vets just don’t know. Guinea pig sneezing a lot/ 1 runny nostril metcam not working.

[Wiebke]

Ok il make sure these things are mentioned when the vet calls later then thank you, cos they didn’t have any ideas of next steps besides the procedure of full nasal check/flush etc but I think your right and a swab would be a good idea first and foremost. Then possible conscious X-ray that the other suggested. Been steaming his hutch last couple days does seem to make him breath much better so I don’t think the solution is needed but Il bare it in mind just incase. This forum is great by the way! Never used one before, and especially didn’t expect any replies on this particular one for some reason. Thanks

We have a very distinct forum ethos for being a friendly and supportive community, which is carried by our members in addition to 15 years of experience on a lively forum, pre-dating social media and in some cases have owner experience that reaches back half a century and between us can cover practical care experience for quite a number of issues but of course never all; especially with the massive strides that veterinary diagnostics are still making. We are not a medical forum as such.

We do however promote working with vets and focus on helping to show up potential further avenues we know of from our own experiences in conjunction with the treating vet and on giving ongoing practical and moral support for as long as needed. Unlike social media, we can let a thread run for as long as needed in order to provide personalised support for your specific problem and situation. Being able to keep each case to one support thread means that you won't get the same standard advice that has already been ruled out all the time.

By the way, we also have a great practical information resource. We promote welfare but in a pragmatic way since we are all still on the same journey and rather try to help everybody make the best of their own possibilities.
Here is the access link: Comprehensive Owners' Practical and Supportive Information Collection

 

[Lady Kelly]

Yes that's what I do have. I said I also use it to disinfect cages.

I'm not sure why you took Eileen's comment personally. She was clarifying that there are two types of F10 and to make sure the OP gets the correct one. It's not clear whether the OP was already aware of this so it is very sensible advice.
We also don't have a rule about repeating advice otherwise we'd be deleting comments all day long so two people giving the same advice really isn't an issue.

 

[BossHogg]

I stated what it was in my first post. My vet told me I could also use this to disinfect cages. Please look at the conversation properly next time.

Please be mindful that the written word can come across a lot harder than it's meant to be, I'm pretty sure no offence was meant.

 

[Livia Rabideau]

For one of my girls with a runny nostril my vet tried injectable cerenia mixed with saline. A drop in her nostril each day. Seemed to help clear it up.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I'm not sure why you took Eileen's comment personally. She was clarifying that there are two types of F10 and to make sure the OP gets the correct one. It's not clear whether the OP was already aware of this so it is very sensible advice.
We also don't have a rule about repeating advice otherwise we'd be deleting comments all day long so two people giving the same advice really isn't an issue.

I did not take it personally, just wanted to state that I gave out the correct information in my earlier post and to read things correctly before assuming that I am giving out frankly dangerous advice which I would never do. The reply just seemed abrupt. All I was trying to do was help someone in need.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I did not take it personally, just wanted to state that I gave out the correct information in my earlier post and to read things correctly before assuming that I am giving out frankly dangerous advice which I would never do. The reply just seemed abrupt. All I was trying to do was help someone in need.

Ah I think it's just the way the written word can be taken. I certainly didn't read it as any accusation or assumption about your advice just extra clarification to ensure someone doesn't buy the wrong one which is quite easy to do when you are frantically searching online to help a sick piggy

 

[Natli]

For one of my girls with a runny nostril my vet tried injectable cerenia mixed with saline. A drop in her nostril each day. Seemed to help clear it up.

This is great thank you..did they work out what the problem was in the first place?
This sounds like something I should definitely mention ..can you tell me how you pronounce Cerenia by spelling it out in the way it’s pronounced haha thanks

 

[Livia Rabideau]

I did not fix the problem. It definitely helped clear her nostril though. Azithromycin was what finally really helped her. Serenia is how I think it would look lol. I guess? It's an anti nausea medicine for pets. They have an injectable form. It helps with inflammation in the nose. It may not be helpful for your situation, but probably wouldn't hurt either. I hope you can figure it out. So frustrating !

 

[Natli]

Azithromycin? Is that an antibiotic? If so then how did they know your lil one had an infection did they do a swab? Mine have just said no he doesn’t (based off his lack of poorly symptoms) but they’ve not actually tested. Thank you yeah it’s a mare when you just don’t know what to do to make it go away, (and neither do your vets without telling you that u need to spend hundreds) but closer to figuring out a reasonable solution now with all these suggestions so I’m hopeful! Thanks

 

[Livia Rabideau]

Azithromycin? Is that an antibiotic? If so then how did they know your lil one had an infection did they do a swab? Mine have just said no he doesn’t (based off his lack of poorly symptoms) but they’ve not actually tested. Thank you yeah it’s a mare when you just don’t know what to do to make it go away, (and neither do your vets without telling you that u need to spend hundreds) but closer to figuring out a reasonable solution now with all these suggestions so I’m hopeful! Thanks

Azithromycin is an antibiotic. My girl had been on so many different ones. Nothing worked. I tried nebulizer, benadryl, sudafed, bronchodilator, and so many antibiotics. We moved to a different state and this vet offered it. It took care of it. Over a year of being sick finally gone. She never had a culture done. I took her to 5 different doctors. They all had a different idea of what was wrong. It was horribly annoying.

