Description of diseases of guinea pigs, what to do if your pig starts sneezing

Teaching proper manners

If the animal bites (not in the form of a show of love, but in real pain), you need to carefully place it back into the home.
During subsequent communication, you need to show maximum care. It is important to monitor which parts of the pet’s body are touched by the animal, and which, on the contrary, causes discomfort and causes protest on the part of the little pet.

Manifestations of friendliness in the behavior of a pet should be encouraged - give the animal treats. Gradually, the duration of the communication session with your pet should be increased.

The greatest result of taming is achievable while the animal is in childhood

That is why it is important, even in infancy, to accustom your pet to unpleasant procedures and processes necessary for care and maintaining hygiene. To minimize stress, you should follow simple rules:

do not force the animal if it shows strong dissatisfaction with what is happening;
eliminate external stimuli (sources of noise, etc.);
do not disturb the animal during the adaptation period.

How to tame

Competent training is carried out like this:

A finger is placed on the cage and removed if the pig shows aggression. The animal needs to say “no” - in a firm voice, but without raising the tone.
The pig is given a treat, after which the finger is again applied to the bars of the cage. If your pet tries to bite again, you need to show him the gift, but you cannot give it away.

This process must be repeated every day until the result is achieved - the animal stops trying to “grab” the finger. Treats are the best motivation for a small rodent in any circumstances (reviews from owners are the main confirmation of this). The success of training will not be long in coming.

Colds in guinea pigs

— The guinea pig sits in one place all the time, coughs, breathes heavily, and has a runny nose.

— Guinea pigs, as a rule, often have pneumonia and pneumonia in spring and autumn. The disease is promoted by living in a damp, poorly ventilated area, drafts, inferior or poor quality food, devoid of vitamins, in particular C and A.

Microorganisms penetrate into a weakened body through the upper respiratory tract and cause inflammation in the lungs.

Pneumonia can be caused by diplococcus, a ball-shaped bacterium. It is not capable of moving, it does not form spores or capsules. Diplococci are usually located in pairs.

The second causative agent of the disease is the guinea pig pneumonia bacterium, which is an oval and somewhat elongated rod. Often these sticks are recognized in parallel rows. They also do not form spores, but unlike diplococci, they are motile.

The third causative agent of the disease is the guinea pig pneumonia bacillus, which also has the form of a rod. These sticks are sometimes arranged in chains of two to six. They are mobile, they have cilia, they form spores and capsules.

In guinea pigs, pneumonia occurs in two forms: acute and chronic.

In the acute form, signs of the disease increase quickly.

The guinea pig begins to eat poorly or does not touch food at all, and its temperature rises. The animal becomes inactive, its fur is disheveled. Visible mucous membranes are whitish-bluish, breathing is difficult and rapid.

Your guinea pig coughs frequently. If you put your ear to her side, to her chest, you can hear wheezing in her lungs.

In most cases, sick animals begin to have nasal discharge. Some people have swollen eyelids and mucopurulent discharge from the eyes.

The duration of the illness is three to four days. If your guinea pig is not treated, it will die.

The chronic form is characterized by less violent manifestations than the acute form, and the signs of the disease are less pronounced. With this form, on the twelfth to fifteenth day, the temperature, as a rule, is already normal. The guinea pigs regain their appetite and begin to gain weight.

Treatment. Guinea pigs do not tolerate antibiotics well, so it is best not to use them. A sick animal is given sulfonamide drugs daily: sulfadimezin or sulfazine at the rate of 0.1 grams per 1 kilogram of weight 3 times a day.

A guinea pig's recovery largely depends on when treatment is started and how it is administered. By the end of the first day, the animal’s temperature usually begins to drop. However, if treatment is interrupted after the first day or is not carried out vigorously enough, the temperature rises again and the animal’s general condition worsens. Therefore, sulfonamides should be used continuously for four to five days after the temperature drops.

A runny nose is treated by blowing streptocide powder into the nose.

The eyes are washed with a warm 2% solution of boric acid or holy water. The same or a 10 - 20% solution of sodium albucide, 0.1 - 0.25% solution of zinc sulfate is instilled into the eyes.

To make the cough go away faster, the guinea pig is given an infusion of coltsfoot herb, a decoction of nettle leaves, a quarter of a teaspoon 3 times a day.

As a general tonic, the guinea pig is given every day a 40% glucose solution with a 0.2% ascorbic acid solution, from 0.75 to 2.25 milliliters, depending on age, for six days. These drugs can also be given separately. Dose of ascorbic acid, tablets or powder, 50 milligrams per day.

It is necessary to improve the conditions for keeping and feeding the guinea pig, constantly give it food rich in vitamins - dandelion leaves, nettles, fresh or dried, carrots, beets, cabbage, green peas. In addition, every day a guinea pig needs ascorbic acid and vitamin C - 20 milligrams (for an adult animal, after recovery).

A guinea pig that has suffered from pneumonia, under unfavorable conditions of detention - cooling, inadequate feeding - again falls ill with pneumonia.

How to tell if your guinea pig has a cold

The first signs of illness in a pet are severe lethargy and refusal to feed; a cold in a guinea pig is manifested by the following symptoms:

a sick animal often sneezes and constantly rubs its nose, breathes heavily, coughs, and sometimes wheezing can be heard;
the eyes become red and swollen, there is lacrimation, discharge from the nose and eyes;
the sick animal lies or sits motionless;
the coat looks dull and disheveled;
there is an increase in body temperature.

A sick animal can be successfully cured of a cold only by promptly contacting a specialist.

Self-treatment is fraught with the development of complications and deterioration in the furry patient’s health. If a funny animal has a stuffy nose, it is urgent to clear the nasal cavity of mucus to facilitate breathing and prevent the infection from spreading into the bronchi and lungs.

It takes 2 people to rinse a guinea pig's nose. One secures the animal in a supine position. and the other performs a therapeutic procedure:

Place one drop of warm chlorhexidine solution into each nostril.
Wipe the nasal planum dry with a gauze swab.
Place children's immunomodulating drops "Derinat" into your nose.
Place the animal on its paws.

After the procedure, the furry rodent experiences a reflex sneezing, clearing the nasal cavity of mucus, pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Cleansing the nose should be done 3 times a day for 5 days.

When rhinitis is complicated by inflammation of the eyes, coughing and wheezing, a veterinarian uses symptomatic therapy: washing the eyes with boiled water with instillation of anti-inflammatory drops, giving the small patient expectorant decoctions of medicinal herbs, a glucose solution with vitamin C and Gamavit, a course of antibacterial or sulfonamide drugs.

Pneumonia in a guinea pig

Guinea pigs usually get pneumonia in the spring and autumn, when the weather changes frequently and sharply, there are temperature changes and dampness due to rain. Animals kept in premises with poor ventilation, drafts and dampness are at particular risk. An important factor that plays a role in the development of the disease is poor nutrition and lack of vitamins in the animal’s body. Sneezing and frequent coughing are among the very first symptoms of the disease. A more alarming symptom is chest wheezing - they indicate that pneumonia is at a serious stage and requires treatment under the supervision of a doctor. In addition to coughing and runny nose, guinea pigs experience swelling of the eyelids, mucous and purulent discharge from the eyes and nose.

A sick animal should be immediately isolated from other animals - pneumonia can be contagious.

Diplococci. Bacteria that parasitize the lungs
pneumonia bacteria,
Pneumonia bacilli.

Pneumonia in guinea pigs can be both acute and chronic. The acute form of the disease proceeds quite quickly. The guinea pig experiences a decrease in immunity, an increase in temperature, the animal becomes lethargic, and greenish snot flows from its nose. Very often, pneumonia is accompanied by heavy and rapid breathing. The period of development of the disease is from three to five days. If the breeder does not take action and begin treatment, there is a high risk of death of the guinea pig. The chronic form of the disease is less noticeable and does not have such pronounced symptoms.

The chronic form of the disease can be recognized by frequent coughing and sneezing, and slight loss of appetite. At times the animal may become lethargic and sleepy, but its normal state returns quite quickly. Increased heart rate and breathing may occur.

Treatment of pneumonia

The success of treating the disease largely depends on the timely initiation of first aid. At the first signs, the guinea pig should be given Sulfazin or Sulfadimezin at the rate of 0.1 grams of the drug for each kilogram of the animal’s weight. The medicine is given three times a day. Streptocide powder will help with a runny nose, and to wash the eyes from purulent discharge, use a two percent solution of boric acid or a solution of sodium albucid 10% or 20%. A decoction of nettle leaves can help relieve coughs due to pneumonia. The decoction is given a quarter of a teaspoon three times a day.

In the treatment of pneumonia in guinea pigs, 2.5% Baytril, which is sold in any veterinary pharmacy, has proven itself well.

The drug is administered intramuscularly at the rate of 0.1 ml for each kilogram of animal weight. The injection period is up to ten days, depending on the form of the disease. The first good sign is a drop in the animal's temperature and the return of appetite.

