GUINNE PIG SICK

Question
MY GUINEA PIG SEEMS TO BE SICK.  HE'S NOT BREATHING RIGHT AND WHEN I PICK HIM UP HE MAKE THESE COUGHING SOUNDS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR HIM

Answer
Hi Linda,

    What you are describing are most likely the symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), from which a few of my guinea pigs died before I knew what was wrong with them.  It is usually fatal, but can be treated by a vet with antibiotics if caught in its early stages.  It sounds like your guinea pig is a bit into it, but he still may be able to be treated effectively by a veterinarian who is experienced with guinea pigs.

    For now, I suggest that you do everything that you can be doing for your piggie.  Giving him vitamins (in the form of vegetables or supplemental drops that can be bought at a pet store), attention, and hand feeding him would ve good things to do.  I highly suggest that you contact a veterinarian who is experienced with guinea pigs as soon as possible.

    Thank you for your question, I hope I have been of some help to you.  If
you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  Good luck with
your guinea pig.

                                              - Nicole