Sick Guinea pig with a possible URI But my parents have no money for the vet!

[StephsLittleWorld]

Hello! One of my 4 guinea pigs has had crackly breathing recently, isn’t very active and isn’t eating a lot. I’ve searched up a lot and it’s very likely she has a URI/Upper Respiratory Infection. I told my parents about this, but they told me that they don’t have enough money to go to the vet. Me and my siblings are all worried for her, and even the other guinea pigs know she’s not alright. We’re not sure what to do and this issue has been stressing me out like crazy. Please help!

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you are in this awful situation. Could you offer to do some unpaid housework/car washing/baby sitting/gardening etc for the vet fees? Is there are family member/family friend who could lend you the money?
It may well be she has a URI and if that is the case (only a vet can diagnose) she will need some antibiotics to cure it

Good luck

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry to hear your piggy is poorly. They really do need to see a vet. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to clear up. They probably just need some antibiotics. Good luck. I hope you can convince your parents to help your piggy.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please step in with emergency care of stepping in with syringe feeding and switching to daily weight checks.

I'm afraid she needs a vet, there is nothing else you can do to make her better.

Are you an adult?
Is there an adult you can speak to so she can get the help she needs?

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

 

[StephsLittleWorld]

Please step in with emergency care of stepping in with syringe feeding and switching to daily weight checks.

I'm afraid she needs a vet, there is nothing else you can do to make her better.

Are you an adult?
Is there an adult you can speak to so she can get the help she needs?

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

I am still a minor still living with my family. I tried to tell them but even they can’t do much. My mom is trying her best to help out but it’s all getting really overwhelming by the second.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Perhaps your parents could call the vet and have a chat about a payment plan? Are they entitled to any help from a chaeity like the PDSA?
Your piggy needs to see a vet ASAP - if this is an infection it will only get worse - and cost a lot more to treat than if she is seen now.
It's a really hard situation to be in. In the UK at least, your parents would be legally responsible for your piggy and it would be illegal to leave a sick animal without seeing a vet. Not sure if that's the same in the US though.
Best of luck - it will be so much better (and more than likely cheaper) to get her seen ASAP than leaving this and putting her at risk

 

[Merab]

Hope you can get your piggy to the vet and treated.
It’s a tough situation for you.
Holding you in my thoughts

 

[StephsLittleWorld]

Hello! One of my 4 guinea pigs has had crackly breathing recently, isn’t very active and isn’t eating a lot. I’ve searched up a lot and it’s very likely she has a URI/Upper Respiratory Infection. I told my parents about this, but they told me that they don’t have enough money to go to the vet. Me and my siblings are all worried for her, and even the other guinea pigs know she’s not alright. We’re not sure what to do and this issue has been stressing me out like crazy. Please help!

Thank you all for your recommendations. I have shown all of these to my mom and she is looking into it. We do plan on going out to see what we can find for her. She feels awful about this and is helping me control this situation. I am a very nervous and anxious person when it comes to my pets considering I have had a few pass away a few years back. and seeing them like this makes it worse I don’t know what else to do.

 

[ScrufflesRules]

I hope your Mum can help you get your piggy the care she needs, I understand things are really tough financially at the moment.
If it's any help, we have a lot of anxious owners on here who have found this guide useful: Pet Owners Anxiety - Practical Tips For Sufferers and For Supporters
The vet will be able to help her and give you further advice.
P.S. If you have scales at home, I would start weighing her now so that you have an indication of her current weight in case it starts to change. Weight - Monitoring and Management