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Can a guinea pig die from an URI?
This info is based on our experiences with Guinea Pigs and URI's. (Upper respiratory infections) One thing that is a problem this time of year (because of the warm days and very cold nights) is URI's, which can be fatal if left untreated or if the Guinea Pig starts to lose weight & strength and cannot continue to fight to survive.
What is Uri in guinea pigs?
A URI is a deadly bacterial infection that can quickly cause death in guinea pigs. It is also the cause of two of our guinea pigs deaths and that is with vet visits.
Do guinea pigs get colds or URI?
A URI might be mistaken for a cold, but it’s worth remembering that guinea pigs do not get colds and if you think your piggie has a cold, the chances are it has a URI and needs urgent medical attention. Lethargy and a hunched posture.
Can guinea pigs live outside?
Guinea pigs can live outside, but there are several factors that determine how safe this is for them. Temperature, climate, and local wildlife will make or break the safety for a cavy outdoors. For most situations, we advise that your cavies spend most of their lives indoors.
Can guinea pigs survive respiratory infections?
Upper respiratory infections can quickly become serious and should be treated imme- diately. Symptoms include labored and/or rapid breathing, discharge from the eyes and nostrils, lethargy, inappetance, sneezing, and coughing. Upper respiratory infections are commonly seen in newly acquired guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs recover from upper respiratory infection?
Antibiotics and other medications need to be started early to give your guinea pig the best possible chance of recovery. Unfortunately, some guinea pigs still die despite treatment for reasons we do not fully understand.
How do you fix URI in guinea pigs?
Vitamin C is another treatment option together with antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides depending on the strain of bacteria that the guinea pig has. It is important to Vitamin C in your guinea pig's diet, to boost immunity and avoid infections that guinea pigs are more likely to have.
Can guinea pigs recover from chest infection?
Unfortunately, even though the signs of infection can be relieved, the causative bacteria cannot always be eliminated. Some guinea pigs unfortunately have long-term scarring in their lungs and will be more prone to picking up an infection again in the future.
Can a guinea pig survive pneumonia?
Treatment for pneumonia can include fluids (to ward off dehydration), syringe feeding if necessary, oxygen therapy to help with breathing, and vitamin C. If the pneumonia is caused by bacterial infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics. Although they can be toxic in guinea pigs (see Antibiotics.
Can I buy antibiotics for guinea pigs?
Antibiotics effective against gram-positive bacteria, such as penicillin and erythromycin, may destroy the normal flora of the guinea pig's intestinal tract, leading to enterotoxemia. Recommended antibiotics for guinea pigs include chloramphenicol and enrofloxacin.
How does a guinea pig get URI?
The bacteria are spread by direct contact, aerosolized (airborne) particles, and on contaminated hands or other objects. Infected guinea pigs may be off food, have discharge from the eyes or nose, sneeze, or have trouble breathing.
What antibiotics treat URI in guinea pigs?
Antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial pneumonia in guinea pigs are chloramphenicol palmitate (30-50 mg/kg PO q12h × 7-21 days) and trimethoprim-sulfa (30-50 mg/kg PO q12h × 7 days), and enrofloxacin (5-10 mg/kg q12h × 7-21 days).
How do you treat a guinea pig with a cold at home?
Colds in guinea pigs If your guinea pig shows any signs of a cold, such as a runny nose or sneezing, keep him warm and provide plenty of water. If the symptoms don't clear within a couple of days, get him along to your local vet to rule out a more serious condition, such as pneumonia.
What is the most common cause of death in guinea pigs?
PneumoniaPneumonia. Pneumonia is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, weight loss, reddish eyes, and depression.
What are the signs of a guinea pig dying?
A sick and dying Guinea pig will have a very poor coat, which can look dull, show thinning, or appear to be rough. They may also have patches of hair loss and you may see inflamed areas of skin. You should also keep your eyes out for signs of parasites, such as ringworm, lice, and mites.