Pneumonia is dangerous because it can cause a temporary improvement in health. Usually during this period, owners stop giving any medications, and soon the animal experiences a sharp deterioration in health: the temperature rises, an even more severe runny nose and cough appear, breathing becomes frequent and noisy. In frequent cases, a guinea pig may die due to exhaustion and overheating of the circulatory system. Therefore, it is recommended to continue giving the medication for four to five days after your health improves.

Along with medications, it is advisable to include more fresh greens in the animal’s diet. In summer - clover and dandelion leaves, in winter - sprouted grains, lettuce leaves. It's good to add more carrots, cabbage leaves and green peas. It is also advisable to give your guinea pig fifty milligrams of ascorbic acid per day.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs in guinea pigs most often occurs when the animal is hypothermic during the demi-season period; sometimes furry animals become infected with infectious pneumonia from sick relatives. The pathology is dangerous due to its rapid progression and death of the animal.

You can determine that your favorite rodent has pneumonia by the characteristic symptoms:

the guinea pig sneezes, coughs, wheezes, and breathes heavily;
the furry animal refuses food, stops playing with its relatives and owner;
There is lacrimation and purulent discharge from the nose.

If you suspect your pet has pneumonia, you should immediately see a doctor.

The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of the owner of a sick animal contacting a specialist and the correctness of the prescribed therapy.

If your guinea pig is sneezing and wheezing, it is recommended to immediately call a doctor at home.

To treat pneumonia in domestic rodents, injections of sulfonamide or antibacterial drugs, nasal rinsing followed by instillation of vasoconstrictors and anti-inflammatory drugs, drinking vitamins, expectorants and strengthening herbal decoctions are used.

Owners of guinea pigs are advised to be attentive to their beloved pets; if a funny animal often sneezes, refuses food, or constantly rubs its nose, it is advisable to urgently contact a veterinary clinic to avoid the development of severe, deadly pathologies.

What to do if your guinea pig sneezes 5 (100%) 1 vote

Common causes of death

Childbirth

Despite the fact that the guinea pig is considered the most prolific rodent, difficult situations associated with risk to life arise during pregnancy and after childbirth. Frequent occurrences are:

Toxicosis. Occurs in the last week of pregnancy or in the first days of birth of the offspring. The reason is poor maintenance and care. It is impossible to help an animal with the development of toxicosis.
The remaining placenta in the uterus.
Complications during difficult childbirth. If there is obstruction of the birth canal or vaginal prolapse, immediate surgical intervention is required.

The death of offspring is observed if the female refuses to feed the babies.

Fight

Rumors about the superior fighting qualities of males in the same cage are exaggerated

Fighting for the female's attention, opponents can inflict injuries on each other, including deep lacerations. But there were no deaths

After anesthesia

During surgery, the dose of anesthesia for the rodent is carefully calculated. However, death can occur from advanced disease or due to pathology of the heart muscle.

Sudden death

Cases of unexpected death of a pet happen, like every living creature. The factors can be varied; an autopsy of the pet will help determine the cause.

Causes of snot

The reasons why a guinea pig sneezes can be different. If it is not an irritant and she is completely healthy, it is a cold or allergy. Less commonly, the cause is chronic rhinitis. Even more rarely, a tumor in the nose or brain disease is to blame.

If your female guinea pig sneezes frequently, it could be a sign of pregnancy. Provided she had the opportunity to mate. Frequent sneezing in this case is a sign that labor is approaching. Similar symptoms are not observed in all individuals.

We will look at treatments for only two causes of mumps sneezing: allergies and colds. You can really deal with them on your own. It will not be possible to eliminate other diseases without a veterinarian.

If your pig is breathing heavily and wheezing

A cough does not always indicate diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. Sometimes this indicates cardiac pathology.

The animal needs quick help and advice from a specialist.

Symptoms of heart failure:

The pig gasps for air;
breathing heavily;
periodic coughing;
shortness of breath when moving;
immobility develops;
lethargy and apathy;
paws are cool;
fingers turn blue;
coordination of movements is impaired;
convulsions.

To stop heart and asthmatic attacks, you need to immediately drop 2 drops of Corvalol into the mouth and then let the animal smell cotton wool soaked in aroma oil. The animal is given an injection that includes aminophylline, dexamethasone, and furosemide.

They treat heart failure for a long time, maintaining vitality.

Heart drops are administered to the rodent using an insulin syringe with the needle removed.

An animal suffering from heart failure needs proper nutrition and good living conditions.

Disease Prevention

Many guinea pigs that develop respiratory problems are deficient in vitamin C. This can happen if you feed your pet kibble that is nearing its expiration date. Pay attention to the quality of the hay. The most valuable and useful will be hay made from May grass - it contains the maximum amount of vitamins. Hay from September grass is depleted of them. In hay that is stored, the amount of vitamins will also decrease. It is very important that your pet receives at least 50 mg of vitamin C per day.

