Sick Guinea Pig - HELP

Question
My 5 year old male guinea pig, Rocky, has the following symptoms:  Laying on his side, lethargic, not eating as much, wheezy breathing, boogers around/in his little nose.  What should we do????  He is a way special member of the family.  What is life expectancy?  What are chances of getting better with treatment if that is needed?  Who do we call for treatment?  Thanks so much for your time and advice!  (he has a cagemate - Kara - female - about a year old - she is healthy)


Answer
Hello Lindsey,

It sounds like your piggy has a URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). He needs to see a vet and be put on antibiotics. Life expectancy of Guinea Pigs is about 5-8 years. His chances are good if he's taken care of quickly. Without treatment, he will die. Call you local vet(s) and ask if they see piggies, if not, ask for a reference. Do not let them give your piggy any penicillan based antibiotics as they are highly toxic to piggies. Baytril (Enrofloxin) is commonly given for URIs and is a good safe treatment. Cipro may be given instead among other things. Also he should be started on Acidophilus (a supplement found near the vitamins at the drugstore) when he is started on antibiotics to keep his tummy healthy. Also, you need to keep an eye on Kara and let the vet know about her as well. URIs are contagious. Good luck. He'll be in my prayers.

-kkat
http://www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs