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Suspected URI

rp1993

rp1993

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Hi, My guineapig has been sneezing a lot over the past few weeks, I had a call with the vet (2 weeks ago) who suspected it could be allergies from washing powder or a gel air freshener, I have since took this away and have switch to no bio for their bedding but he still sneezing, I was just holding him and his breathing was almost making a whistling sound, it sounded similar to if you were blowing a beach ball up.
I have listened to my other pig and he did not sound the same.
He does not have any other symptoms, eyes look fine, no nose discharge and he is eating and drinking no problem.

Is it likey to be a URI? Should I call the vets again and insist on taking him in?

Any advice welcome! Thanks
 
How much is he sneezing? It is normal for them to have several sneezes a day - they do it as a way of cleaning, and also if they eat too fast but if the sneezing is excessive then all medical explanations need to be ruled out before allergies are assumed, so yes, he should be seen
 
He sneezes between 5 - 10 times a day i'd say,is that normal? The eating to fast makes sense as he does sometimes sneeze when he is eating hay, he is a very greedy, speedy eater.
 
Is the hay too dusty maybe?
Sporadic sneezing is not necessarily a problem, as mentioned there can be non medical reasons for that, it’s if you are getting bouts of constant sneezing over a short period
If this has been going on for a couple of weeks and there has been no worsening or other symptoms, then it’s possible it’s not a uri - they tend to get quite poorly with other clear symptoms of a uri, but it is always best to see a vet for any concerns particularly where breathing is concerned
 
The hay was my initial thought I swapped from PAH to Burgess excel and have just took delivery of a hay box today- hoping this will help.
Its not got any worse and it has been a good few weeks, I will give them another call to check, fingers crossed it is just normal sneezing.
Thank you for your advice!
 
rp1993 said:
The hay was my initial thought I swapped from PAH to Burgess excel and have just took delivery of a hay box today- hoping this will help.
Its not got any worse and it has been a good few weeks, I will give them another call to check, fingers crossed it is just normal sneezing.
Thank you for your advice!
Click to expand...

I use haybox and can confirm that it is dust free so if your piggy’s problems are dust related, then that will help, but it is always best to see a vet for such concerns rather than assume
 
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