As for the prevention of diseases, you need to adhere to a number of rules in organizing the food and living of your pet:

The food must be balanced for guinea pigs. Do not purchase food for rabbits or other rodents.
Water should be clean, fresh and changed daily.
Do not use sawdust from pine or other conifers.
Do not place the cage in direct sunlight or in a draft. Place it away from noise, heavy foot traffic and large animals.
The air temperature in the room should be from +18°C to +24°C. Avoid high humidity.
Can't guinea pigs?

Common diseases and treatments

Not everyone knows what to do if their little pet sneezes, let's look at this issue in more detail. It is not difficult to monitor the health of guinea pigs; they have very good protection against diseases. However, if you have already got such a rodent, then you need to know about diseases that may still appear. The chances of your pet getting sick are minimal, but they do exist. If the rodent begins to behave differently, it is better to consult a veterinarian. Determining the disease in guinea pigs can be difficult, given that these animals lead a calm lifestyle and do not show symptoms of the disease.

If your guinea pig sneezes, you need to carefully monitor its behavior and record any changes. The fact is that this symptom may indicate the development of a dangerous disease, which may even threaten the life of the animal. If sneezing is one-time and not regular, then there is no reason to worry, because, like in humans, this can be a normal manifestation of life.

If a disease is detected, it is best to contact a veterinarian

The process of sneezing can occur regularly, then it makes sense to think about the presence of some pathology, in which case the little “patient” should be sent to the veterinarian. In a special institution, a specialist will examine and, if necessary, diagnose the animal; based on the data obtained, a diagnosis will be made. Next, the attending physician will draw up a detailed treatment plan, which will include taking medications and adjusting the diet.

Most often, diseases arise from viral infections. The most common are pseudotuberculosis, pestilence, and paralysis. When sick, rodents experience convulsions, their legs are lost, their fur becomes slimy, and the animal loses energy. At the same time, the rodent behaves nervously and its temperature rises. In such a situation, you need to immediately show the animal to a veterinarian. It is best to isolate the animal from other pigs, if any. Also, the patient should not be allowed to come into contact with other pets, as well as children. In general, diseases are not transmitted to people, but for children, the appearance of their friend can significantly affect their psycho-emotional state.

Diseases can be caused by microorganisms - ticks, fleas. The rodent begins to get scabies and hair falls out in places. If the disease is not treated for a long time, the animal may develop ulcers. Fleas and ticks can be removed yourself, following the rules of care for a sick animal. Special products for destroying harmful microorganisms can be purchased at pet stores.

Your pet may eat worse and be lethargic

Internal parasites are also pathogens. Various types of worms can live in the body of a guinea pig. It is very difficult to determine that an animal is sick. The pet may eat less food, and its general condition worsens. In this case, it is better not to resort to treatment, but to bring the rodent to a veterinary clinic.

Digestive tract diseases can occur due to poor nutrition. The animal should not be fed with food intended for cats or dogs; buy food that is 100% suitable for guinea pigs. The animal develops diarrhea, its general condition becomes worse, and its appetite worsens. The animal should be shown to the doctor.

When hypothermia occurs, your guinea pig may develop a runny nose or pneumonia. This condition is very dangerous for the pig: its temperature rises, loss of strength, interest in eating food decreases, a runny nose, and heavy breathing. The sick animal constantly lies down and does not pay attention to stimuli. The animal needs to be shown to a doctor urgently.

Hypothermia may cause your pet to get sick.

How to care for a sick pig

Effective treatment is impossible without good care.

The diet of a pet who has had a cold should contain a lot of greens, vegetables and fruits. If the pig refuses food, it is fed paste-like food from an insulin syringe without a needle 6 times a day.

Restores immunity ascorbic acid and glucose, gamavit.

The room where the sick pig is located must always be kept warm. When it is impossible to increase the temperature in the room, install a heater near the cage and make sure that the pig is comfortable.

During treatment and after it, the animal should not be bathed or taken outside. You should not isolate the cage and move it to another room, as the animal will be completely lonely there. Stress will add to the pain and cough.

A veterinarian should be called to your home rather than taking the animal to the clinic. If this is not possible, the animal is transported in a closed container, the walls of which are lined with soft cloth.

A rodent's cage should always have clean and dry bedding. There is no need to overwhelm your pig with food when she has a poor appetite. This will lead to food going to waste and intestinal upset will be added to the cold.

It will be easier for your pig to tolerate injections and nasal rinses if you treat her gently. There is no need to try to amuse the animal with noisy toys. The best thing you can do for her is to put her on your lap and gently stroke her.

