Respiratory Infection - advise please re nebuliser

[Plentyofpigs]

Hello,

I have six guinea pigs. They are all either from a rescue or been given to me because the owner no longer wants them.

One of my pigs has been suffering from a respiratory infection for a few weeks now. She has not been kept in good conditions before coming to me. She is four years old, has previously been used for breeding and been left outside in winter. She came to me just before last winter 2021 with her mate so they were kept warm and been looked after properly since.

She is under the vet and currently on Baytril, Metacam and Bisolvan. On advise of the vet we have now added in a nebuliser twice a day using F10. My guinea pig seems worse with her breathing after using this now for two days. Has anyone got any experience of this, specifically of the guinea pig appearing worse rather than better? I will contact the vet again but just seeing if anyone on this forum has any good advice?

Thank you all for your time.

 

[Siikibam]

Hello and welcome. Well done for taking in those unwanted balls of fluff! As for your unwell girl, I’m afraid I don’t have any experience but offering my support. I will tag @PigglePuggle who’s piggy was previously on Bisolvan. Other members with experience will also pop on the thread in good time I’m sure.

Just a few questions to help them. How long has she been on the baytril and the Bisolvan? And what dose of metacam is she on?

 

[Free Ranger]

Hi, I've no personal experience here but you might want to look at this thread linked below and see a sort of before/after from a poster who is managing her pig's condition. Her piggy won't be 'cured' but can be helped. It looks like it will be lifelong management. There are bits and bobs mentioned within that might ring bells? Or maybe not - best I can do though. Good luck with your good deeds
Use of steroids for chronic lung/respiratory problems

 

[Plentyofpigs]

Hello and welcome. Well done for taking in those unwanted balls of fluff! As for your unwell girl, I’m afraid I don’t have any experience but offering my support. I will tag @PigglePuggle who’s piggy was previously on Bisolvan. Other members with experience will also pop on the thread in good time I’m sure.

Just a few questions to help them. How long has she been on the baytril and the Bisolvan? And what dose of metacam is she on?

Hi,

thank you for your reply, she has been on Baytril for one week .4ml then sulfatrim for two weeks then back to Baytril which she has been on another week (but we have been given a months course) plus .2 metacam and two pinches of bisolvan.

thank you for tagging the other member, I appreciate your help

 

[Plentyofpigs]

Hi, I've no personal experience here but you might want to look at this thread linked below and see a sort of before/after from a poster who is managing her pig's condition. Her piggy won't be 'cured' but can be helped. It looks like it will be lifelong management. There are bits and bobs mentioned within that might ring bells? Or maybe not - best I can do though. Good luck with your good deeds
Use of steroids for chronic lung/respiratory problems

Hi, many thanks for your reply and link.
thats really helpful

 

[piggieminder]

I have nebulised several piggies with F10, I have found they do sound worse before they sound better although some act brighter almost straight away. One of mine had Bisolvan, my vet mixed it into a suspension so I could syringe it. I have found piggies with URI need at least a month on ABs. Red has just finished 2 weeks of Sulfratrim (didn't work), 2 weeks off ABs in case vet needed to take a swab followed by a month of Baytril. The second vet I saw said Sulfatrim rarely works for UTIs and she would always treat with Baytril first. Red finished his Baytril on Monday, I've got everything crossed his infection doesn't come back.

 

[Plentyofpigs]

I have nebulised several piggies with F10, I have found they do sound worse before they sound better although some act brighter almost straight away. One of mine had Bisolvan, my vet mixed it into a suspension so I could syringe it. I have found piggies with URI need at least a month on ABs. Red has just finished 2 weeks of Sulfratrim (didn't work), 2 weeks off ABs in case vet needed to take a swab followed by a month of Baytril. The second vet I saw said Sulfatrim rarely works for UTIs and she would always treat with Baytril first. Red finished his Baytril on Monday, I've got everything crossed his infection doesn't come back.

Thank you so much for your reply. It’s reassuring to hear that you also found your pig sounded worse before sounding better. I will keep nebulising for now and a very close eye on her!

thank you

 

[piggieminder]

If you get at all worried speak to your vet, I know how worrying sick piggies are. Sending healing vibes to your piggie and best wishes to you.