Problems affecting the respiratory system, including colds and pneumonia, are common in guinea pigs and, unfortunately, even if they are minor, such as coughing and sneezing, they can aggravate their health within a few days. few days. If your furry friend has a condition affecting the airways, prompt treatment from the vet will allow him to recover.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying a Respiratory Problem in the Guinea Pig
Step 1. Find out if you are struggling to breathe
If he is well, his breathing is calm and regular. However, problems affecting the respiratory system can compromise its functionality. Your furry friend may start wheezing, but also hisses or gasps when he catches his breath.
Step 2. Look at the nose and eyes
A breathing disorder can promote the production of secretions in the eyes and nose. If they are green or yellowish, it could be a bacterial infection that affects the conjunctiva, or the membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids, until it becomes red.
Allergies can also cause respiratory problems in guinea pigs, even going so far as to redden the nose and cause pain from scratching due to the itchiness
Step 3. Pay attention to your appetite
Respiratory problems can worsen the health conditions of these small animals by inhibiting hunger. Therefore, there is a risk that they will feed less or not feed at all. When you feed him, observe how much food he eats.
- If the appetite decreases, your piglet will tend to lose weight.
- Vitamin C deficiency is a source of respiratory problems. If your furry friend isn't eating adequate amounts because he is sick, he may feel even worse when he doesn't get enough vitamin C.
Step 4. Take him to the vet for a diagnosis
Even if you have obvious symptoms of a respiratory problem, your vet will need to determine the exact cause of the disease and its severity. Therefore, he will carry out a physical exam which includes auscultation of the lungs. It will also take some samples (for example, secretions from the eyes or nose via the swab) to detect the specific bacteria causing the respiratory tract infection.
- Chest x-rays can also be helpful in diagnosing the respiratory problem that has affected your guinea pig. They will show if he has pneumonia.
- Dental diseases can also cause breathing problems in these animals because the roots of the molars and premolars are very close to the nasal cavities. If your guinea pig is suffering from dental disease, x-rays of the head will help the vet find out how extensive it is.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Respiratory Problems
Step 1. Take action immediately
If you don't take care of your airway problem, the situation could get even worse. For example, there is a risk that a cold will quickly turn into pneumonia, affecting the recovery of your little friend. The sooner you treat him, the better the chances that he will recover.
Step 2. Admission to a veterinary clinic if necessary
If he is in poor condition (for example, he is short of breath, cannot eat, is very weak), your vet will likely recommend that you hospitalize him for intensive treatment. In this way, you will be able to assist him with artificial nutrition, intravenous drug administration and the supply of supplemental oxygen. She will keep him in the clinic until he is strong enough to continue home care.
- If he has severe breathing problems, the vet may also give him humidified oxygen.
- If it is very weak, it will likely also be treated with an oral or intravenous multivitamin.
- Usually, injectable drugs work faster than oral ones.
Step 3. Take steps to correct your guinea pig's dental problems
If the cause of his breathing difficulties is dental in nature, the vet will have to hospitalize him in order to anesthetize him and use the appropriate tools to work on the teeth. After surgery, he may prescribe a pain reliever.
Step 4. Administer antibiotics
Two types of bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae) are the main causes of respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Your vet will evaluate the results of the diagnostic tests to choose the right antibiotic and effectively treat your furry friend's problem. Follow its instructions carefully to make sure you eradicate all bacteria.
- If the prescribed medication is in liquid form, you can use a dropper to introduce the prescribed dose into the corner of your guinea pig's mouth. If she resists, you can sprinkle her on her favorite food.
- Contact your vet if you are having trouble administering antibiotics.
Step 5. Watch it
Some antibiotics can cause diarrhea because they destroy the intestinal flora. In such cases, stop feeding immediately and contact your veterinarian. You will likely need to treat it with a different antibiotic.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Respiratory Problems
Step 1. Clean his cage regularly
Once he's healed, you'll need to make sure he doesn't get sick again. By keeping the cage in optimal hygiene conditions, you can prevent these problems from returning. So, clean it twice a week.
- For thorough cleaning, remove all accessories and discard the litter box. Wash the cage with detergent and hot water. Rinse it off and let it dry completely.
- Eliminate leftover food, feces, and dirty litter every day.
Step 2. Use the right litter box
This can also help prevent respiratory tract infections. Choose a powder-free one (such as those made by Carefresh® and those made of fleece) so that your furry friend is not prone to irritation in the nose.
- Do not use cedar or pine shavings because they contain oils that can irritate the airways of these small animals.
- Change the litter box every time it gets dirty or wet. If it's wet, it can get moldy and affect your furry friend's health.
Step 3. Place the cage in a well-ventilated area
Adequate air circulation is essential to prevent respiratory problems in guinea pigs. A metal cage offers more ventilation than a compact glass cage. Also, avoid placing it in front of an air vent or in drafty environments, otherwise your little friend risks getting sick.
Step 4. Do not fill it
If you have several guinea pigs, their cage should be large enough to accommodate them all comfortably. If it is too small, they risk developing respiratory infections due to overcrowding stress which, by weakening the immune system, favors the onset of infections.
If you have two guinea pigs, the cage should be at least 76x127cm in size
Step 5. Don't put rabbits and guinea pigs together
Rabbits can carry "Bordetella" and pass it on to pigs. In addition, they can abuse their younger companions to the point of stress if they cannot find a safe place to take refuge. To prevent a respiratory infection, keep them in separate cages.
Stress due to bullying from other animals risks weakening guinea pigs' immune systems and causing respiratory problems
Step 6. Add Vitamin C to your furry friend's diet
To prevent respiratory problems from developing in these animals, an adequate supply of vitamin C is essential. Since their bodies cannot produce it, they must get it from food. Higher foods include broccoli, parsley, green peppers, and Indian mustard.
- You can also buy a vitamin C food supplement. Talk to your veterinarian before administering it.
- The guinea pig should consume 50 mg of vitamin C per day. Your vet will be able to tell you how to ensure this intake.
Advice
- The treatment of respiratory problems in guinea pigs does not have an invariable duration for all sick subjects. It is up to the vet to determine how long you will need to care for your friend.
- The prognosis for a cold can be good or excellent. However, be aware that if you have pneumonia, there is a risk that it will be unfavorable.
- Humans cannot transmit respiratory diseases to guinea pigs or vice versa.
Warnings
- Despite treatment, respiratory problems can recur in these small animals.
- Some guinea pigs die inexplicably even if they have received adequate treatment for respiratory problems.