Source

Allergy

Allergies can develop to things that are familiar to the pet, with which it had previously been in easy contact:

litter for a tray or cage;
feed, including hay and vegetables;
dust;
wool;
the material from which toys are made.

Predisposition to allergies is inherited. When sick, the animal often sneezes, itching, rash, and watery eyes appear. The pet scratches its face until bloody wounds form.

To get rid of allergy symptoms, you should identify the allergen and replace it with a safe option. For example, switch to feed or sawdust from another company. If the reaction is caused by dust, the room will have to be wet cleaned more often. After getting rid of the source of the allergic reaction, the animal is given antihistamines.

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Sneezing as an allergy

In many animals, pigs are no exception in this series; an allergic reaction can manifest itself as a reflex sneezing. In this way, the body tries to get rid of the allergen that has entered the nasal cavity.

As a rule, in domestic rodents the cause of respiratory allergic sneezing is trivial and does not require serious investigation. This may include reactions to:

new, previously unused filler;
hay (by the way, in the case of this product, the allergen will be not only dust, which can be present in any feed, and even less so in low-quality feed, but also weeds);
industrially produced food (although in this case, in addition to sneezing, there may be other signs of allergy: rash on the skin, itching, redness of the mucous membranes and much more).

When a guinea pig sneezes, be sure to conduct an external examination of the animal to assess the general condition of the pet. As a rule, if you are allergic to dust and other substances, you will also experience lacrimation and slight itching in the mouth and nose (scratch marks are visible). Be sure to pay attention to the nature of the discharge - with a non-infectious onset, they are light, transparent, liquid and without an unpleasant odor.

Allergy treatment methods and prevention

The question naturally arises: what to do if your guinea pig sneezes? In case of allergies, the issue is resolved quite quickly and simply:

1. First of all, find out the source of the allergen and exclude the animal’s contact with it.

To do this, analyze all the changes that could have occurred over the last week or ten days:

whether the litter was changed;
it may be that ready-made food from an unknown company was introduced, which had not previously been used in the rodent’s diet;
A new package of hay was purchased.

They pay attention to every little thing, right down to replacing an old toy with a new one - after all, even the components of the material from which it is made can cause allergies, and, consequently, sneezing.

2. Carry out the necessary therapeutic measures.

Although in some cases it will be enough to simply eliminate the effect of the allergen so that the pet’s condition stabilizes and returns to normal, sometimes it is necessary to resort to the use of antihistamines. Any children's anti-allergy suspension is suitable for these purposes. In this case, the dose must be calculated based on the weight of the rodent. The frequency of giving the drug is once a day, three or four days.

To prevent an allergic reaction, always pay attention to the quality of the feed and bedding that is purchased. Don’t forget to keep statistics on the types and manufacturers of goods that caused incidents in order to avoid unpleasant symptoms in the future.

Cold

This pathological condition is not a disease as such, but rather will be a response to hypothermia. The disease manifests itself not only by sneezing, but also by:

a slight increase in body temperature (the norm for pigs is 37.5-39.5 ° C),
poor appetite
worsening mood;
ruffled coat;
redness of the eyes, watery eyes;
heavy or rapid breathing;
the nose is clogged with thick contents, which is why the pig “grunts” or “sniffles”; in some cases, thick green or brownish mucus is released from the nasal openings.

If you don’t assess your pet’s health in time and leave everything to chance, then in most cases a cold will turn into bronchitis or, even worse, pneumonia. Therefore, at the first symptoms or suspicion of hypothermia, the mumps must be treated.

Therapy

First of all, it is necessary to clear the nasal passages of contents.
To do this, the nose is washed with saline or chlorcesidine (literally a drop in each passage). After that, the nasal mirror is wiped with a napkin and then derinat is instilled. Usually after it the animal sneezes heavily, which is the norm. It is better to bury it together: one holds the piglet by the body, and the second person tilts the pet’s head back and carefully, using a syringe without a needle, injects the medicine into each nostril (one drop into each).

To boost immunity, ascorbic acid is added to the water; by the way, it should generally be present in the animal’s diet every day. During illness, the dose is 1.5-2 ml of a 5% vitamin C solution per adult pig once a day.

Echinacea tincture (up to 5 drops per head), gamavit (1 ml in water) also contributes to rapid recovery - both of these drugs are considered immunomodulators.

Instead of water, you can give chamomile infusions, breast milk and other anti-inflammatory herbs.

If there is wheezing in the chest, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. For these purposes, children's cold medicines, for example, Biseptol, are again suitable. You can buy Baytril (sold at a veterinary pharmacy). You need to be careful when prescribing antibiotics, as some are deadly to guinea pigs. Therefore, it is better to leave the choice of drug to your veterinarian.