 

[Natli]

Hi guys just to let you know I spoke again with the vets today and mentioned alot of things that were mentioned on the forum thanks!
she told me swabbing the nose to test for bacteria would be £150! but said instead of that (to keep costs down) she’s happy to skip it and just prescribe him antibiotics just to seeeee if that does Infact help before stressing him out with sedations and procedures to check for polyps etc. (she doesn’t think it’s hay stuck up there or anything as apparently he’d have a real thick gunk coming out his nose by now) not just clear fluid.
So yes fingers antibiotics are the miracle cure for lil man (Harry) BUT I am really really scared to give them to him as she said mentioned that there is a small risk with antibiotics that they can make a Guinea pig VERY poorly (she did not mean dodgy stomach.. she meant something else can happen with a specific name, I think started with an ‘i’ ) so I'm abit anxious that antibiotics may make things 10x worse now tho I think it’s necassary for him to try them.
….. tbh I think I’m prob extra scared bout these things because my last Guinea pig had to have his teeth shaved down as the vets thought that was why he wasn’t able to bite properly but after they shaved them down he got worse wouldn’t eat anything at all and got so lifeless that had to put him down.. so I have abit of a fear about things going wrong after vets advice!
And whether same things gunna happen with Harry after antibiotics (suddenly get worse) Am I worrying for no reason, r they safe enough?

Xx

 

[Livia Rabideau]

What antibiotics? Make sure you give probiotics 1 to 2 hours after each dose. Should help with tummy trouble. Weigh each day and be ready with critical care if anything seems off.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Yer which antibiotics have they given you?

 

[Natli]

There’s no proper shops like pets at home or anything to get specific probiotic products for piggies in my very small town. Are there any probiotic products you can recommend off Amazon? As I’m guessing I can’t give it strawberry yoghurt cos it’s dairy.
I don’t know which type of antibiotics they are yet, she said she will supply them ready to collect tomorrow x

 

[Livia Rabideau]

Brytin or benebac.

 

[Piggies&buns]

There’s no proper shops like pets at home or anything to get specific probiotic products for piggies in my very small town. Are there any probiotic products you can recommend off Amazon? As I’m guessing I can’t give it strawberry yoghurt cos it’s dairy.
I don’t know which type of antibiotics they are yet, she said she will supply them ready to collect tomorrow x

Pro-c or Fibreplex are commonly used probiotics here. You can get both of these on Amazon.
(No you cannot give strawberry yogurt)

Make sure you weigh him regularly when on antibiotics so you can ensure hay intake remains consistent.
Probiotics need to be given 1-2 hours either before or after an antibiotic dose (not at the same time as).
Let us know what antibiotic it is when you get it.
Many piggies are given antibiotics every day. Not all antibiotics upset their tummies.

 

[Natli]

Pro-c or Fibreplex are commonly used probiotics here. You can get both of these on Amazon.
(No you cannot give strawberry yogurt)

Make sure you weigh him regularly when on antibiotics so you can ensure hay intake remains consistent.
Probiotics need to be given 1-2 hours either before or after an antibiotic dose (not at the same time as).
Let us know what antibiotic it is when you get it.
Many piggies are given antibiotics every day. Not all antibiotics upset their tummies.

Ok fab Il get one of those. N yes Il let you know what they are. (Also I feel a lil less worried bout the antibiotics after that thank u so much)

 

[Josie_lg]

We really like fibreplex at our probiotic. My girls love the stuff and lap it out the syringe. I’ve had some times where my pigs have been poorly on antibiotics and have needed supportive care etc and others where they’ve been fine. You really cannot tell!

 

[Natli]

We really like fibreplex at our probiotic. My girls love the stuff and lap it out the syringe. I’ve had some times where my pigs have been poorly on antibiotics and have needed supportive care etc and others where they’ve been fine. You really cannot tell!

Ok thanks I guess Il just have to see thenI hope your poorly pigs were ok in the end?
Fibreplex is the one I’m definitely thinking of ordering noticed the great reviews on Amazon (I’m just gunna wait to see if the vets have prescribed a probiotic anyway with the antibiotics first) but if they haven’t then how much fibreplex did I give? Just says ‘for rabbits’ on the box so does it even say in the instructions how much to give a piggy or did your vet tell u?
Thanks x

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

The Fibreplex syringe has a pusher with a notched stem and a wheel at the bottom. You turn the wheel to move it up a notch at a time, each notch gives one dose. I usually give one dose a day, but your vet may suggest more. My sow recently had it when she was on Baytril, she would eat it off a spoon- that surprised me as I assumed it didn't taste nice!

