Can a guinea pig get an upper respiratory infection?
Guinea pigs are lovely pets, but being prey animals, they can hide when they are unwell and they can go downhill very quickly. Especially if they catch a URI or Upper Respiratory Infection.
What kind of disease does a guinea pig have?
Two types of bacteria — Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae — are the primary causes of respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Your vet will use diagnostic test results to select which antibiotic will effectively treat your guinea pig’s respiratory problem.
Why is my guinea pig having a hard time breathing?
Some respiratory infections, though, are sneaky. When they progress into pneumonia, antibiotics alone might not do the job. Guinea pigs with advanced respiratory infections sometimes start to accumulate fluid in the lungs. Not only does this make it hard to breathe, but it makes the infection harder to treat.
How can I tell if my guinea pig has pneumonia?
Your vet will also take samples (e.g., nasal swab, discharge from the eyes or nose) to identify the specific bacteria causing the respiratory infection. Chest x-rays can also help your vet diagnose your guinea pig’s respiratory problem. Chest x-rays will show whether your guinea pig has pneumonia.
Can a guinea pig have an upper respiratory infection?
When accompanied by nose goop, crusty eyes, and labored breathing, it’s definitely cause for concern. An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a common illness for guinea pigs. When caught early, antibiotics can usually knock it out.
Two types of bacteria — Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae — are the primary causes of respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Your vet will use diagnostic test results to select which antibiotic will effectively treat your guinea pig’s respiratory problem.
Some respiratory infections, though, are sneaky. When they progress into pneumonia, antibiotics alone might not do the job. Guinea pigs with advanced respiratory infections sometimes start to accumulate fluid in the lungs. Not only does this make it hard to breathe, but it makes the infection harder to treat.
Your vet will also take samples (e.g., nasal swab, discharge from the eyes or nose) to identify the specific bacteria causing the respiratory infection. Chest x-rays can also help your vet diagnose your guinea pig’s respiratory problem. Chest x-rays will show whether your guinea pig has pneumonia.
While some guinea pig owners are not able to justify the cost of the procedure, others see the great benefit to having their guinea pigs longer and not having to pay for emergency treatment when they notice their pig is sick. Guinea pigs are sensitive to cold air drafts and can easily develop an upper respiratory infection—or worse, pneumonia.
What should I do if my guinea pig has skin problems?
Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. Before introducing food or bedding into the cage, make a habit of freezing it for a day. The extreme cold temperatures will kill off any potential parasites that may have been lurking in the packages. Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended.
How can you tell if your guinea pig has a disease?
Signs and Symptoms of Common Guinea Pig Ailments. Also be aware of physical changes such as hair loss, constant itching or scratching, redness, swelling, or any other physical change. Monitor any change and speak with your veterinarian at any time you suspect there might be something off with your pet guinea pig.
Are there any infectious diseases in guinea pigs?
Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria usually occur only in guinea pigs that live with other guinea pigs. Intestinal parasites are not common.
