How to identify and treat upper respiratory infections in guinea pigs
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What is an upper respiratory infection?
An Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is a fast-moving bacterial infection of the respiratory system that can be fatal if not quickly acted upon. URIs begin in the sinus and if spread to the lungs, give guinea pigs a little-to-none survival chance. It's important to note guinea pigs do not suffer from colds and viruses other than a URI. URIs are extremely contagious and therefore often found in pet shop piggies.
How does it occur?
URIs are caused by a bacteria entering the sinus' and lungs. These bacteria's may normally post no threat to your guinea pig, but things such as a lowered immune system and cold weather can allow URI's to develop. To help prevent URIs, keep your guinea pig inside and give plenty of warm hides and cuddle pouches in winter as well as ensuring their diet is high in vitamin C.
How can you identify it?
There are several symptoms of a URI that you should look out for. These include refusal to eat or drink, no faeces,
a slight rumble in the chest when breathing, sneezing, coughing, lethargy and a puffed up coat. In more severe cases, you can note fluid coming from the nostrils and eyes, crusty eyes, sunken eyes and difficulty breathing.
How do you treat it?
If left untreated, URIs are almost always fatal. They are extremely fast moving so if you note any of the above symptoms in your piggy it's imperative they are taken to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics and may also prescribe other medications or place the piggy on oxygen if necessary. The use of a vapouriser or humidifier once back home can also help to decongest sinuses and lungs.
When should you see a vet?
If you notice any of the symptoms for a URI you should immediately take your piggie to the vet as URI's are fast moving and potentially fatal.
In loving memory of Nibbles.
An Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is a fast-moving bacterial infection of the respiratory system that can be fatal if not quickly acted upon. URIs begin in the sinus and if spread to the lungs, give guinea pigs a little-to-none survival chance. It's important to note guinea pigs do not suffer from colds and viruses other than a URI. URIs are extremely contagious and therefore often found in pet shop piggies.
How does it occur?
URIs are caused by a bacteria entering the sinus' and lungs. These bacteria's may normally post no threat to your guinea pig, but things such as a lowered immune system and cold weather can allow URI's to develop. To help prevent URIs, keep your guinea pig inside and give plenty of warm hides and cuddle pouches in winter as well as ensuring their diet is high in vitamin C.
How can you identify it?
There are several symptoms of a URI that you should look out for. These include refusal to eat or drink, no faeces,
a slight rumble in the chest when breathing, sneezing, coughing, lethargy and a puffed up coat. In more severe cases, you can note fluid coming from the nostrils and eyes, crusty eyes, sunken eyes and difficulty breathing.
How do you treat it?
If left untreated, URIs are almost always fatal. They are extremely fast moving so if you note any of the above symptoms in your piggy it's imperative they are taken to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics and may also prescribe other medications or place the piggy on oxygen if necessary. The use of a vapouriser or humidifier once back home can also help to decongest sinuses and lungs.
When should you see a vet?
If you notice any of the symptoms for a URI you should immediately take your piggie to the vet as URI's are fast moving and potentially fatal.
In loving memory of Nibbles.