How can I help my sick guinea pig?
4:1512:26How to Look After a Sick Guinea Pig: Not Eating or Pooping?! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFood now this is for when your guinea pig isn't eating enough or they're not eating anything at allMoreFood now this is for when your guinea pig isn't eating enough or they're not eating anything at all you can syringe feed these foods mixed up with water they last a long time.
What is a guinea pig's URI?
Poorly Barry with a crusty nose. A URI is a deadly bacterial infection that can quickly cause death in guinea pigs. It is also the cause of two of our guinea pigs deaths and that is with vet visits. Untreated URI’s are always fatal and sometimes even treated URI’s can be as well. A URI might be mistaken for a cold, ...
How to tell if a guinea pig has a URI?
Signs of a Guinea Pig URI 1 Refusal to eat or drink 2 No faeces because of not eating 3 Laboured breathing or wheezing 4 Sneezing or coughing 5 Crusty eyes or eyes that are almost sealed shut 6 Discharge from eyes or nose 7 Crusty nostrils 8 Dull and/or receding eyes 9 Rough or puffed-up coat 10 Lethargy and a hunched posture.
What antibiotics should I give my guinea pig with a URI?
The safest antibiotics for guinea pigs with a URI are Bactrim or Doxycycline . Baytril is another frequently prescribed medication but shouldn’t be given to young guinea pigs as it can cause bone abnormalities. Unknowledgeable vets may prescribe medications like Amoxicillin but this isn’t safe.
What to do if your piggie is not responding to a medication?
If your piggie is not responding, have the vet try another medication. Don’t take no for an answer. In treating piggies, time is of the essence and often the vet will have to take an educated guess at which drug to prescribe and just as often the infection can turn out to be resistant to the drug selected.
How to tell if a piggie has a URI?
Signs your piggie is suffering from a URI are; Refusal to eat or drink. No faeces because of not eating. Laboured breathing or wheezing. Sneezing or coughing. Crusty eyes or eyes that are almost sealed shut. Discharge from eyes or nose. Crusty nostrils.
Can a vet help guinea pigs?
Hopefully, your vet is knowledgeable about guinea pigs. Exotic vets are the best ones for dealing with guinea pigs, but sometimes there isn’t one nearby. This is why you need to make sure you know what’s best for your guinea pig and what will help or make them worse.
Do guinea pigs get colds?
A URI might be mistaken for a cold, but it’s worth remembering that guinea pigs do not get colds and if you think your piggie has a cold, the chances are it has a URI and needs urgent medical attention.
How to make guinea pigs survive?
Here are some basic tips to ensuring your Guinea Pigs has the best chance of survival: 1. Go to a vet immediately, preferably one who is experienced with little exotics, if you notice any lack of appetite, lethargy, sneezing, dis charge, crusty eyes, raspy chest, wheezing etc. They will give you a diagnosis and give you an exotic-safe antibiotic ...
How to keep guinea pigs warm?
Keep your Guinea Pigs inside in a heated room. Do not use a heat pad but rather heat the room with a suitable, safe heater. The temp must be warmer then normal room temperature. This will help the immune system to fight.
What to feed guinea pigs?
Give your Guinea Pigs lots of hay and pellets but also their favourite fresh foods, to encourage them to eat. I find wheatgrass works wonders with a piggy who does not seem to respond to their normal fresh food when ill. It has so many health benefits and properties which aid in recovery from illness or injury.
Can guinea pigs survive URI?
(Upper respiratory infections) One thing that is a problem this time of year (because of the warm days and very cold nights) is URI's, which can be fatal if left untreated or if the Guinea Pig starts to lose weight & strength and cannot continue to fight to survive.
Can guinea pigs be separated?
An upper respiratory infection is highly contagious so your sick Piggy must be separated from any others, as well as other animals like Rabbits etc. 3.Get a kitchen scale and weigh your Guinea Pig immediately after diagnosis.
