Sick Guinea pig..or not?!

[Molzo]

Hi there,
I am unsure whether my Guinea pig is ill (e.g URI) or just a sneezy piggy (for example I’ve heard him sneeze 4 times in the past hour but very irregular?)
He has been on a lot of different antibiotics etc now and he is currently on 12 day course of baytril. He is absolutely fine in himself, eating drinking pooping etc , as well as his cage mate who is fine too!
I change cage fleece bedding 1/2 times a week and use sensitive detergent, I’ve tried different hay also but I am just so confused if he’s actually sick or not!?!

I have bought an air purifier today, I don’t know if this is coincidence but sneezing seems to have reduce slightly (unless it’s the 3 days into the baytril he’s taking)…
… does an air purifier make a difference?

Past experiences / advice would be amazing ?!?

 

[Deleted member 151640]

Is he showing any signs other than sneezing? I do not have any exact advice for you as i do not have that much experience with such.

Are you weighing them daily?

An air purifier will remove dust and such from your room likely meaning it would make a difference, whether it is the reason your boy is sick or not.

 

[Molzo]

Is he showing any signs other than sneezing? I do not have any exact advice for you as i do not have that much experience with such.

Are you weighing them daily?

An air purifier will remove dust and such from your room likely meaning it would make a difference, whether it is the reason your boy is sick or not.

No other signs at all!
I am weighing and they are putting on weight as only 6 months old.

I just don’t know and it’s so confusing whether he is just a sneezy piggy or whether he is actually ill!

 

[Deleted member 151640]

No other signs at all!
I am weighing and they are putting on weight as only 6 months old.

I just don’t know and it’s so confusing whether he is just a sneezy piggy or whether he is actually ill!

I had a boy that had a similar thing, but he had more sort of grungy breathing alongside, the vet pondered on him having just a smaller nasal canal. But my boy also clears up himself within a couple hours.
There is a chance he could just be affected by dusty hay or things such as perfumes, candles etc.

I assume you do not have any of those around? Does the room have a window etc.?
I would probably suggest to just continue with the course and keep a close eye on him, and possibly have a conversation with your vet about your concerns.

 

[Molzo]

I had a boy that had a similar thing, but he had more sort of grungy breathing alongside, the vet pondered on him having just a smaller nasal canal. But my boy also clears up himself within a couple hours.
There is a chance he could just be affected by dusty hay or things such as perfumes, candles etc.

I assume you do not have any of those around? Does the room have a window etc.?
I would probably suggest to just continue with the course and keep a close eye on him, and possibly have a conversation with your vet about your concerns.

Thank you for feedback,
We do not have any candles etc in the room.

There is a window and when I can I crack it open for ventilation.

The vet said about a referral and doing blood test and more tests etc but I just don’t know and not sure if I want to put him through anymore stress!?

 

[Betsy]

Why has your piggy been put on a course of Baytril? What was the diagnosis from the vet?

 

[Molzo]

Why has your piggy been put on a course of Baytril? What was the diagnosis from the vet?

So originally becuase of the sneezing and to clear up any underlying URI that might be there, but he’s on a another course now (extended), but no other symptoms and seems happy which is why I am wondering if it is something else because his other cage mate is fine.
I just don’t know what to do or if I am doing the right thing/over worrying when he’s just a ‘sneezy piggy’

 

[Deleted member 151640]

Just a thought, do you know if your guinea pig would be classed as a guinea pig savvy vet? Perhaps an exotic vet or sometimes you can tell by the way they act around pigs.

If not, there is a chance that they just gave you the antibiotic because they heard sneezing. In my cases they only did more tests etc. if there were clear signs of not getting better, or intense symptoms such as discharge, although there is no harm in getting extra tests down.
When I first took my boy to the vet they did not know what they were doing and just gave him Baytril and sent us on our way, when I felt he had not been looked at properly I took him elsewhere and they did a proper inspection and did not feel he needed to be on the antibiotic and it was causing more issue for my boy.

Aside from that, if you did chose to go down the further test route, there is obviously added stress that comes with that. But I would not put it above getting treatment for my boys. If by referral you mean to a exotic vet you may find that a good next step if you are still worried, but it can be pricy.

For home remedy sort of idea, you can put a bowl of boiling water next to the cage (not in the cage). I really do not want to say anything against your vets diagnosis but I do think it is something to think about as your boy seems to be ok aside from sneezing.

 

[Molzo]

Thank you, I think I will look into it further to see what is going on / see what they suggest.
What was the outcome with your boy? Was it a similar case/situation?

 

[Deleted member 151640]

Thank you, I think I will look into it further to see what is going on / see what they suggest.
What was the outcome with your boy? Was it a similar case/situation?

We left him as he was, changed his bedding and kept his area well ventilated. He loves to be all up in the hay and we think this is often his downfall.
His issue is often grumbly nose, not more so sneezing, but it always clears within a couple hours. This only happens every couple months bear in mind.

I would like to add if the sneezing is 4 times an hour, every hour consistently, then there is a chance your boy is actually sick.
Just want to reiterate I would go with what your vet says but I do think it is something to think about.
Fingers crossed he starts to clear up x

 

[Molzo]

Brilliant thank you very much, our piggy also often hides under the hay and sleeps there. I think I will speak to the vet for their advice but appreciate second opinions and experience!

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

I've been through this with one of mine. Despite two different antibiotics and a nasal culture taken, he was still clicky (a nasal clicky, rather than URT or LRT clicky). He was also a sneezer. In the end there was only one broad spectrum (Azithromycin) that cleared it. This was after seeing a different, even more cavy savvy vet and a trip to Northampton.