Noisy breathing

[frenchi700]

Hi everyone,

Wilson was treated for a respiratory infection with sulfatrim and loxicom but then got stasis which is is on a few drugs for. His breathing is now very noisy and he’s not eating hay. I’ve given him some critical care and syringed some water into his mouth.
I’ve still got some sulfatrim and I’ve also got some fibreplex which I can put him on until I can call the vets on Monday.
Can anyone offer any other advice please.
Thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

You say he was treated for a URI - how long ago was it?
How long was his course of antibiotics?

Make sure to switch back to daily weight checks and plenty of syringe feeding of critical care to maintain his weight.

If you are worried you may do better to call an emergency vet today rather than wait until Monday

 

[frenchi700]

You say he was treated for a URI - how long ago was it?
How long was his course of antibiotics?

Make sure to switch back to daily weight checks and plenty of syringe feeding of critical care to maintain his weight.

If you are worried you may do better to call an emergency vet today rather than wait until Monday

3 weeks Tuesday he went to the vets about it. He was on sulfatrim for 7 days.

 

[Piggies&buns]

If breathing is noisy again then it is possible not all the bacteria was killed by a 7 day course and it has come back.
The need to breathe comes before the need to eat hence he isn’t eating hay.

In terms of home care, make sure to syringe feed every two hours and keep up with daily weight checks.
I would personally contact an out of hours vet today rather than wait until tomorrow if he has completely lost his appetite

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,

Wilson was treated for a respiratory infection with sulfatrim and loxicom but then got stasis which is is on a few drugs for. His breathing is now very noisy and he’s not eating hay. I’ve given him some critical care and syringed some water into his mouth.
I’ve still got some sulfatrim and I’ve also got some fibreplex which I can put him on until I can call the vets on Monday.
Can anyone offer any other advice please.
Thank you

Hi

I am very sorry.

Please step in with or up your feeding support if he has stopped eating hay and also offer water, as much as he will drink willingly without you squirting it just into his mouth. The need to breathe comes before the need to drink and only thirdly the need to eat. That is why serious breathing problems are always a double whammy on the gut when combined with antibiotics that can also impact on the gut bacteria and that can individually cause a bad reaction - this can unfortunately happen to any antibiotic, like some humans have bad reactions to meds. Sulfatrim is generally one of the better tolerated antibiotics so I am very sorry.

Unfortunately only a vet has the necessary medical training to assess whether it is OK to step in with the sulfatrim again in your complex situation. None of us do.

It sadly sounds like the one week course was not enough and that the warmer/more humid air may be another added pressure factor.

How to contact a vet out of hours or google for an open vet clinic within your reach.

 

[frenchi700]

If breathing is noisy again then it is possible not all the bacteria was killed by a 7 day course and it has come back.
The need to breathe comes before the need to eat hence he isn’t eating hay.

In terms of home care, make sure to syringe feed every two hours and keep up with daily weight checks.
I would personally contact an out of hours vet today rather than wait until tomorrow if he has completely lost his

Hi

I am very sorry.

Please step in with or up your feeding support if he has stopped eating hay and also offer water, as much as he will drink willingly without you squirting it just into his mouth. The need to breathe comes before the need to drink and only thirdly the need to eat. That is why serious breathing problems are always a double whammy on the gut when combined with antibiotics that can also impact on the gut bacteria and that can individually cause a bad reaction - this can unfortunately happen to any antibiotic, like some humans have bad reactions to meds. Sulfatrim is generally one of the better tolerated antibiotics so I am very sorry.

Unfortunately only a vet has the necessary medical training necessary to assess whether it is OK to step in with the sulfatrim again in your complex situation. None of us do.

It sadly sounds like the one week course was not enough and that the warmer/more humid air may be another added pressure factor.

How to contact a vet out of hours or google for an open vet clinic within your reach.

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it.

Finger firmly crossed!

Please speak to a vet clinic whether they need to see your piggy today if the deterioration is very noticeable and is happening quickly. Sudden loss of appetite means that a respiratory issue is not to be taken lightly if the need breathe is impacting on the other major survival needs. Frailer piggies are at a greater risk during and in the wake of heat spikes and hot weather periods.

Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike (the comprehensive advice list)
Hot weather warning for the UK - plan now to keep your piggies safe! (practical experiences and feedback from forum members during the heat record and longer hot period last summer)