet for your own peace of mind if you are still hearing it later on.

will definitely be keeping my eye out for any other symptoms, maybe even do veggies one at a time too see if i can work out who's scaring mum! appointment booked in for tomorrow, fingers crossed its just me!

 

[Wiebke]

will definitely be keeping my eye out for any other symptoms, maybe even do veggies one at a time too see if i can work out who's scaring mum! appointment booked in for tomorrow, fingers crossed its just me!

Please do not fixate on potential signs of illness. If you cannot figure out who it is, chances are that it is not a big issue.

Keep in mind that your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic just to be on the safe side and not necessarily because they really have an infection of the airways.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Please do not fixate on potential signs of illness. If you cannot figure out who it is, chances are that it is not a big issue.

Keep in mind that your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic just to be on the safe side and not necessarily because they really have an infection of the airways.

thats what i’ve been telling myself! if it was happening lots i’d know who it was, i really do try to be rational but i do really struggle..

thankyou for the reassurance!

 

[piggiemummy03x]

just to let you guys know i’ve weighed both the girls this morning, dellas up by 5g, lunas up by 22g so i think you were right and its just a weight fluctuation! i haven’t heard either make this little poof noise today yet and the more i’m thinking about it the more i think it could just be them clearing their airways… lol literally as i am writing this, della stuck her head in a pile of hay and made the noise! i am starting to worry less but will still go to the vets to just double check.. if they where to be given medication without an actual illness, could this cause a problem?

i also said to my boyfriend that obviously due to the heat, we’ve moved them inside for pretty much the whole day so i’m sat with them constantly listening to everything they do, i don’t know how often they were making this noise while outside so it could literally be that I’m just around them more so i’ve noticed it and started to worry. hopefully the vet doesn’t think i’m nuts..

 

[Wiebke]

just to let you guys know i’ve weighed both the girls this morning, dellas up by 5g, lunas up by 22g so i think you were right and its just a weight fluctuation! i haven’t heard either make this little poof noise today yet and the more i’m thinking about it the more i think it could just be them clearing their airways… lol literally as i am writing this, della stuck her head in a pile of hay and made the noise! i am starting to worry less but will still go to the vets to just double check.. if they where to be given medication without an actual illness, could this cause a problem?

i also said to my boyfriend that obviously due to the heat, we’ve moved them inside for pretty much the whole day so i’m sat with them constantly listening to everything they do, i don’t know how often they were making this noise while outside so it could literally be that I’m just around them more so i’ve noticed it and started to worry. hopefully the vet doesn’t think i’m nuts..

Hi

It's highly likely just a bit of hay dust getting in her nose when piggies stick their head into it and burrow (as they love to do).

 

[piggiemummy03x]

Hi
It's highly likely just a bit of hay dust getting in her nose when piggies stick their head into it and burrow (as they love to do).

yeah i’m starting to think that its this more and more rather than an actual illness! do you think i’m making the right decision still taking them to the appointment or do you think i should maybe cancel and re-book if i notice other symptoms?