strange grunting

Question
Hello Sam,
I need help with my piggy. circa two weeks ago I noticed one evening he makes strange noises, like quite loud grunting when breating, never heared that before. I was scared, because it seemed he has troubles with breathing, internet sources implied infection in upper respiratory organs...I took him to the vet next morning, but through the night it ceased. she gave him some vitamins and glucose, but was unable to give the diagnosis. she gave me some antibiotics, for the case the gruntig appears again. it didnt for several days. however, it appeared again but it again ceased after a half a day. now, yesterday evening it started again and continues till now. I can see he has dificulties with breathing. his appetite has been normal (a huge one)and everything else too. he is about 5 years old and little bit fat. please, could you help me? shall I give him the antibiotics? I am really anxious. veterinary care here is not very friendly to "cheap" animals, I cannot get any relevant oppinion. If there is anything else I can do, let me know. if there is any suitable medication, please, give  me general names, because it may be not available here.

thanks a lot
Maria

Answer
hmm, interesting, i feel like i ask this all of the time but is he around sawdust, if so then that will almost certainly be the cause. other than that i cannot think what it might be other than something like a cancer.
it might be connected to living in humid enviroments or possily exposure to chemicals. if any of these things might apply then move him away from it and start the treatment, sadly without paying a fortune in vet bills there isn't really a way of finding out other than trial and error. do as i suggested and if there are any new developments after a week or so then ask a question again reminding me of who you are and what your guinea pig was suffering from (I seem to be answering quite a few questions of late and they are merging into one lol). hopefully everything should turn out fine for you

best of luck
sam