Healing vibes to your piggy

 

[Piggies&buns]

Ok thanks I guess Il just have to see thenI hope your poorly pigs were ok in the end?
Fibreplex is the one I’m definitely thinking of ordering noticed the great reviews on Amazon (I’m just gunna wait to see if the vets have prescribed a probiotic anyway with the antibiotics first) but if they haven’t then how much fibreplex did I give? Just says ‘for rabbits’ on the box so does it even say in the instructions how much to give a piggy or did your vet tell u?
Thanks x

Because probiotic is not a prescription medication most vets will not provide it.
As free ranger has said though, with Fibreplex it is a notch in the plunger

 

[Natli]

The Fibreplex syringe has a pusher with a notched stem and a wheel at the bottom. You turn the wheel to move it up a notch at a time, each notch gives one dose. I usually give one dose a day, but your vet may suggest more. My sow recently had it when she was on Baytril, she would eat it off a spoon- that surprised me as I assumed it didn't taste nice!

Healing vibes to your piggy

Ah brilliant thanks for helping with that.. ordering today..
and baytril is the one mine has been prescribed bless him he hated the taste when I just gave him some was very angry with me cos he thought it was the tasty metacam lol.
X

 

[Natli]

Yer which antibiotics have they given you?

It’s called baytril x

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s called baytril x

Baytril is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.
It doesn't taste very nice so it is best to follow it up with something nice to take the taste away.

 

[Josie_lg]

I’m not a medical expert so check dosage with your vet. But on the plunger one number was equal to a KG so when my girls were tiny the vet had to work out a nought point somethjng dose for me to draw up. And yes my girls who were poorly on antibiotics were all okay in the end

 

[Josie_lg]

I’m not a medical expert so check dosage with your vet. But on the plunger one number was equal to a KG so when my girls were tiny the vet had to work out a nought point somethjng dose for me to draw up. And yes my girls who were poorly on antibiotics were all okay in the end

So for example for my 1kg girl she has one notch per dose. But check your weight with the vet to follow their advise

 

[Natli]

Hi friends, just an update on Harry, he’s taken antibiotics for a week now today was his last day on them. He has been fine after all my worrying the antibiotics haven’t made him poorlier.. I expect that’s because of your recommendations of giving him probiotics with it. Which (incase anyone elses piggie tends to refuse probiotics from the syringe or finger).. I have been spreading it on spinach and then he’s happy to eat it.
Anyway since starting the antibiotics the squeaky loud breathing seems to have returned back to normal breathing which is a big relief! I can’t say whether his sneezing has gone away as ive been packing to move house all week so havent been able to listen out for that very much BUT I did notice yesterday that he had a long white gunk hanging out of that troublesome nostril. Obviously it was running clear before so I’m assuming this is a good indicator of the antibiotics clearing out some kind of infection?
He’s still happy energetic and eating lots and I move this monday so once I’m moved in I can really sit with him and check if he’s still sneezing or not.. keeping my fingers massively crossed that the anti-Bs were the answer and no need for any procedures Thanks for your help everyone and I hope your piggies are all well.

 

[Kellyjennings]

Hi,
Did you get to the bottom of this? We are having the same problem with a baby boar who started sneezing hours after we brought him home. We have had antibiotics and Metacam, he is fine in himself but just sneezing alot. I am lost as to what to do now for the best?

 

[Natli]

Hi,
Did you get to the bottom of this? We are having the same problem with a baby boar who started sneezing hours after we brought him home. We have had antibiotics and Metacam, he is fine in himself but just sneezing alot. I am lost as to what to do now for the best?

Hiya, so they ended up trialling some antibiotics for 10 days and his breathing went back to normal + come white gunk come out so it was like there actually was a bacterial infection there BUT like yours his sneezing hasn’t gone away it didn’t fix that. So they (vets) rekon he has some specific type of Guinea pig bacterial infection that will always tend to come back cos their healthy bacteria feeds off it. I can’t remember what they named it but they said it can be a common problem for pigs. The trouble is it can end up as pneumonia. So altho they don’t think antibiotics will cure it, they’ve given me a longer course of 3 weeks to kill as much of it as possible so that when it keeps happening in future it hopefully wont turn into pneumonia.
Hope that makes sense.
…. But to be honest I think they might just be guessing that’s the reason to a certain degree, they r basing it off symptoms nothings been tested. But they don’t know what else it could be, as he doesn’t seem uncomfortable like somethings stuck up his nose.
Have they checked that no hay or anything is stuck right at the back of your pigs nose. Or checked for any polyps up there? I haven’t got the hundreds of pounds to pay for those tests but if your able to afford it it might be worth having them check that x