Any antibiotic causes dysbacteriosis, to avoid it, bifidobacteria must be given.

It is recommended to use children's bromhexine as an expectorant (1 drop per day by mouth).

You should not self-medicate and if you suspect a serious illness, or even better, in any case, your pet is feeling unwell, seek help from a qualified specialist who can make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Prevention

To prevent colds, it is important to follow the rules and regulations:

firstly, drafts are avoided: the cage is installed away from windows, entrance doors, in a warm and dry room; secondly, the temperature in the room should not be lower than 18 °C; thirdly, pay attention to the litter: it should not be wet, rotten or damp.

Experienced breeders recommend setting up the bottom of the cage where guinea pigs are kept like a three-tier sandwich:

A thin layer of filler - medium fraction granules;
Wood sawdust;
Thick layer of hay.

As often as possible, check the corners where babies most often defecate, and the place under the feeder and drinking bowl. If moisture is observed there, it is better to replace the litter with a new one. In any case, the shift is carried out at least once a week.

You should not walk with your pet in the cold season, and if due to circumstances you have to travel, then the animal is provided with the most comfortable and warm conditions.

Sneezing is a sign that forces you to pay close attention to the health of your guinea pig. You should never treat this symptom negligently and you definitely need to find out its cause, and then begin treatment

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How to treat

A veterinarian should treat your guinea pig for a cold. The animal is undergoing treatment with medications: baytril, sulfazine. First, they look at the pet’s reaction to these drugs. In parallel, Linex or other drugs with bifidobacteria are prescribed.

Wash the nasal area with chlorhexidine. Inflamed eyes are washed with saline twice a day and Tsiprovet or Tsipromed are instilled.

The most important thing is cleanliness around the animal, fresh air, and absence of drafts. Expectorant herbal decoctions give good results. Sometimes it is advisable to give the animal a drop of a syrup-like medicine for children (Bromhexine).

Pneumonia in a guinea pig

With pneumonia, the guinea pig is lethargic

The development of pneumonia in a guinea pig is indicated by the following characteristic symptoms:

refusal of food and water;
dry or wet cough, depending on the form and stage of the disease;
heavy, hoarse breathing with whistling and gurgling, the animal experiences shortness of breath, and when inhaling, the sides characteristically rise;
inactivity, lethargy, a depressed animal sits, ruffled, in one place or lies, does not respond to treats or the owner’s voice;
the small animal sneezes, grunts, sniffles, viscous purulent discharge is observed from the nose and eyes;
the nose is covered with dried crusts of pus, the eyes are red, swollen, the palpebral fissure sticks together and purulent contents accumulate in the corners of the eyes;
the coat is dull, tousled, stuck together;
The guinea pig sleeps often and for a long time.

Treatment

If your guinea pig wheezes, your veterinarian will prescribe a course of antibacterial or sulfonamide medications. These include: “Baytril”, “Sulfazin”, “Sulfadimezin”. Medicines are used in a course only after determining the animal’s body’s response to the drug. Simultaneously with antibacterial therapy, it is necessary to give the patient probiotics: “Linex”, “Vetom”, “Bifidumbacterin”.

Every day it is necessary to clean the animal's nose by cleaning the muzzle from crusts of pus and rinsing with a chlorhexidine solution. After drying the nasal planum, it is recommended to blow Streptocid powder into each nostril twice a day.

In case of eye inflammation, it is necessary to wash the animal’s eyes twice a day with sterile saline solution, followed by instillation of anti-inflammatory drops “Tsiprovet”, “Tsipromed”.

To eliminate a cough, you need to give your pet expectorant mixtures of anti-inflammatory herbs or give the animal a drop of Bromhexine baby syrup.

After treatment, a guinea pig needs rehabilitation and good care.

To restore immunity and increase the body's resistance to colds, the pet is prescribed an increased dose of ascorbic acid with glucose, gamavit and echinacea tincture.

An increased amount of green grass, vegetables and fruits should be introduced into the diet of a sick pet. In case of complete refusal of food, the animal must be fed paste-like food from an insulin syringe without a needle. Small portions should be given 5-6 times a day.

Rhinitis

A runny nose in guinea pigs occurs as a complication of a cold or is an independent disease caused by an attack on the animal’s body by pathogenic microorganisms or viruses.

The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

the furry pet constantly sneezes, wipes away the flowing discharge from the nose, rubs and scratches its muzzle;
hair loss, scratches and ulcers, dried crusts of pus are observed near the nose;
the sick animal grunts and sniffles heavily;
first mucous and then viscous purulent discharge is discharged from the nose;
There is swelling of the eyelids, redness of the eyes and watery eyes.

