How do guinea pigs catch respiratory infections?
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.
How can guinea pigs avoid respiratory problems?
– Environmental changes: Improve ventilation in and around their hutches. Guinea pigs generally prefer to be kept at approximately 20-22C, and a humidity of 45-65% is ideal for most. Hutches should be cleaned daily to decrease the accumulation of ammonia which can damage the nasal passages.
What kind of senses does a guinea pig have?
The special senses of hearing, taste, vision, olfaction, and tactile are also covered, as is guinea pig behavior. The domestic guinea pig is a descendant of the wild cavy (Cavia aperea) which is a common rodent in South America ( Kunzl and Sachser, 1999 ).
Can a guinea pig be housed with a rabbit?
Whilst Guinea pigs are social creatures and enjoy the company of other Guinea pigs, they should under no circumstances be housed with rabbits. Rabbits possess the bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica as bacteria in their respiratory tract, however for Guinea pigs this can result fatal respiratory disease.
What kind of animal is a guinea pig?
The domestic guinea pig is a descendant of the wild cavy ( Cavia aperea ), which is a common rodent in South America. It is a nonburrowing, herbivorous, crepuscular, hystricomorph (porcupine-like) rodent with a stocky body, short neck and limbs, and with either no tail or a vestigial one.
What to look for in a guinea pig?
Ears and skin – check your Guinea pig’s ears for pus and mites – pus from brewing abscesses and tooth root infections. And mites, might be there. Guinea pigs can get external parasites just like dogs and cats, so It’s useful to know for external parasites which products are safe to use in your Guinea pig, a few favourites are:
Why is my guinea pig breathing heavy?
Heavy breathing is not normal in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are prone to pneumonia–this is a likely cause of your guinea pig’s problems. Pain, discomfort, anxiety, respiratory disease, or cardiac diseases may also cause heavy breathing. Have your guinea pig examined by a veterinarian if the heavy breathing has continued.
Can guinea pigs breathe from their mouth?
Guinea pigs breathe at a much quicker rate than dogs or cats. Guinea pigs breathe through their nose only, just like humans. They can breathe through their mouth but not for long periods and that too only when the nose is blocked. That is like a medical emergency to support the life system.
Why is my guinea pig coughing?
When guinea pigs cough, it is usually caused by a small irritation in their windpipe which can be caused by something like dust or something similar. Dusty hay is often a cause of a guinea pig coughing.
How do you treat a guinea pig infection?
Antibiotics are crucial for treating respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Experimenting with different types, combinations, and dosages with your vet can make all the difference. Some respiratory infections, though, are sneaky. When they progress into pneumonia, antibiotics alone might not do the job.
Why is my guinea pig coughing and sneezing?
Guinea pigs can sometimes expel air from their nose and sneeze as we do. If your guinea pig is sneezing, and has any of the following symptoms then they could have an upper respiratory infection, in which case they’ll need to see a vet as soon as possible: Wheezing. Coughing.
How much does it cost to treat a guinea pig for a URI?
Furthermore, how much does it cost to treat a guinea pig for a URI? guinea pig URI vet visit costs. Typically my vet charges $60 for the visit and $25 per medicine and it usually only one.
What happens if your guinea pig sneezes?
A guinea pig sneezes between two and four times a day. This is entirely normal and isn’t cause for concern. However, anything more than that could be a sign of an allergic reaction to something or a respiratory infection.
Why is my guinea pig making a coughing sound?
Coughing in guinea pigs is triggered by irritation in their windpipe. Strong odor, eating too fast, foreign particles in the nasal passage, & upper respiratory infection can be the possible causes. An occasional cough can be ignored, but constant coughing needs immediate medical assistance.
