Weird breathing

[Tnoz]

Hello all, I took on a 5 year old female piggie on Saturday, I’ve noticed she kinda panics when her bonded friend comes near and her breathing is not right, she wheeks now and again, I’ve made an appointment with the vet for Monday, she is eating and drinking but doesn’t move around much, probably her age. Any idea’s?

 

[Wiebke]

Hello all, I took on a 5 year old female piggie on Saturday, I’ve noticed she kinda panics when her bonded friend comes near and her breathing is not right, she wheeks now and again, I’ve made an appointment with the vet for Monday, she is eating and drinking but doesn’t move around much, probably her age. Any idea’s?

Hi

It is good that you have already booked a vet appointment.

Could you please upload a video on a public setting on a place like youtube that doesn't require membership and then copy it across. I would not want to comment just by your description without more direct access in order to interpret the behaviour because I may pick up on very different things than you are.

What is the background of the girls and where have they come from?

Here are our tips on settling in nervous piggies and how to care for older piggies:
- How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
- Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
- How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely

Please be aware that guinea pigs always need to re-establish their group in any new territory or after personnel changes; not just after a bonding. What you may be picking up on is submission squeaking when the dominant companion is coming near.
You can learn more about the dominance phase abd dominance behaviour in sows in these guides here:
- Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
- A - Z of Guinea Pig Behaviours
- Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics (see last chapter but the other pictures and videos show many social interactive behaviours)

Looking after older piggies:
Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection

Lots more practical and helpful tips and information via this link here:
Comprehensive Owners' Practical and Supportive Information Collection

 

[Tnoz]

She came from a couple whom had her, her piggie friend passed away a few months ago, when I picked her up her cage was laced in shavings, no hay present, I asked them if she had ever seen a vet and she said no she hasn’t. The bonding went well, there is no fighting or fur flying, I just need to get my new one checked so I know she’s ok.

 

[Wiebke]

She came from a couple whom had her, her piggie friend passed away a few months ago, when I picked her up her cage was laced in shavings, no hay present, I asked them if she had ever seen a vet and she said no she hasn’t. The bonding went well, there is no fighting or fur flying, I just need to get my new one checked so I know she’s ok.

Poor girl! She was lucky to find you.

Just give the girls time to work through the post-intro dominance phase. Things should settle again.

Try and see whether a bowl of steaming water next to the cage can help with the breathing, as a tester. Only your vet can decide whether the problem is in the lungs or may be in the heart.

 

[Tnoz]

That’s what I want to find out, I love my piggies and want to do the best for them. They don’t ask for much and can’t see any animal in pain or discomfort

 

[Wiebke]

That’s what I want to find out, I love my piggies and want to do the best for them. They don’t ask for much and can’t see any animal in pain or discomfort

Please take the time to read the links in my first post; you may find them both helpful and interesting.

 

[Tnoz]

I have rose booked in with the vet on Friday (tomoz 8/4/22. ) I’ve had all 8 piggies out for floor time this evening whilst cleaning cages and rose was enjoying herself having two other females next door. Eating her greens and nuggets. Will let you know what vet says

 

[Tnoz]

Rose has been to the vet and everything is great, no problem with heart or lungs, Vocal all good, flaky skin is due to poor diet previous to me getting her, teeth good, so I’m a happy mum now I can relax