My pot belly pig is coughing a lot. What's the problem? Vet needed?

Yes, I would take Penelope to the vet. Coughing in pigs can be caused by a respiratory infection, internal parasites like Ascaris suum, or an airway irritant. It would be good to have the cause of her cough diagnosed so she can be treated. I recommend taking her to the vet tomorrow.

If the cough is just very occasional and Daisy is otherwise acting normally I would not be too concerned at this time. If however, the cough is increasing in frequency (more than a couple times a day), if Daisy is not eating well, and/or if she has eye or nasal discharge I would recommend taking her to the vet to be examined. Guinea pigs are prone to getting upper respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia so if the problem progresses you should have her checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So sorry that Gip is having this issue. It does sound like he needs some diagnostic testing in order to help him. If the penicillin is not working then he likely needs a more aggressive antibiotic. The best way to know what type of antibiotic will work would be to do something like a transtracheal wash to collect some of the fluid/mucus in his lungs and then culture that fluid to find out what type of bacteria is growing there. Otherwise it is just guessing and treating him with random antibiotics (not the best plan). Some x-rays may be needed to see the extent of the pneumonia (I am guessing this is his issue). My recommendation would be to get him to the nearest vet that will treat pigs. There is nothing I can tell you to get over the counter that will help him at this point. I'm sorry you are dealing with this but getting him to a vet is going to be the best chance at saving him. Not everything can be treated at home unfortunately. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

A clean cage is the most important thing you can do, as the ammonia from the urine causes a lot of irritation to the respiratory tract. Monitor closely for any more coughing or sneezing, and if this occurs she will really need to see a veterinarian for possible respiratory tract infection. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Bacon should be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. Once a diagnosis is made, the appropriate treatment can be administered. Do not wait to see if he improves. Dehydration is a very real concern that can complicate any underlying condition.

The symptoms describe may indicate an upper respiratory infection or a foreign body. You would need to have Moira physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause. We are legally prohibited from providing a diagnosis or prescription medication in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). An infection may be treatable with antibiotics. A foreign body will need to be removed. Given current events, you may need to drop her off at the clinic then wait for your veterinarian to call you to discuss exam findings and treatment options.

Vaccines for pot bellied pigs will depend on geographic location as well as lifestyle (risk of exposure). Leptospirosis, Erysipelas, Bordetella, Tetanus and pneumonia vaccines should all be discussed with Penelope's veterinarian. She may need one, a few or none at all.