Small honks

[Rivervixen]

Bruno has started doing small honks which usually indicates a vet visit - how severe could this be? I don’t get paid for another few days and can’t afford whatsoever to take him to the vet right away will he be ok for a few days? Hate to make him wait but literally have no choice and a negative bank balance

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

Is it definitely a honking noise?

Sometimes noises from the nose often indicate a bit of hay or something stuck up there. A couple of mine sometimes do it when they come out from being buried in a new pile of hay! It can just be something irritating them as they have very small and narrow airways.

Or is it honking in rhythm with the breathing?

Either way I do recommend you have him seen by a vet asap as any respiratory issue can quickly escalate. If you are a regular at your veterinary practice they may be able to discuss seeing him and then you paying the bill in a few days?

 

[Wiebke]

Bruno has started doing small honks which usually indicates a vet visit - how severe could this be? I don’t get paid for another few days and can’t afford whatsoever to take him to the vet right away will he be ok for a few days? Hate to make him wait but literally have no choice and a negative bank balance

Hi!

Honking is only a problem if it is persistent over weeks and comes with other symptoms of potential heart problems (which is in all honesty pretty rare if this forum is anything to go by). In most cases, it is just a short term blockage of a nasal passage by some hay/house dust or pollen etc. If you wish, place a bowl of steaming water next to the cage to see whether that helps. A big nose clearing sneeze usually takes of the problem.

See a vet if the problem persists for over 24 hours/recurs regularly for short periods but as long as your boy is eating and behaving normally, there is no immediate reason to worry. See a vet promptly if your boy is suddenly more lethargic/off their food.

 

[Rivervixen]

Thank you for your replies haven’t heard any for a little while but it was small noises, I think it might have been hay up his nose but don’t want to jinx it, will keep this thread updated x

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Hope piggie mends soon,

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

That's great that it seems to have settled. Like I said, mine do it sometimes - one in particular. Their little air passages are so easily irritated by a bit of hay or dust. Keep an eye on him and fingers crossed he's cleared it

 

[VickiA]

One of mine also honks from time to time. Usuallly after she has been digging in the hay tray. I think she must just have narrower airways than the others and it always clears within a couple of hours.