Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Illness in Guinea Pigs

Like their human counterparts, guinea pigs can exhibit a case of the sniffles from time to time due to something as simple as seasonal allergies. However, when nasal discharge is so constant that it begins to form a crust-like substance around the nose, it could be indicative of a respiratory illness. CavyInfo International suggests taking your pet to a veterinarian within 24 hours if the nasal discharge is accompanied by gasping or wheezing.

A healthy guinea pig will relish his daily food supply. A loss of appetite is often the first sign that he is uncomfortable or suffering from a dangerous illness, such as a respiratory infection. Take anorexia and declining consumption of water very seriously and get into the habit of weighing your cavy several times a week to track any changes in body mass.

Any signs of labored breathing, whether it be a visible change in the way a guinea pig is dealing with the intake of air or an audible change in his sound when breathing, can signal a problem with his respiratory system. A veterinarian can examine your guinea pig by listening to his lungs and possibly taking a chest X-ray to pinpoint the cause of wheezing or coughing.

Guinea pigs are generally active critters, and one who has suddenly become very lethargic and prone to sitting huddled in a corner is suffering from an ailment. According to VeterinaryPartner.com, a loss of energy could signal a case of pneumonia or another respiratory infection caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Antibiotics may be necessary to get your cavy back in healthy shape.