If untreated, the pathological process descends into the lower respiratory tract, bronchitis and pneumonia develop.

Therapeutic measures for rhinitis in guinea pigs include clearing the nose of mucus, followed by rinsing with a chlorhexidine solution and instilling immunomodulatory children's Derinat drops.

The veterinarian prescribes a course of vitamin therapy, antibiotics or sulfonamides for the small patient, and decoctions of anti-inflammatory and restorative herbs.

Pneumonia in a guinea pig

Pneumonia in a guinea pig can be infectious or a complication of a cold, rhinitis, bronchitis or pulmonary edema. Most often, pneumonia is observed in weakened animals and young animals in the spring and autumn. Pneumonia can be caused by keeping furry pets in a draft, in a damp or cold room, changes in temperature and humidity, and improper transportation. Concomitant factors are an unbalanced diet, a lack of vitamin C in the animal’s body, and a lack of sufficient amounts of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits in the small animal’s menu.

With pneumonia, the guinea pig is lethargic

Acute and chronic pneumonia occurs in guinea pigs. The acute form is dangerous due to its rapid current. The pet has a high fever, intoxication and exhaustion. He may die within 3-4 days from the onset of the disease. In advanced cases, treatment is not always effective. The chronic form does not have a clearly defined picture. At the same time, it significantly shortens the life of your beloved pet. Pneumonia reduces the immunity of the funny animal, which often begins to suffer from infectious and contagious diseases and loses a little weight.

The development of pneumonia in a guinea pig is indicated by the following characteristic symptoms:

refusal of food and water;
dry or wet cough, depending on the form and stage of the disease;
heavy, hoarse breathing with whistling and gurgling, the animal experiences shortness of breath, and when inhaling, the sides characteristically rise;
inactivity, lethargy, a depressed animal sits, ruffled, in one place or lies, does not respond to treats or the owner’s voice;
the small animal sneezes, grunts, sniffles, viscous purulent discharge is observed from the nose and eyes;
the nose is covered with dried crusts of pus, the eyes are red, swollen, the palpebral fissure sticks together and purulent contents accumulate in the corners of the eyes;
the coat is dull, tousled, stuck together;
The guinea pig sleeps often and for a long time.

It is necessary to treat your pet at the first signs of illness under the supervision of an experienced specialist. An insidious pathology may have hidden symptoms. Often there is a significant improvement, followed by a relapse, deterioration of the condition and death of the beloved animal.

Treatment

To eliminate a cough, you need to give your pet expectorant mixtures of anti-inflammatory herbs or give the animal a drop of Bromhexine baby syrup.

After treatment, a guinea pig needs rehabilitation and good care.

To restore immunity and increase the body's resistance to colds, the pet is prescribed an increased dose of ascorbic acid with glucose, gamavit and echinacea tincture.

Why does a guinea pig sneeze - the main reasons

The body’s natural reaction occurs due to the entry of some dust or a pungent odor into the nasal cavity, for example, flowers, eau de toilette, paints. The cause of pathological sneezing is a disease - allergies, rhinitis, colds. Very rarely, the reaction occurs due to a tumor in the nasal area or in the brain. Sometimes guinea pigs may experience sneezing during pregnancy.

Pigs have a small body and metabolism is faster than larger animals. Thus, diseases progress and affect the body in a short time. If sneezing occurs, accompanied by additional symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian and undergo a series of examinations.

The predisposition to allergies in pigs is inherited. During the period of illness, sneezing is accompanied by minor discharge, itching and rash. Sometimes, due to itching, an animal can scratch its skin until blood appears.

If the owner is 100% convinced that the diagnosis is correct, then the following steps should be taken:

Determining the source of the allergen. It is worth analyzing all the changes that have occurred in the near future: new bedding, food, filler - all this and much more can cause allergies. Removing the allergen item that is the source of the disease is a necessary step; without it, moving on to the next step makes no sense.
Sometimes it is enough to simply isolate the animal from the allergen, but often drug treatment is necessary. To help your pet's condition return to normal and stabilize, use antihistamines. Any anti-allergy syrup for children will do an excellent job for this purpose.

In the future, keep an eye on the products you buy and their manufacturers, so as not to run into possible troubles in the future.

What might happen?

An allergic reaction in guinea pigs can occur to:

tray filler;
bedding;
food (feed, fruit, hay);
dust;
the material from which the toy is made;
wool.