How to tell if guinea pigs have respiratory infection?
According to Guinea Lynx, signs of an upper respiratory infection in guinea pigs include: Refusal to eat or drink. No feces (as a result of not eating) Labored breathing, wheezing. Sneezing, coughing. Crusty eyes, eyes that are almost sealed shut. Discharge from eyes or nose . Dull and/or receding eyes.
Why do guinea pigs need to be in the bathroom?
This prevents the whole herd from getting sick. Also, putting your guinea pig in the bathroom while you take a steamy shower can help her breathe a little easier. If she's starting to lose her appetite, start syringe feeding sooner rather than later to avoid complications with GI stasis.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to get culture results?
Culture results can take a few days, but sick piggies don't have much time to waste. It won't hurt to take a shot in the dark on treatment while waiting on the report. Baytril and doxycycline is one combination that seems to work well for stubborn guinea pig respiratory infections.
How long does Baytril last on guinea pigs?
However, we don’t want you beating yourself up for not noticing how sick your pig is. A 14-day course of Baytril (antibiotic) is far from the only option for treating a stubborn guinea pig respiratory infection.
How long does it take for guinea pigs to get antibiotics?
A two-week course of antibiotics is pretty standard, but some guinea pigs may require a month or more to fully kick it to the curb. Chronic respiratory infections may be a sign there is more going on. While allergies are rare, they aren't impossible. You also can try switching types of bedding and/or hay.
Why is Baytril prescribed for guinea pigs?
Baytril is commonly prescribed as a first means of defense. Because it is used so often, some bugs that cause URIs have become resistant to it. If your guinea pig doesn't show signs of improvement or gets worse after two or three days, a different medication might be needed.
Can guinea pigs take doxycycline?
The doxycycline dose that works best for guinea pigs is the same that's often used for rats, 5 mg/kg twice daily. This concentration is higher than what's usually given to rabbits but lower than what dogs and cats need. Giving too high of an antibiotic dose can cause severe consequences to the GI tract.
Where do guinea pigs come from?
Guinea pigs come from South America, but it has been a long time since then. Domesticated guinea pigs would be at even more risk for predators. They have grown accustomed to the luxuries of indoor areas and fenced-in enclosures. The great outdoors simply won’t do for domesticated cavies anymore.
What is the ideal temperature for guinea pigs?
An ideal world for them is one filled with balance and stability. No changes, no sudden noises, and certainly no extreme temperatures. Since most guinea pig coats are mild, they won’t get chilled right away, but temperatures below 65 Fahrenheit are a no-go.
Do guinea pigs need exercise?
A big part of why letting your guinea pigs go outside is so vital is that cavies need plenty of exercise. No, they don’t need to hit the gym to get a summer beach body. But, they need an active life nonetheless. Though they are tiny, guinea pigs have a complex psyche.
Can guinea pigs live outside?
Guinea pigs can live outside, but there are several factors that determine how safe this is for them. Temperature, climate, and local wildlife will make or break the safety for a cavy outdoors. For most situations, we advise that your cavies spend most of their lives indoors. But if the situation is right, the outdoors can be a pleasant experience ...
Do guinea pigs fight?
If your guinea pigs do start becoming aggressive, outdoor breaks might be just the thing they need. For the most part, guinea pigs don’t usually fight. Their core temperament is pretty chill, through and through.
Do guinea pigs live in the wild?
For those wondering if guinea pigs live in the wild, that is a whole other deal. Guinea pigs certainly have relatives that still wander the wilds of South America , but it is a far cry from safe. Predators abound, each of them on the lookout for a snack. Guinea pigs come from South America, but it has been a long time since then.
Is it safe to have guinea pigs outside?
As we mentioned above, the outside world can be dangerous for your guinea pigs. The good news is that humans have the tools to keep them safe. Below are some tips to make sure an outdoors guinea pig stays safe.
