Cold

Question
My guinea pig has a runny nose and you can hear his breathing well.  He eats/drinks just fine, but isn't as active as he was.  Is he sick? If yes, what should I do to make him better?

Answer
Hi Agi,

    Your guinea pig is showing symptoms of one of two sicknesses: either a mild cold or an upper respiratory infection (URI).  A mild cold is very common, as is URI, but URI can be life threatening if not treated in its early stages.

    I suggest taking your piggie to a veterinarian who is experienced with guinea pigs immediately.  A vet will listen to the lungs and heart, check for fluid in the lungs with an x-ray, check for dehydration, and culture the bacteria.  URI can and must be treated right away with an antibiotic.

    If URI is the case, you may notice a severe drop in weight and appetite in your guinea pig as well as lethargy and discharge from the eye.  It sounds as if you have caught this early, so you can beat it.

    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