You can get rid of allergies by eliminating the allergen

Treatment of an allergic reaction

You can get rid of an allergic reaction only by eliminating the allergen. If you have purchased new food, bedding, or a toy, you should exclude this from the animal’s life and monitor its condition. Also check dry food for dust. Ventilate the room where the guinea pig's house is located more often, and clean the cage in a timely manner.

In most cases, allergies in guinea pigs occur due to low-quality sawdust, which is a source of allergies, fungus and skin parasites. Improper storage can lead to the appearance of mold and mites, which negatively affects the condition of the animal.

If eliminating the allergen does not give a positive result on the health of the guinea pig, it is worth using anti-allergenic syrups for children, the dose is calculated according to the weight of the animal. The drug is given once a day for 4-5 days.

Have you given your guinea pig medication before?

Colds

Guinea pigs often catch colds due to hypothermia. This happens due to the low temperature in the room where the pet’s cage is located. Therefore, it is not recommended to place the pig’s house near doors or windows, and you should also transport it carefully during cold weather. Sometimes an animal gets sick from other people or animals.

Symptoms of a cold in guinea pigs are:

temperature 40-41 degrees;
lack of appetite;
cough;
wheezing during breathing;
lethargy;
tearing and redness of the eyes;
copious nasal discharge and sneezing.

If you have signs of a cold, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner, otherwise complications may arise in the form of pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and rhinitis.

Treating a cold in a guinea pig

It is not recommended to prescribe medications on your own, but if signs appear and there is no way to get to the veterinarian, then rinse the animal’s nose with an antiseptic and instill it with an immunomodulator. In case of complications, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic. To speed up recovery, give your guinea pig vitamin C and expectorant medications.

Prevention of colds

To avoid colds in rodents, follow simple rules for keeping animals:

do not place the cage near doors and windows, especially in places where there is a draft;
the air temperature in the room is not lower than 18 degrees;
clean the cage in a timely manner;
after water procedures in warm water, the animal must be thoroughly wiped and dried;
in cold weather, do not let the animal go for a walk.

If your pet does experience sneezing, you should pay attention to its behavior and state of health. Pigs may sneeze several times a day as a natural reaction to external stimuli. It is worth seeing a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if your mumps is sneezing more often than usual. A nutritious diet, timely replacement of bedding, and proper placement of the cage will help increase immunity, which will independently cope with viruses.

Guinea pigs often get colds in winter and autumn

Bronchitis in a guinea pig

Bronchitis in rodents is a serious consequence of an untreated cold or infectious disease. Pets often catch colds during the cold season of the year - winter and autumn. In veterinary medicine, there are several types of bronchitis: hemorrhagic, purulent, catarrhal and others. The disease is accompanied by a severe cough, high fever and sneezing. The signs of bronchitis are so significant that they quickly deplete the body of a small rodent, and can also lead to a heart attack and death.

Pet owners are not recommended to prescribe or carry out self-treatment for bronchitis. To avoid negative forecasts, it is better to take the animal to the veterinarian, and then follow all the recommendations and ensure peace.

Pneumonia in a guinea pig

Pneumonia is a serious and dangerous disease. A distinctive sign from bronchitis is the production of sputum along with a cough, as well as wheezing in the lungs and whistling sounds that occur during sleep.

Treatment of pneumonia

At an early stage of the disease, guinea pigs are given Sulfadimezin and the nasal cavity is washed with Streptocide. However, timely consultation with a doctor increases the likelihood of a speedy recovery, therefore, if after self-treatment the condition has not improved, then you should not refuse the doctor. It is advisable to go to an appointment at the first symptoms of the disease.

Often the symptoms may stop temporarily, only to return with complications after a while.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by viruses. Symptoms of the disease:

frequent sneezing;
the appearance of crusts around the nose;
purulent discharge from the nasal membrane;
redness of the eyes.

How to treat rhinitis in a guinea pig

Rhinitis can eventually develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, so it is important to eliminate the disease. To cure the disease, the guinea pig's nose is cleared of mucus and washed with chlorhexidine, after which Derinat drops are instilled. Sometimes veterinarians prescribe antibiotics and vitamins.

Diagnostic methods

Often the diagnostic methods used are not particularly diverse. The veterinarian collects a detailed medical history

It is important for the specialist to know whether the animal received new types of food, whether there were any cases of hypothermia, etc.

But still, an accurate diagnosis can only be made on the basis of a full clinical examination of mumps:

A phonendoscopy is performed (the pet's chest cavity is listened to).
If necessary and if an infection is suspected, a complete blood test, microscopy and serology (usually an ELISA reaction) are performed.
Discharge from the nose and eyes is examined under a microscope.
In doubtful cases, the resulting material is sown on nutrient media in order to accurately identify the type of pathogenic microorganism.